Hyperpigmentation and Redness from Laser Skin Resurfacing Doctor Answers, Tips
Laser Resurfacing: Q&A
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Hyperpigmentation and Redness from Laser Skin Resurfacing

I had laser skin resurfacing for acne in August, and I still have redness and hyperpigmentation. What is the best and quickest method to get rid of the hyperpigmentation?

7 Doctor Answers | Asked by lion05 in chicago
+4

Redness and hyperpigmentation after laser resurfacing is inflammation

Redness is normal after laser resurfacing. Redness can last 3-6 weeks after CO2 laser resurfacing. After newer fractional erbium laser resurfacing, redness is usually gone after a week. The fact that you have hyperpigmentation and redness suggests to me that you are probably out 3-6 weeks after laser resurfacing as hyperpigmentation takes 3-6 weeks to develop. If redness and hyperpigmentation appear 3-6 weeks after laser resurfacing it indicates significant inflammation and personally I... more
+2

Tropical creams or hydroquinone can help lessen hyperpigmentation

No need to worry. Experiencing redness and hyperpigmentation is normal after having a laser skin resurfacing procedure. In order to help the hyperpigmentation lessen, you can try using topical creams or hydroquinone; but these types of effects usually go away on its own.
+2

Hyperpigmentation after laser

Generally, hyperpigmentation after laser resurfacing disappears within 6 months. If the hyperpigmentation has not disappeared within that time, I would advise you to see another physician for evaluation as to the cause of this. If the time since the laser resurfacing has been less than 6 months, the best way to treat this is with a combination of the best sunscreen and a bleaching agent. There are a variety of bleaching agents available including topical hydroquinone, azelaic acid, kojic... more

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+1

Hyperpigmentation and Redness from Laser Skin Resurfacing

While hyperpigmentation usually goes away on its own, it can be aided with topical retin a and hydroquinone. Continue to communicate with the physician who performed the treatment so he/she can monitor and guide you appropriately.
+1

Redness and Hyperpigmentation After Laser Resurfacing Is Normal

Redness after laser resurfacing can last for several months depending on the laser used. Hyperpigmentation can occur but usually resolves without treatment in about 6 months. To move things along, hydroquinone and topical steroids can be used to accelerate the healing process.
+1

Redness and hyperpigmentation after laser resurfacing is common after treatment for acne scarring

If your treatment is less than a month ago, then I would just wait for it to resolve. Sometimes resolution can be hastend by adding a topical retin a preparation once daily. Also, hydroquinone can help with transient hyperpigmentation and in conjunction with a low dose steroid can help it to resolve quicker. I would not start either of those regimens unless I was at least three weeks out from the resurfacing procedure.
+1

Ethnic Skin Specialist

There are no “knockout” quick fixes for Hyperpigmentation. The cause can be complex, and only moderation of the pigment, and preventing it from getting worse is all that can be done in some cases. Removal is a lofty goal, so it is important to be realistic. An ethnic skin specialist is where you should direct your questions for a laser and cream option. Some peels may be of benefit.
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Comments (1)

chiasnguy 18 Feb 2013
I had laser skin resurfacing in October for acne scars. My doctor said she used erbium on my cheek where I had deeper scars and fraxel for the rest of my face. I was pretreated with hydroquinone to prevent hyperpigmentation which I was really concerned about. It's been 3 months and what a rough recovery. I did not expect the downtime to be so long. Going into it she said I would be presentable in a month. WRONG!The most troublesome side effects were redness and hyperpigmentation. Redness all over my face but especially on my cheeks and brownish discoloration on my cheeks,temples and mostly where she used the Erbium. I followed the after care instructions: wore sunscreen, stayed out of the sun and had to wear make up (which is very distressing for a guy). To say that it was very disruptive to my social and recreational life is an understatement. Long story short, it's been 3 months and while the redness started to subside, it was blotchy. I was more red in areas where she really went deep. The hyperpigmentation got lighter but still obvious. I was so sick of it so I consulted another clinic and they recommended Mealanage peel. It's been a week after the peel and so far I'm it looks like I will be HAPPY with the results. It did not hurt, but the first 3 days I was peeling like crazy and very red. This made me feel rather depressed and worried that I would have to go through more downtime. BUT after that the redness lessened and I could tell the brown discoloration has lightened significantly. I'm still peeling minimally and continuing with the creams they gave me. The results take up to 8 weeks for full effect. I'm very satisfied with the results so far. My skin looks more even, the pores are much smaller and the discoloration is lighter. In hindsight I'm still not sure if the laser surgery was worth the downtime. The scars have gotten shallower and my doctor says benefits from laser continue up to 6 months. I am certain though that I would not want to relive the past 3 months.

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