Hyperpigmentation Not Going Away After 14 Months of Treatment

asked 2 years ago by Liquid Balance in Miami, FL
Latest answer by Aaron Stone, MD
Question viewed 897 times
Tags: alternative, no results, options, recommendation

This has been an emotional roller coaster for me. At first I was very hopeful, but now after trying everything possible I feel so hopeless. I know why I have this problem -- a combo of ipl treatments & perhaps birth control.

I have tried every lighting cream possible including hydroquinone 4% & NO RESULTS. Now I am trying peels so far 3 glycolic 30% & 3 tca 24% peels and NOT even and a bit of improvement. I have no more hope and all tears. I now avoid the sun as much as possible and wear sunblock religiously. Please advice.

3 answers to Hyperpigmentation Not Going Away After 14 Months of Treatment

Hyperpigmentation after skin treatments

The combination of Retin-A, a steroid and hydroquinone, has been documented to even create white patches in afro-americans. The combination can be specially formulated by a pharmacist. This can't be done by any pharmacist because the mix can be unstable, causing to turn a caramel color. You can also try Triluma which is a standardized premixed version available by prescription. You do not say how long out you are from the causative treatments and what type of baseline skin you have. These... more

Aaron Stone, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Compunded Hydroquinone

I agree with Dr. Placik, you might ask your physician to prescribe a stronger compound than what is available from a tube. Many physicians are reluctant to do so, but Hydroquinone can be compounded up to 10%. I know many dermatologists, including myself, are scared to prescribe hydroquinone of this strength for fear of a reaction. To assuage this fear, you might suggest to your physician that you are so troubled by your pigmentation that you are willing to sign an agreement not to... more

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Virginia Beach Dermatologist