Any resurfacing technique can cause hypopigmentation if its effects extend deep into the dermis, the permanent layer of the skin. As the damage goes deeper and deeper, more and more pigment cells are lost. Dermal elements are also lost, resulting in an abnormal smooth appearance of the skin as well... more
Correcting hypopigmentation from CO2 Laser treatments
Can ReLume, Fraxel, or other treatments correct hypopigmentation which resulted from a CO2 Laser?
1 answer to “Correcting hypopigmentation from CO2...”
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4 posts
9 Dec 2008
Thank you for the information and for your time. However, I believe the question was what can be done after hypopigmentation has already resulted. Some of the supposed existing treatments for hypopigmentation are lasers (Relume; Fraxel), tanning accelerators (Novitil), creams (V-Tar, which is coal based and may be carcinogenic), steroid creams or immunomodulators (Protopic; Elidel), melanocyte transplantation procedures, and vitamin therapy (US Patent Application 20040170702). Are any treatments known to be effective for correcting hypopigmentation caused by CO2 laser treatment? Any success stories out there? Thank you.
1 post
27 Feb 2009
Hi Bettlerd, I having been dong the same search for about 6 or 7 years now, and continue to see the same information without any new developments, as you posted. I continue to see different DR every few years waiting to hear that there are new developments correcting Hypopigmentation caused by Co2 laser resurfacing, to know success. It's very frustrating how with so much new technology and laser development they can't correct and on-going concern from so many people. I am not even looking for a 100% fix, i just want to know will some of those things you mention help just a little bit, and yet all I ever hear is hypopigmentation can't be healed. Good look with your continued serch....maybe one day we will finally find what we are looking for!
103 posts
5 Apr 2009
You can look into the Excimer laser. This has been shown to restore pigment and has been used on patients with Vitiligo AND on patients with pigment loss from laser procedures. Find out which Physicians in your area may have this laser. There are only a few as the indications for this wavelength laser is specific for resoration of pigment, psoriasis and some wound care modalities. Good luck!