What can be done about unsightly marks left on my legs from a liquid nitrogen treatment?

Question

The dermatologist(well, resident since it is a teaching hospital!) used liquid nitrogen to remove several scaly patches on my legs. After about 3 months, I still have faint but noticeable brown spots from the treatment. One burn on the back of my calf was especially deep. The original spots were no worse than the "scars" ..Can this be addressed or improved by ANY treatment? Topical? Laser? (And why on earth didn't the qualified attending physician warn me?)

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our Hidef protocols for scar revision can address different types of scars, depending on your scar biometrics and characteristics. Protocols vary in duration based on the severity of your scars. 
Bad scars can manifest in many different ways, including pigmentation, thickening, and depression of atrophic scars. Thick scars are best treated in my practice with IIT, cortisone injections, pressure management, and laser. We recommend daily use of Plato’s Scar Serum to the scars to mediate scar hypertrophy. 
Hyperpigmented scars respond well to Melarase AM and Melarase PM creams. If the area is large, consider Luminase and Exfolase creams for the body. Hyperpigmentation PIH can also be treated with Q switch laser, PICO, chemical peels, and rapid scar exfoliation. PIE erythema scars are best treated with pulsed dye laser. 
Keloid scars are our specialization. We manage small and large keloid scars with excision, IIT, PRP, laser therapy, and scar modulation. Use Plato’s Scar Serum daily. 
Textural scars respond well to nanofractional RF and fractional laser to help improve surface texture. When combined with scar modulation, the results can improve dramatically. The most important variable is for you to choose a plastic surgeon with expertise in laser therapy using Hidef protocols. 
Best,  
Dr. Karamanoukian  
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

These spots can be improved with a combination of Cosmelan, lasers, Aerolase, microneedling/prp, skin lightening, peels, and skin care. Sun protection is essential. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a scarring expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Jean M. Casello, MD · Answer

Any treatment to the skin can cause the skin to hyper pigment.  The darker your skin tone the more likely this will happen.  Usually this pigmentation will fade over time.  There are prescriptive products, laser and light based treatments that can help speed up the process.  You should contact your physician and let them know about your concerns.

Kristine Brecht, MD (license suspended) · Answer

Thank you for sharing your experience.Any wound or trauma to the skin can cause hyperpigmentation or hypo pigmentation.Microneedling with prp over treatment series can help blend color and texture change.Best. Dr Brecht

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What can be done about unsightly marks left on my legs from a liquid nitrogen treatment?

Answers (4)

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