Had Microneedling 6 months ago to fade my stretch marks, but since then I still have darker stripes on my butt cheeks. Advice?

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

Hyperpigmentation from any type needs a combination approach of peels like cosmelan, lasers like clear and brilliant and aerolase or laser genesis, radiofrequency like venus viva, and constant skin care and sun protection. Stretch marks and scars need a combination approach for improvement. I recommend a combination of microneedling/prp, lasers (Erbium, Fraxel Laser, Excel V, Pulsed Dye Laser, laser genesis, yellow laser) or radiofrequency devices like intensif, fractora, skinfinitiy, venus viva. Stretch marks can't be officially "cured" and it will take a combination approach and consistent treatment to see great results. Luckily, there is a multitude of great treatments available currently that can be utilized. I recommend seeing an expert for a formal evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer

Ethnic skin can develop inflammatory hyperpigmentation after any skin injury such as microneedling. My recommendation is to use a prescription bleaching cream once a day on the affected area. Also in the event you are considering microneedling in the future, make sure the treatment is performed by a qualified physician with expertise in treating your skin type.

I don't feel that stretch marks are very easy to treat. It is particularly difficult to change the lighter pigment to dark. As you have shown, PIH is a risk in darker skin types.Microneedling (without RF) is way over rated. PIH can be improved with hydroquinone and retin a or retinol and/or chemical peels. Lasers, RF microneedling, Sculptra can all be tried but it will end up being very expensive and results will be mild. In dark skin types, the risk of PIH is greater than the risk of having a good outcome.

Dark mark or hyperpigmentation on the glutes is extremely common with ethnic skin tones. We encourage a series of procedures including chemical peels, IPL, and other forms of skin rejuvenation. You can even assist in your own progress by applying product at home. You can purchase products through this link! Please contact our office if you have any questions! Hope this helps!