Scars can never be fully removed, but it is possible to reduce the visible signs of scars, making them almost impossible to detect. Scar reduction requires special treatment. Further complicating matters, dark skin tones do not respond well to some typical treatments including scar bleaching or CO2 laser therapies. When considering scar treatment, there are a few options worth focusing on for black skin.
Steroid Injections
Black people are more prone to keloid scar growth than people with lighter skin tones, according to the University of Chicago Medical Center. Keloid scars are thick scar tissue clusters that often extend beyond the boundaries of the original wound. Keloid scarring can turn a small wound into a large scar, but steroid injections reduce the size of keloid scars.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is another treatment specifically designed for keloid scar removal. While the scarring may return after treatment, cryotherapy can provide temporary relief. Cryotherapy uses medication to freeze off large keloid scars, leaving behind smoother skin and a less noticeable scar. Combined with steroid injections, cryotherapy can greatly reduce keloid scarring on black skin. In cases when neither keloid treatment is effective, the keloid scar can be surgically removed.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion therapy is effective at removing small scars. Dermabrasion uses a small wire brush to remove superficial scars, allowing new skin to regrow at the scar site. This procedure is offered at most dermatologists' offices. Over-the-counter “microdermabrasion” kits allow you to perform a less-intensive abrasive therapy at home. Microdermabrasion is effective, though it will often take five to 10 treatments to achieve the same results as professional dermabrasion.
Collagen Injections
Collagen is used to reduce the appearance of indented scars. Often caused by acne breakouts, so called “icepick” scars can be plumped up with collagen or fatty tissue fillers. This treatment is useful for all skin colors, including black skin. However, keep in mind that collagen injections are temporary. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, you will need to get new injections in three to 12 months.
Laser Treatment
Normal CO2 laser treatment is not as effective for scar removal on dark skin tones. However, the Erbium laser is ideal for black skin, according to the University of Michigan Department of Plastic Surgery. The Erbium laser removes scarred tissue and promotes the growth of healthier skin. Additionally, vascular laser treatments remove reddish scar discoloration issues by shrinking inflamed blood vessels.
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