Dark Scars on the Legs
Choosing the Right Approach for Dark Scars on the Legs
If you have discoloration on the legs and thighs as a result of insect bites, skin trauma, old scars, or friction pigmentation; you are not alone. We receive countless requests for treatment in our plastic surgery and cosmetic dermatology clinic every week. The discoloration seems to occur more commonly in darker skin, but lighter skin complexioned men and women seem to have a strong chace of getting it too. We recommend at-home regimens as a first step to treatment before you opt for more expensive chemical peels and laser treatments. Most of our patients are thrilled with the results, but it does take diligence and time to fully reverse skin discoloration caused by inflammation of the skin. If you have leg scars, now is the time to begin treatment.
Silky smooth legs can be destroyed by dark scars that are caused by ingrown hairs, folliculitis, and insect bites. A process known as PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) is often responsible for the deposition of excess pigmentation in the skin following an insect bite or pimple. Once the pigment is deposited, it lingers in the dermis of the skin for some time, causing a dark spot to form. In temperate or tropical climates, dark scars are common on the legs as a result of insect bites. Our expert plastic surgeon and skin expert, Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian recommends starting with a topical skin regimen first to lighten the pigmentation; followed by a combination of light fractional laser and light chemical peels.
Recommended Skin Regimen to Lighten Dark Scars on the Legs
- MelaClenz Brightening Cleanser
- Melapads: Daily Exfoliating Pads
- Luminase Body Brightening Cream
- Exfolase Body Brightening Cream
Wash the area once daily with MelaClenz while taking a shower
Apply Melapads to the area; Mix an equal proportion of Luminase and Exfolase creams and apply on the skin.
(Instructions for mixing Luminase and Exfolase: Mix equal amounts of Luminase and Exfolase in the palm of your hand; apply liberally onto the skin)