Are at Home Photofacial Units Effective for Dark Spots?

I'm Asian and have light-olive skin tone. Two years ago, I had a Photofacial done to get rid of a spot. This year, the mark came back bigger and darker. Why does the mark came back after a year? Does this mean I'm not a good candidate for Photofacial? I am afraid to try the treatment again, so I'd like to try the at-home LED (red + infra-red) light therapy treatment. The company claims that their unit would help on diminishing wrinkles, age spots, hyperpigmentation, and even pore size. Do you think this unit would help?

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2 Doctor Answers | Asked by beach in Sunny california

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Photofacial

It is important to know if there is enough contrast between your skin type and the color of the spot that is being treated. If there is not too much contrast, then the results will be minimal to none. Remember, the effects of photofacial treatments are not permanent, but rather to maintain.

Sam Naficy, MD

80 reviews

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattleface.com

Home LED best in combo with other treatments

If you are Asian, even if light skin, there may not be enough contrast between your skin color and the brown spots for the home Photofacial unit to function at a level that is effective. A level that is too high may lead to a burn or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) which is darkness after a treatment or injury or rash. The LED is likely very safe but may not do all you want in removal of the brown spots. Its role may be more in maintenance after a treatment such as photofacial or... more