What options are available to remove and / or reduce scars from IV injections (discoloration) and IV abscess scars?

Question

I have a history of drug abuse and my biggest concern, aside from recovery, is how scarred my arms got, above the forearms, all the way to my biceps. And I have mixed scarring, some from bad abscesses from recurring injections and lack of proper sterilization (the last one from about 3 months ago and the oldest from 3 years ago.) Nowadays I have a really hard time showing my arms, and I think it even affects my recovery process. What are my options, regardless of cost?

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear jewdat,A combination of microneedling with aftercare skincare using Skinuva would be very beneficialA reasonable expectation is that the scars improve by 80% but this will take multiple sessions and careful aftercareBest,
Dr. Nima
Member, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Board Certified in Head and Neck Surgery

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Dark scars 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

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. Without an exam to look at the scars and determine the amount and depth of the process, it can be hard to give a great answer. Some of the scars might be able to be treated with scar management protocols such as topical treatments, lasers, etc to improve the appearance. Other scars might need to be treated with surgical excision and revision. And others might not be able to be improved. Bottom line is that scars cannot be removed completely, but some may be able to be improved. Make sure you see a board certified (ABPS) plastic surgeon to discuss your options.Hope this helps!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

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

Kristine Brecht, MD (license suspended) · Answer

Thank goodness you are getting help for the main issue!First making sure there are no active infections. If there are they need tx first.Microneedling with prp over multiple treatments will help blend color and texture differences of the skin.Best. Dr Brecht

What options are available to remove and / or reduce scars from IV injections (discoloration) and IV abscess scars?

Answers (5)