Do you recommend a chemical peel or laser treatment to refine an atrophic surgical scar on my forehead? (Photo)

Dermabrasion performed by a physician will help improve your scar. This is different from microdermabrasion which is often performed by estheticians.

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

I would recommend microneedling or fractional laser treatments. Both will take several treatments but should help to significantly soften the scar. 

These scars can typically be improved vascular lasers (Yellow laser, VBeam, Excel V), fractional lasers (Fraxel, Erbium, CO2), microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and silicone-based scar gels w/ growth factors. I would suggest seeing an expert for a formal consultation. Best, Dr. Emer.

Thank you for your message! Typically, a combination approach to help with scarring issues is best. We usually recommend a combination of microneedling and/or laser resurfacing. Given you have olive skin tones, there is a risk of hyperpigmentation with both procedures, and our office usually recommends doing some type of skin preparation to help ward off this risk. Multiple treatments of either procedure are usually needed, though we have seen great success. Microneedling works by creating small injuries in the skin that you body heals by making collagen and elastin, improving skin texture and scarring. Laser resurfacing takes layers off the skin that you body has to heal as well. I would recommend a consultation with a provider in  your area for further assessment!