I have PIH on my breasts from scratching when I was in my teens, any suggestions on how I can get rid of it? (Photos)

Question

I am currently 22 and I have had the PIH, from scratching my itchy skin while asleep, for about 8 years now. Would exfoliating using glycolic acid and using a topical cream such as hydroquinone work? I have had the scars for around 8 years and I thought they were permanent but I recently came across some articles that suggested the aforementioned strategies to treat PIH. I moisturise the skin daily and I have been exfoliating using an AHA BHA serum, but I do not know if that is enough.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

Dear piper3000Treating PIH requires a multimodality treatment, including hydroquinone creams, low energy lasers and sometimes peels. Sun avoidance and skin protection strategies are also mandatory to prevent worsening of the condition.Good luck,Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.

·      Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

·      Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

·      RealSelf Top Doctor

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Hyperpigmentation of any kind needs a combination approach of peels like Cosmelan; lasers like Clear + Brilliant, Aerolase or Laser Genesis; radiofrequency like Venus Viva; and constant skin care and sun protection. Bimonthly facials with SilkPeel DermalInfusion are essential to hydrate, exfoliate and infuse vitamins and antioxidants into the skin. If you have acne you can do additional treatments and peels to get more improvement. Hypopigmentation will need more of an evaluation and possibly additional lasers to get improvement. I suggest a formal consultation with an expert in lasers and peels. Best, Dr. Emer.

Vic Khanna, MD · Answer

I would start with glycolic acid and hydroquinone, but some procedures could also be needed.   Chemical peels and possibly fractional ablative laser may be required as well.   See your board-certified dermatologist for appropriate in person guidance.

I have PIH on my breasts from scratching when I was in my teens, any suggestions on how I can get rid of it? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: I would start with glycolic acid and hydroquinone, but some procedures could also be needed

Answer: I would start with glycolic acid and hydroquinone, but some procedures could also be needed

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Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

I have PIH on my breasts from scratching when I was in my teens, any suggestions on how I can get rid of it? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: I would start with glycolic acid and hydroquinone, but some procedures could also be needed

Answer: I would start with glycolic acid and hydroquinone, but some procedures could also be needed

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.