Laser hair removal before & after photos
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Post Laser Hair Removal Hypopigmentation

15 posts
Comments (49)
Updated 16 Mar 2009
Posted 14 Mar 2009
Not Worth It
Spent: $5,000 in Georgia

I had laser hair removal and resulting severe hypopigmentation all over my legs and arms. The cause was that I had sun exposure prior to the treatment combined witht the laser strength being too high.

It has been 6 months and my arms are 90% better; however no real improvement has occurred on my legs at all. I have seen 2 dermatologists who say this should get better eventually but after 6 months I am starting to feel like it will never get better and too embarrassed to show my legs in public.

Any advice or response is greatly appreciated. I also have photos I can email if anyone is interested.

This review is the subjective opinion of a RealSelf member and not of RealSelf, Inc.

Vote: 8 members found this review helpful

Comments (49)

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posey_rosie (15 posts) 22 Mar 2009
Oh no! Hypopigmentation? May I ask what your skin tone is like? I am of Sicilian descent with olive skin, but I have stayed 100% out of the sun for the past 4 years (lived in Alaska) so my skin has gotten very pale. Also all my hair is black, which is good for the laser treatments. I would like to see the pictures if you feel comfortable posting them or emailing them. I hope your legs get better!!! Thank you for sharing your story with us. --Rosie
freesoul (24 posts) 29 Mar 2009
are you evenly pale or do you have white dots where the hair was?
hypopigmentation (15 posts) 30 Mar 2009
I had white huge semi-circles all over my legs (shape of the laser head) so they were everywhere the laser touched basically. I was not evenly pale; my nondamaged skin was pale but these marks were ghost white and VERY obvious and way to ugly to show in public. I am happy to report that I waited 6+ months and they were still just as ghostly white as before but I think the underlying skin had enough time to heal so I am still slowly exposing them to controlled sunlight and they are not about 85% better and almost blended completely as the white spots are starting to repigment and blend in w/ my skin as a result of the controlled sun exposure w/ UVA/UVB sunscreen of course.
Rose7 (1 post) 17 Apr 2011
Hi Hypopigment,
I know it has been 2 years since this has happenend to you, but have you healed up completely? I had an IPL for hyperpigmentation on my chest and came out with hypopigment scarring that has not dissappeared in 8 months! I did have sun exposure 3 months after this was done because I am hispanic and thought I would just tan easily and get rid of them......wrong! They are not as white as when they first strted off, but are still noticeable. How long exactly did it take when you started tanning for you to notie a difference that it was working? How long exactly did it take for you to be completely healed? THis is killing me because I cannot wear any low cut shirts and summer is just around the corner. Please let me know.
Marsi13 (3 posts) 26 Jan 2012
I am so happy I read your story. It gives me so much courage to give time to myself. Exactly same story!
MANY THANKS
VG2009 (2 posts) 14 Apr 2009
Hypopigmentation, how long did you wait until you started exposing your legs to the sun? I was burned on feb. 02, 2009. I am very light but had residual ( over 6 mo old) tan on my legs. My arms did not react, but i have the white marks on my legs just as you described. I am planning on waiting longer and just letting my skin even out by fading the residual tan around the marks. Question is, have I actually lost pigment and should I possibly start applying the controlled sun exposure? What's your regimen? Did a doctor recommend it, or you just figured it out on your own?
hypopigmentation (15 posts) 15 Apr 2009
my burns occurred in Sept 2008 and I got ZERO sun exposure until March 2009. Actually every doctor told me NOT to get sun but I was relentless in my pursuit of "healing" so I emailed photos to a doctor overseas who had written a book on laser hair removal and he told me very controlled minimal sun exposure may help over time but that this wasn't a tested theory and was at my own risk (of course). Anyway, I started thinking that the skin would never blend since my non-damaged skin is light; however, it isn't ghost white like the hypopigmented areas just by the sheer fact that I have been exposed to the elements, sun, etc. over the course of my life (34 years) so my white skin was damaged so deep and I think I waited long enough with no sun exposure (6 months) for the damage to heal and then the only remaining thing to do was carefully and slowly and with lots of SPF to gradually reintroduce that skin to the sun and I think since it was healed at that point and therefore it was ready to produce melanin again that it slowly begain to recolor. I am proud to say that only the worst area is still slightly noticable but nobody would see it unless they knew and were looking for it and my arms and the rest of my legs are now 100% back to normal. I will never go w/o sunscreen again though as I'm worried that could lead to hyperpigmentation in those areas which would be even worse! I hope this helps; I was so traumatized by my situation that I really want to help others and/or prevent others from having this happen in any way I can. I would wait several more months before getting sun exposure b/c if your skin isn't healed deep down, I have heard you can make the situation worse or even permanent (not sure if it is true but that is what 2 docs told me when I saw them regarding mine). Good luck; I'm happy to answer any questions or provide any info that i can and I'm sorry you are going through this.
