Will chemical peels reduce my bumps and scars from keratosis pilaris? (Photos)

Question

At first I thought I had razor bumps since my keratosis pilaris always acts up a few days after shaving. Also I have some on my cheeks but not as much as my thighs. I know there isn't a cure but suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented  scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Fereydoon S. Mahjouri, MD · Answer

Hi Veeashley!Keratosis Pilaris is so frustrating! Seeing a professional for a low percentage AHA peel (glycolic or lactic acid) or BHA peel (salicylic acid) can help. I haven't personally tried it, but there is a device called Le Edge that is suppose to help, but again I have no testimony to share regarding this device. Another thing to try is cutting gluten out of your diet. While the KP wont go away, it won't have the rough bumps on the surface of the skin that you're probably experiencing now. There isn't anything scientific to link to this, but it is a commonly known effect. Good luck!

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

KP pads from Kare skin can help reduce this before you institute microdermabrasion. See linkH Karamanoukian MD FACS

Lisa Jenks, MD · Answer

You are correct in saying there is no "cure" for KP.  However, regular (every 2-4 weeks) lactic acid peels combined with microdermabrasion can nicely control most cases.  I have also had patients see significant improvement with the use of Skin Medica's AHA/BHA cream twice daily. Best of luck to you.

Will chemical peels reduce my bumps and scars from keratosis pilaris? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Keratosis Pilaris

Answer: Keratosis Pilaris

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Will chemical peels reduce my bumps and scars from keratosis pilaris? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Keratosis Pilaris

Answer: Keratosis Pilaris

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Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

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