What’s the best way to restore some pigment here with a hypopigmented scar? (Photo)

Question

I have two thin white hypopigmented scars on my forehead where I had stitches as a teen. I’m 40 years old now. They’re hard to see in photos but more pronounced in person. I’ve been reading about topical Latisse, UVB therapy, Fraxel, microneedling.

Rebecca Fitzgerald, MD · Answer

White scars are absent of pigment, so restoring color is not possible.
However, with some fractional laser or microneedling, you "may" find that the scar edges can be softened do the scar doesn't show as much.

Much of what can be done would need to be determined in a professional assessment by a laser dermatologist who has experience with all skin types and multiple device options.

(Some lasers are not recommended for skin with genetic backgrounds that tend to call up color.)

That said, a temporary solution would be using a camo power or cream for those times you are in a group. Colorscience has a great little camo palette that has tinted mineral powder and is a simple and painless way to temporarily hide scars, red marks and pigment.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

lasers and plasma pen in the office can help with PRP. at home roller with latisse works well for white pigmentation.  medical tattooing is good as well.

Scars need aerify, enlighten, or Cosmelan peels post surgery. Vivatia foam, Restorsea 10x, skinceuticals phyto +, Cosmelan 2 cream, and reve skin fortified bleaching cream all help.

no medical insurance covers keloid removal. you have a chance of recurrence with surgical removal but lasers can help reduce the look.

there are many options for hypertrophic/red/discolored scars:
1. vascular lasers (yellow laser, vbeam, excel v)
2. fractional lasers (fraxel, erbium, co2)
3. microneedling/PRP
4. silicone based scar gels with growth factors
5. excision +/- radiation
see an expert.
Best, Dr. Emer.

What’s the best way to restore some pigment here with a hypopigmented scar? (Photo)

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What’s the best way to restore some pigment here with a hypopigmented scar? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Fraxel Laser

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