Treatments for Hyperpigmented Scars?

Question

Is there something I can use to remove hyperpigmented scars and/or return skin to its natural color? I am an African American female, fairly light skinned, age 28. I suffered from Dermatillomania through out my teenage years and now that I am an adult, the condition is under control.

	However, I have terrible scar damage on the face, arms and chest - breast area. The scars are flat, but are light in center and dark brown on the outsides, almost like an outline.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi NJNena,
In the pictures you show on the site, we think that you need two different types of treatments.
For darker marks, you will benefit from either hydroquinone bleaching creams, q-stitched lasers or both together. 
The lighter areas are more challenging and should be treated using Excimer lasers.  This type of laser is commonly used for vitiligo repigmentation in patients with your skin type. Good luck.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I would begin with topical application of a skin lightener such as Melarase AM and PM creams twice daily to lighten the dark discoloration. A thorough regimen would include the Body Brightening kit to improve scars. Raffy Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

The treatment of hyperpigmented scars can be challenging. Moderation is often the best course, particularly early on in the treatment process especially in dark skinned individuals,  First, it is key to use sun block to minimize sun exposure to the region of concern. Second, there are a number of skin care preparations that can address the inflammation associated with the hyperpigmentation as well as the darkening itself.  
Your physician can ask a local compunding pharmacy to mix up a special preparation of Retin A, Hydroquinone, Kojic Acid, and a topical steroid into a formulation that can be applied topically to the regions of concern. I would consider this conservative approach prior to moving on toward lasers and other more complicated treatment options.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

For hyperpigmented scars, I recommend Plato's Medicinals Dark Scar Corrector. I recommend it to all patients that I see who  have had procedures causing such pigmentation ... or after injury and burns. A broad spectrum sunscreen with high SPF 50+ is also recommended. Spectrase from Kare Skin is great for this in conjunction with the Dark Scar Corrector.

John P. Di Saia, MD · Answer

You might try a scar revision on one of them to see how it does. This can usually be done under straight local in the office. If the healing is kind, you could treat other scars by revision as well.
Best Regards.

Treatments for Hyperpigmented Scars?

Answers (5)