How do I get rid of extremely dark, large, purplish scars on my legs and back? (Photos)

Question

Help! I developed an extremely uncomfortable and itchy rash last year, all over my body. After numerous trips to the emergency room, I was told it was many things,finally they decided it was folliculitis. I have spare body hair. Finally,a year later, the lesions have healed, but I'm left with hideous scars. I'm 29 years old, used to have beautiful skin, now I'm devastated and have no idea where to begin. I hide in long pants and sleeves no matter the temperature. I've lost all my confidence.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Cameron Chesnut, MD, FAAD, FACMS · Answer

The good news about scar treatment is that they can always be improved. Pigmented scars can be lightened, red and purple scars can be corrected, depressed scars can be raised, raised scars can be flattened and scar texture can improve. The reality is, it often takes multiple types of treatment to address each aspect of the scar, and even with great improvements, scars will never fully be gone. 
Lasers can help change the pigment, red or purple color and texture of the scar. Fillers and mechanical subcision can be used to raise depressed scars. Various injectable treatments can flatten scars. The right combination of those treatments will depend on your individual needs, goals and anatomy. It takes an expert in scar revision to help choose and present your options, and you need someone who has all of those mentioned treatment modalities available.To ensure you are receiving the highest level of care, seek out a modernly trained, new-school dermatologic surgeon, oculoplastic surgeon, facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon who is board certified and fellowship trained in one of these “core four” cosmetic specialties. Membership in organizations like the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery help to identify a highly trained surgeon.
Cameron Chesnut
#realself500 Physician

How do I get rid of extremely dark, large, purplish scars on my legs and back? (Photos)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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How do I get rid of extremely dark, large, purplish scars on my legs and back? (Photos)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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