The National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines a scar as a type of tissue that develops over a wound during the process of healing. A variety of treatments can help diminish scars, but these treatments rarely remove scars from the skin entirely. When scars form on dark skin, treatment typically relies on the same products and procedures as any other skin type.
Step 1
Apply a medicated cream directly onto the scar. Although the Mayo Clinic maintains that scar creams will not necessarily provide significant results, the American Academy of Dermatology claims that creams containing cortisone or silicone can reduce the size of scar tissue. Daily use is often necessary to improve the appearance of the scar.
Step 2
Use pressure bandages. The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends the use of pressure bandages. This type of dressing can help to flatten raised scars on dark skin. However, it may take months to provide results.
Step 3
Try a soft tissue filler. Scars that are sunken into the skin can be diminished with soft tissue fillers, according to the American Academy of Dermatology and the Mayo Clinic. Fat, collagen and hyaluronic acid are all used to even out indented scars on dark skin. Results last around six months.
Step 4
Resurface the skin with a chemical peel or dermabrasion. The NIH discusses these two options for skin resurfacing to improve the appearance of scars. Although the procedures are different, both remove the uppermost layer of the skin. As the body heals, new skin can replace scar tissue, diminishing signs of scarring on dark skin.
Step 5
Discuss the option of laser resurfacing with your dermatologist. Laser resurfacing not only removes the epidermal layer of the skin, reducing the appearance of scars as the skin heals, but it also stimulates the production of collagen in the deeper layers of your skin. This can help to smooth out scars sunken into the skin.
Step 6
Consider cosmetic surgery. If other methods fail to improve the appearance of scars on dark skin, a surgical procedure can be used to replace scar tissue with healthy skin, assert both the NIH and the American Academy of Dermatology.
Tips and Warnings
- Cortisone and silicone can be administered in methods other than creams. Both ingredients can be found on bandages that are worn over scars, providing similar results.
- Methods of resurfacing the skin can cause skin discoloration, burning and additional scarring. Discuss the potential side effects of chemical peels, dermabrasion and laser therapy with a medical professional before trying any of these procedures.
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