Question:
I am a darker skinned person looking to have a scar removed from my chin. How much will my skin color affect scar revision procedures?
Answer:
Darker skin is more difficult to work with regarding scar revision since scars tend to lighten with time. Because of this a scar needs to be nearly perfect to blend into the surrounding skin. Also, skin resurfacing procedures such as dermabrasion and laser are more difficult to perform because of temporary hyperpigmentation or possibly permanent lightening of the skin, hypopigmentation. While these issues make scar revision more challenging, it doesn’t preclude improvement. The procedure needs to be well planned and expectations set appropriately to succeed.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
