I have dark marks on inner thighs from years on folliculitis. I live in a humid area and I have PCOS. Can I remove scars?

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

I recommend you first try a topical lightening cream like hydroquinone 4% before resorting to any procedures. A chemical peel may help but it must be done with extreme caution when performed on the body due to a higher risk of adverse effects. Good luck! 

The answer depends on if they are truly scars or something called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). PIH occurs after inflammation such as pimples/folliculitis and the skin tattoos itself with pigment. This pigment will fade over time but acid based moisturizers such as a glycolic lotion can help speed up the process. You can also have laser treatments to treat the "scars" if it is the color you are bothered by (red/purplish color). If these truly are scars then the texture of the skin would be the issue which is harder to fix. Scars are permanent, but they can be minimized through resurfacing/collagen stimulating treatments such as CO2 laser or microneedling. Hope this helps!