Is There a Surgery/procedure for Razor Bumps and Scars on African American Skin?

Question

At this point I want surgery or a procedure Ive tried every cream, peel,potion etc. I need to get rid of the darkness and the scarring,also stretch marks.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Gera.  We would make several suggestions for you.  

	First for the bikini area, laser hair removal is the best option.  You are never going to fix the dark spots until you get rid of the irritation associated with shaving and the best way to do this is to have laser hair removal.  This may be the same issue with the underarm area, but difficult to tell from the photos.

	On the back, we would suggest a prescription hydroquinone for the dark spots.  If these are related to acne, you may need to address that issue with some antibiotics or topical products like Benzoyl Peroxide.  The prescription hydroquinone (4% - 8%) should be able to take care of the spots, but if you are getting more with new acne, then it may not fix the overall problem.  

	Regarding the stretch marks on the chest.  These are difficult to treat.  We offer a laser called the Aramis for textured stretch marks but the lighter color is not possible to change as we cannot create more pigment for you.  

	Good luck.

Richard Galitz, MD, FACS (in memoriam) · Answer

See a good dermatologist and shave only where you must. Afro- American skin commonly shows these problems and if so shaving should be kept to a minimum. Laser hair removal is a good option to avoid the irritation of the shaving process and can probably reduce the formation of bumps.

Elizabeth F. Rostan, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Laser hair removal in the bikini area is the best way to improve the condition of hair bumps as well as the pigmentation in the area. For the other areas as well as the bikini area you can use a cream or lotion containing urea, alpha-hydroxyl acid or salicylic acid to improve the skin in a safe and natural way. These ingredients help exfoliate the upper layer of skin and help normalize pigment. Chemical peels can be used as well - but must be low level and gentle.

Is There a Surgery/procedure for Razor Bumps and Scars on African American Skin?

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

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

Is There a Surgery/procedure for Razor Bumps and Scars on African American Skin?

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

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