Best treatment to remove scars from IV drug use

Question

I am a former IV drug user. Light brown skinned African American. I recently entered treatment and stopped IV drug use. During that time I would often IV cocaine and heroin (speedball). Now I am left with these awful scars from missed injections. What treatments should I consider? I have recently started exfoliating, using Mederma, coco butter and Ambi fade cream. All over the counter products from the store . I am not sure how effective they are yet because I just started using them.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

There are so many different types of scars. The hardest to erase with creams are textural scars, including shiny and hypopigmented scars on the arms. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Robert S. Bader, MD, FAAD · Answer

There are many treatments for scars, which is more challenging in persons of color. A treatment protocol must be designed and individualized for one's scars. There are many different modalities used, including fractional lasers, injections of medications, bleaching creams, chemical peels, subcision, and excision just to name a few. You should find a surgeon who specializes in scar correction. Hope this helps!  Dr. Bader

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