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Is It Possible to Treat Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation During Laser Tattoo Removal?

asked 1 year ago by United States3064 in United States
Latest answer by Ronald Shelton, MD
Question viewed 386 times
Tags: arms, combination, hydroquinone, hyperpigmentation

I have been receiving laser tattoo removal for a black densely-inked tattoo on my forearm. My tattoo is fading (not completely yet, but getting there). However, I am experiencing permanent redness where the tattoo ink was. It seems to be post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. I have spaced my laser sessions apart so as to prevent this. I have also used sunscreen. I ordered silicone sheets. Should I/Can I use hydroquinone or hydroxy acids in between laser treatments? If so, what brands? Thanks!

2 answers to Is It Possible to Treat Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation During Laser Tattoo Removal?

+1

Redness or posinflammatory hyperpigmentation with laser tattoo removal

The redness may not be postinflammatory hyperpigmentation but over healing and you want to make sure your doctor doesn't think you're developing a hypertrophic scar or keloid. Don't use alpha hydroxy acids as these may sting and irrtiate the skin which can increase the risk of post inflammaotry hyperpigmenation. If it is an excessive collagen reaction, then special scar dressings may help and your doctor should make this recommendation.  If it is pigment, then sunscreen and... more
Ronald Shelton, MD

Manhattan Dermatologist
+1

Complications of laser-assisted tattoo treatment

What you are describing does not sound like post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.  You may have inflammation from the laser tx, early scarring, or some combination of these factors but PIH is not red in appearance.  You need to let your doctor evaluate and treat this appropriately.
Brian Biesman, MD

Nashville Oculoplastic Surgeon

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