Hyperpigmentation: Q&A
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Treatment for Hyperpigmentation After Laser Resurfacing
Dear Doc! I got ablative fractional laser resurfacing on my face 2.5 weeks ago. I have developed change in color of skin, a dark patches on sides of my lips. It looks bad. I am worried and depressed. Do you think de-pigmenting creams will be help? What should I do?
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6 Doctor Answers |
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anon
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Hyperpigmentation after laser resurfacing
I agree with the others that you should see your laser surgeon to see why this happened and what treatment course may be best. In general, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may occur following any resurfacing procedure. This is usually first treated with a variety of bleaching agents including hydroquinone-containing products. Mild to moderate depth chemical peels can also be used to hasten the pigment resolution. I would also advise you to be careful about sun exposure right now...
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Darkness following laser
I would suggest you follow up with your laser surgeon. You need to determine if this represents pigmentation versus post inflammatory erythema or ecchymosis (bruising). If it is hyperpigmentation , then your physician may discuss certain "bleaching" agents with you. There are many options to choose from that can help.
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Darkness after ablative resurfacing
The doctor you should be asking is the treating doctor who did your resurfacing. The first thing that needs to be answered is if the darkness is from your pigment, or from bruising which is doubtful 2.5 weeks after the procedure. It is not unusual to have areas that are more red than others after resurfacing and on some dark skin tones this can look deceiving. Redness from increased blood flow will not respond to lightening creams. See your doctor to get the best answer and if they think...
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Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation after laser resurfacing is a common problem and occurs more frequently in patients who tan easily (have a higher Fitzpatrick skin scale score). This is called postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and fortunately is reversible with the proper care.
The most important factor is to avoid all sun exposure with both a sun blocking agent with UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C protection. In addition you should wear a barrier to the sun such as a sun hat, etc. Additionally, you should...
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Pigmentation after laser treatments
It is not uncommon for ablative resurfacing patients to experience post inflammatory hyperpigmentation if they are a Fitzpatrick skin type 3 or greater, have a history of pigment issue(ie Melasma) or live in a sunny climate. In these particular situations it is recommended that you pretreat the skin with a topical(ie Triluma) to avoid the pigmentation.
When it occurs after treatment the same protocol is used but it does take longer for the topical to yield results. Also it is very...
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Treatment of Hyperpigmentation
Yes, I would suggest hydroquinone cream to help with the hyperpigmentation. However, it will take several weeks to start working and several months to see a significant change. Good luck.
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