Hydroquinone for scars? (Photo)

Question

Hi just wondered if hydroquine will help reduce my older scars which are still red and hypopigmented Thank you

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

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry! Scar creams can be used on scars to minimize appearance as well as silicone scar sheets. Lasers such as Microneedling can also be performed to minimize appearance as well. We would love to see you in person or virtually to discuss treatment options or schedule a consult with a licensed aesthetician.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Hello,

Thank you for your question about using hydroquinone to address older scars that are red and hypopigmented. I’m glad to provide some insights into this topic.

Hydroquinone's Role: Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent commonly used to treat hyperpigmentation, such as dark spots and melasma. It works by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which is involved in the production of melanin.

Effectiveness on Scars: Hydroquinone is typically not effective for treating red or hypopigmented scars. Its primary function is to lighten areas of excess pigmentation, not to address redness or loss of pigment.

Alternative Treatments:

Red Scars: Redness in scars often indicates vascular activity and may benefit from treatments like laser therapy (such as pulsed dye laser) or topical treatments that reduce redness.
Hypopigmented Scars: These are areas with a loss of pigment. Treatments may include laser therapy, microneedling, or topical agents that can promote repigmentation, though these can be challenging to treat.
Consultation: It is advisable to consult with a dermatologist to explore the most appropriate treatment options for your specific type of scar. They can recommend a tailored treatment plan that may include topical treatments, laser therapy, or other modalities.

Warm regards,

Hydroquinone for scars? (Photo)

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