Hyperpigmentation Risk from Light Laser Resurfacing?

asked 2 years ago by beach bum in New Jersey
Latest answer by Ronald Shelton, MD
Question viewed 566 times
Tags: acne scars, hyperpigmentation, olive skin, risk, skin, tanning, tightening

How high is the risk for light laser resurfacing to cause hyperpigmentation (example active/deep fx)? Although my derma says that my complexion is pretty fair, I do have some olive in my skin because of my Italian/Russian nationality. I have hyperpigmentation from sun tanning and acne spots now but I would like the tigtening effect that the laser says it can do for the skin. Thank you for your time!

2 answers to Hyperpigmentation Risk from Light Laser Resurfacing?

There is always a risk with resurfacing

Any procedure in terms of resurfacing can cause hyperpigmentation. You may want to have a test spot done first, away from the central face, to see if it develops pigmentation. If it does, then don’t do the procedure, but realize that if it doesn’t you may still pigment when it is done on the rest of the face. Make sure you use sunscreens every day with both ultraviolet A and B protection

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist

Hyper-pigmentation occurs from inflammation and is based on how much melanin is in your skin

Dermatologists rate skin color from1 to 6. Type one is the fairest and type 6 is the darkest. You sound like a type 3. In other words, you can tan lightly on sun exposure. Depending on which laser and how aggressive the settings are, you may experience some hyper-pigmentation. Typically, hyper-pigmentation can be treated with lightening creams which your dermatologist would be well aware of. Good Luck!

Lenore Sikorski, MD
Laguna Niguel Dermatologic Surgeon

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Hyperpigmentation Risk from Light Laser Resurfacing?

There is always a risk with resurfacing

Hyper-pigmentation occurs from inflammation and is based on how much melanin is in your skin

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