Hyperpigmentation After Alexandrite Laser Hair Removal Treatment

I had a full-face laser hair removal treatment done with Alex. laser about 2.5 weeks ago. About 5 days after the treatment I was exposed to the sun for around 10 minutes(without a sunscreen as I am v.sensitive to sunscreens).

The next day I noticed hyperpigmentation on my face and neck. The tech who had done the treatment said they are common and should go away in around 2 weeks- but no improvement yet. Is this permanent and how long should I avoid the sun now, as this was my LAST treatment?

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face neck hyperpigmentation permanent sun exposure

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2 Doctor Answers | Asked by Jasmine12 in Phoenix, AZ

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Hyperpigmentation after laser hair removal on face

See a dermatologist. Topical lightening creams with or without superficial chemical peels and UVA/UVB sunscreen and sunavoidance may help over many weeks to reduce your pigment. Avoid any irritating substance. Some people react to the hydroquinone which is the most commonly prescribed lightening cream but if the irritation persists, then cortisone may help as a topical therapy and often it is prescribed with the hydroquinone and tretinoin to lighten the skin. Other skin lighteners exist... more

How to Treat Hyperpigmentation After Laser Hair Removal

We remind all of our patients of the need for strict sun avoidance for a minimum of four weeks before and after each treatment. The hyperpigmentation should fade in time but you may want to hasten things by using prescription-strength 4% hydroquinone cream. Also, if you are very sensitive to sunscreens as you say, you should try using a pure "physical" sunscreen that contains no chemicals. Physical sunscreens are opaque formulations that reflect and scatter ultraviolet and... more