Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this.

I have had some severe mental and emotional distubrances due to an abusive upbringing and subsequent abusive relationships.

I am diagnosed as bipolar one, and in states of mania or depresssion, I have caused injury to myself.

The last time I did this was 2 years ago. I burned myself with a strong concentrtion ofTrichloreticitic Acid (TCA), used for removing tatoos. I have a small but very noticeable scar under my left eye, a small scar of about 3/4 in diameter on my left forearm, and residual scars from the removal of a tattoo on my upper left arm.

I have researched this topic and believe they are hypertrophic scars. I understand that treatment results very widely.

I have moved on to a much more comfortable place in my life where I am learning to become more loving of myself and grateful for the blessings I do have. I am now a grad student and teacher, with a very compassionate boyfriend who loves me and loves me and loves me no matter what. But my scars are a reminder of the past, every time I look in the mirror. People ask about them a lot, especially the two on my arm. The one above my eye is very much less significant, as it is not as raised and red like the others; it looks like a very deep wrinkle on the face of a 29 year old female.

I have been using a gel, what I think is a generic brand of Mederma, as well as hydrocortizone gel and Preferon on all areas for aout 2-3 months. I understand laser treatments are available also, as well as plastic surgery options.

can you tell me more?

repectfully,
diane