Hyperpigmentation on face after mole removal. Can the scars be lightened or removed? (Photo)

Question

I got a procedure done in Korea town in Los Angeles ,ca . I wanted to get rid of some moles on my face . Not raised , but freckle like . They're dark, flat moles . What the lady did was pretty much burn my moles off . The burn formed into a scab the next day (she said that was normal ) and to not pick at the scab ( never did ) I followed all instructions . ! All the moles fell off but a dark scar was left behind . The scar is now bigger than what my mole was :/ I want it to lighten or go away

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I looks like you have post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a combination of salicylic acid peels and topical lightening creams will be very helpful.  Especially if these were recently done.  Seek a cosmetic dermatologist with experience in treating pigmentation and scarring.  I wish you the best of luck, Dr. Emer.

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

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Melissa.  Thanks for your question.  Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or darkening of the skin is very commonly treated with topical (cream or gel) lightening products.  We use 4%, 6% or 8% hydroquinone.  We also have at our disposal q-switched laser treatments to fade the marks if they do not respond to topical products.  You can view photos of similar Los Angeles scar patients at the link below that were treated with one or both options.

Travis L. Shaw, MD · Answer

Dear MelissaSorry to hear about your scars, Im sure you are frustrated. You probably have what is known as Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH), which is a big fancy doctor word for an area on the skin that gets dark after an injury. The good news is that in most patients, this is something that will go away with time. There are prescription medications such as TriLuma or Hydroquinone that can help speed the lightening process for you. I would see a board certified facial plastic surgeon or dermatologist who has experience in treating scars for some good advice. Best wishesDr S

Hyperpigmentation on face after mole removal. Can the scars be lightened or removed? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Dark Scar

Answer: Dark Scar

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Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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Hyperpigmentation on face after mole removal. Can the scars be lightened or removed? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Dark Scar

Answer: Dark Scar

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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.