Can these black spots on my skin be reduced or eliminated? If so, which is the best treatment? (Photo)

Question

i have a lot of dark spots on my skin that bother me, especially on the right side. can they be reduced or even taken off? what are your thoughts on a TCA peel, will it work? what other treatments could work? thank u

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Acne scars are usually characterized within the subtypes of atrophic, hypertrophic, pigmented, or inflammatory. These subtypes of acne scars can be visually discerning in ambient light and can cause significant cosmetic concerns. Indented and atrophic scars require a combination approach to stimulate collagen and elastin, thereby smoothing contour and uneven skin. These are usually combined with lasers and depigmentation protocols to reduce inflammatory hyperpigmentation (Melarase AM and Melarase PM). Our Hidef protocols for acne scars include fillers such as Sculptra, Juvederm, Radiesse, and Restylane to improve deep acne scars; Vascular lasers to reduce inflammation and post-inflammatory redness and erythema; Fractional lasers to smooth contour and collagen; and Fractional RF to stimulate production of collagen within atrophic scars. Textural improvement and superficial scarring can be improved with Cosmelan peels, TCA Cross for ice-pick scars, deep chemical peels, and fractional CO2. We offer a personalized approach to your combination of scars and a formal evaluation with consultation is recommended to help you achieve your final results. Our plastic surgery office offers subcision and combination TCA Cross to help reduce deeply pitted scars. In terms of pigmentation and skin resonance, we recommend daily use of Melarase AM and Melarase PM coupled with Retinoid creams to achieve brilliant skin.

Best, 
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and questions. The best treatment for dyschromia of the skin would be IPL laser treatments, and my favorite is the BBL hero by Sciton. Check into it and I think you are going to find exactly what you are looking for!
Best of luck!
Dallas Buchanan, MD
VIVIFY plastic surgery
Tampa, FL

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

It is difficult to be sure from the photo, but the dark spots seem to postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) secondary to healing acne. If this is so, then a series of in-office, superficial peels using high concentrations of salicylic acid or glycolic acid, Jessner's Solution or low concentrations of TCA  can be quite helpful for speeding fading, especially when coupled with regular, at-home use of topical, prescription fading medications. Make sure to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist. Best of luck.

Robert T. Buchanan, MD (retired) · Answer

What you have is sun induced hyperpigmentation. Many physicians will try a peel. However, if you do only a superficial peel, you only remove some of the abnormal pigment, not all of it. Therefore, it will recur almost the same within a number of weeks. If the peel is deeper, You run the risk of generalized hypo or hyperpigmentation. The way to treat what you have is by use of the Obagi Nu-Derm System or an IPL. Make sure you see someone who is an expert in treating sun damage.

Can these black spots on my skin be reduced or eliminated? If so, which is the best treatment? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Treating “Skin Spots”

Answer: Treating “Skin Spots”

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Everything you need to know about TCA Peel

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Can these black spots on my skin be reduced or eliminated? If so, which is the best treatment? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Treating “Skin Spots”

Answer: Treating “Skin Spots”

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about TCA Peel

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.