Arm scar removal - what is the best procedure? (Photo)

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

First, let me say that I am so sorry for the suffering that led to this.
My typical treatment protocol for this kind of scarring is the following:
First, any of the elevated scars (essentially hypertrophic scars) need to be flattened, which can be done with intralesional injections of anti-inflammatory agents. Following this all scars may be treated for the hypopigmentation with manual mechanical microneedling (no need for the added expense and risks of RF microneedling) accompanied by the application of pigment enhancing prescription topicals, such as topical tyrosine.Typically between two to six treatment sessions (on average three or four) spaced at a minimum of four week intervals in between (although it can be months to years in between if desired) are needed in order to able able to achieve a between sixty to eighty percent overall improvement in appearance (complete erasure of the scars is simply not possible once any scar is over three months of age).
You would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist scar treatment expert. Hope this helps, and, once again, I am so sorry for the pain you experienced that resulted in this.

For scars that are over 6 years old, complete removal is generally not possible, but significant improvement in their appearance can often be achieved. Options may include:

Fractional laser resurfacing (e.g., CO₂ or Er:YAG): Stimulates collagen remodeling and helps smooth texture.

Microneedling with or without platelet-rich plasma (PRP): Improves scar texture and pigmentation over multiple sessions.

Surgical scar revision: May be considered if the scar is raised, wide, or irregular, but carries the risk of new scarring.

Chemical peels or dermabrasion: Can help even skin tone and improve surface irregularities.

Topical therapies: Silicone gels or sheets and prescription-strength lightening agents can help with discoloration.

The best approach often combines multiple treatments depending on the scar’s depth, texture, and pigmentation.