Chemical Peel for Pigmentation After Mixto Laser?

Four weeks after Mixto laser treatment, my cheeks are still pigmented. The pigmentation appears like the lines on the areas treated with the high set energy of the laser. The doctor looks confused and says it takes months to disapear.

The process of healing was all normal, no problems. But now my skin never went back to normal before laser. He wants to speed the process of "turning to the normal colours" with chemical peel because I cannot leave the house without makeup on my cheeks. Will it help with the pigmentation?

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cheeks pigmentation results

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by zaneta in CZ

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Chemical peel after Mixto

The Mixto laser works exceptionally well to not give hyperpigmentation. We put all or our patients on an exfoliater such as 10% glycolic acid along with 6 to 8% hydroquione for one month before laser resurfacing to prevent this complication. However, in dark eyed patients who tan easily it is still possible to get some pigmentation. We restart our skin lightening regimen about 2-3 weeks after surgery. On a rare occasion we will do Foto Facial with broad bandlight. Chemical peels are more... more

Pigmentation after Mixto laser

Pigmentation can occur after any laser or chemical peel. It is a response to inflammation. We called this post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation. The first step is to use topical lightening agents (ie Retin A , hydroquinone, etc.) There are peels specifically for pigmentation, (ie cosmelan peel) that doesn't actually peel the face but instead gives an intense burst of lightening agents on the skin. So, my first step includes finding the most effective creams to reduce pigmentation. It can... more

Pigmentation after Mixto laser

The hyperpigmentation which occurs following fractional CO2 laser resurfacing can be treated with topical hydroquinone (bleaching cream) and tretinoin (retin-a). Care should be taken with these agents to avoid irritation. I would not recommend a chemical peel at this time as it may place you at risk for more pigmentary problems. If you are going to get a peel, a light peel would be preferable. In any event, the pigmentary issue should gradually resolve with time.

My first step is bleaching agents or steroid creams

Greetings Zaneta, I use the Mixto system in my practice. Pigment irregularities after laser resurfacing can occur and will often resolve with time. In my practice, I avoid any type of skin resurfacing procedure for at least three months after laser treatment. For patients who suffer from hyperpigmentation I prefer to use bleaching creams and sometimes steroid creams to correct he problem. Should it persist longer them 3-6 months, I think a medium depth peel such as 35% TCA would be a... more

D.J. Verret, MD

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Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon

innovationsfps.com

Pigmentation after laser treatments can be successfully managed

Hi there- Certain skin types are at higher risk of this than others, and your lifestyle can also affect your risk of developing this problem. Conversely, the Mixto's advanced technology LOWERS your risk. Now that you have the problem, I would talk to your provider about gentle bleaching of your skin using a combination of Retin-A and hydroquinone. I would NOT pursue a chemical peel, as this type of treatment would be too aggressive on your freshly healed skin. I would also reassure you... more