Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
John Burns, MD answers: Preventing PIH After Fraxel Restore or Repair
Preventing PIH After Fraxel Restore or Repair
Have there been any statistics released on the percentage of patients that end up with PIH after Fraxel Restore or Fraxel Repair? Is there anything that can be done either prior to Fraxel or after that can reduce PIH? Does PIH occur more in patients getting restore versus repair? I know that there are creams that can be used if PIH occurs but what if anything can be done to prevent it in the first place?
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) can occur when any type of inflammation is delivered to the skin: laser, peels, dermabrasion, etc. With lasers it is more common with ablative (Fraxel Repair) than nonablative (Fraxel Restore). It is also much more common with Fitzpatrick skin types 4, 5, and 6 and in patients with Pacific Rim heritage. The Fitzpatrick skin type refers to the way your skin responds to ultraviolet light exposure (burn or tan). Generally, patients with darker skin have higher Fitzpatrick scores.
The risk of PIH can be reduced by pretreating the skin with a bleaching cream (hydroquinone) and mild steriod (hydrocortisone). We recommend pretreating with these creams for several weeks before treatment. Also, it is imperative to avoid sun exposure BEFORE and AFTER laser treatment.
Like this
« Preventing PIH After Fraxel Restore or Repair
Fraxel Laser cost near you
