Treatment for Skins of Color

The Scar Healing Institute is an expert in acne scar treatment for people of color in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, including  patients of Asian, African, and Latinx/Hispanic descent. Historically, dermatologic treatments and research have only focused on very specific patient populations, and we aim to remedy that by implementing the best practices for different skin types to better serve the patients from all ethnic groups. However, we also acknowledge that each individual’s skin physiology does not necessarily adhere to general group differences, and that SHI champions that not only is each person’s skin unique but that each scar is unique. With us, your skin and scars’ uniqueness will be respected and thoroughly considered in crafting you a bespoke scar treatment plan.

Non-Caucasian skin can be subdivided into, but not limited to, 3 subcategories: Asian, Hispanic, and African/American. Members of these ethnic groups produce more melanin than Caucasians. Because of this, patients of color are less prone to photo-aging because their higher melanin levels effectively absorb UV rays, which slows the destruction of collagen in the skin. This delays the aging process of the skin.

Treatment for acne scars for darker-skinned patients, however, has its unique challenges. Patients with this skin type are particularly prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) after treatment. Therefore, it is important to pretreat colored patients’ skin with bleaching or lightening cream to reduce and prevent PIH. Our clinic uses a special pharmacy that creates custom lightening creams that contain the necessary vitamins and nutrients to prevent PIH and prepare your skin for optimal acne scar treatment results. In addition, these patients tend to have thicker dermal layers in their skin, which can make subcision particularly more challenging. We combat this issue by using specially reinforced and highly durable metal instruments so that we can adequately remodel any stubborn scar tissue residing in the dermis.

Moreover, African/American skin types specifically are the most vulnerable to developing keloid scars. Thankfully, our team is well-trained and highly experienced in working with this demographic to not only treat patients’ existing keloid scars but also prevent them altogether.

Dr. Hazany, the founder of SHI, completed an intensive plastic surgery internship at Morehouse School of Medicine at various locations throughout the Atlanta area, where the primary patient demographic is Black or of African descent. There, Dr. Hazany honed his skills and understanding of dermatologic treatment for people of color.

Treatment for acne scars on dark skin presents unique challenges. They are more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Also, darker skin is at a disproportionately higher risk of developing keloid scars.

Dr. Hazany accounts for PIH in his acne scar treatment for ethnic patients by prescribing a custom compounded lightening cream after subcision, chemical peeling, and other treatments for acne scarring. Additionally, Dr. Hazany has a thorough understanding of keloid scar development and treatment to ensure against scar overgrowth during the healing process for your acne scar treatment.