VG2009 (2 posts) 23 Apr 2009
Hypopigmentation, Thank you so much for such a comprehensive response. It feels good to have some support, as the doctors at the Ideal Image failed to even return my phone calls after this happened. I am going to be 3 months into this mess first of may, and will try to stay out of the sun. I can see the fading happening already, mostly because the residual tan is lightening up. Is there a way doctors test if there was deep damage to the skin? I am not nessessarily thrilled with an idea of seeing a dermatologist about this, since I dont know a good one and it feels like gambling trying to find someone I can trust. On the other hand, if they can tell me something I didnt research on my own, it might be worth it. What regimen did you come up with? How much spf, for how long, outdoors or tanning booth? I wonder what tanning spray might do, did your doctors say anything about that? I am in no hurry to look good, I just want to make sure I dont make it worse in the long run.
hypopigmentation (15 posts) 25 Apr 2009
I went to 2 dermatologists and both told me to stay out of the sun completely for a very long time to let my skin heal. They told me they have no way of knowing how deeply into the skin the damage went which would determine how long the healing would take. I did spray tan for a few months and although it did make the spots less noticable since my regular skin was one color and the hypopigmented skin was ghost white, they still spray tanned as 2 different colors... but it was better to me than the ghost white marks so I spent hundreds of dollars on spray tanning. Eventually when your skin is totally healed the only real way i have found to make the areas blend together is the sun w/ SPF. I started with 20 minutes at at a time w/ 45 SPF then worked my way down to 4 or 8 SPF (over a few months as I saw each time was helping and not hurting). Now I actually go to the tanning bed but I use 15 SPF in the tanning bed and do not go for the full amount of time. I was worried that the blending would take forever and be very uneven for a long long time but once i was healed and then exposed myself to sun using the same levels of SPF on the hypopigmented areas and my regular skin, those hypopigmented areas seemed to tan faster and therefore blend in quite nicely but just like the 7 months with no sun prior to the sun, the gradual and slow process of getting sun takes a few months and minimal exposure at a time and waiting time (I did about 3 or 4 times per week; 20 mins each). Now I am pretty much 100% better and I am so thankful. I believe that had I not gone in the sun ever that the hypopigmentation would have never blended totally as that skin needs to take in the sunlight once it is producing melanin again in order for it to regain any color other than white. I honestly think thg biggest thing is waiting months and months before trying it and then really monitoring it when you try it and I really think you will be better but will probably take a year or similar like mine... Let me know if I can help or tell you more about my experience. I was so distressed and couldn't find any support or anyone who was going through it so I want to help others as I know I am not alone in this!!! That's why I took my story to the web. Best of luck! Keep me updated on your progress, I hope by end of the year you are back to your normal self!!!!
optgirl (4 posts) 8 Jun 2009
Hi! I was very interested in what you wrote about fixing your hypopigmentation problem. I had laser hair removal done on my upper lip from Dec 2007 til May 2008 and had no problems. However, this past November, I started noticing that my upper lip was lighter than the rest of my face. My problem isn't that severe, but it is something that really bothers me & I always feel like it's really noticeable. I've seen a few dermatologists and they pretty much say to just wait and see what happens. I'm afraid it won't get any better. I've also heard mixed opinions...some doctors say to stay out of the sun, others say to get some sun. So I feel very lost...I'm really interested in hearing more about what you did so hopefully I can fix this mess. Thanks for your help!
lizyJa (1 post) 25 Aug 2011

Hi Optgirl I have exactly the same problem as you. My upper lip was also lasered. I started the treatment a couple of years ago and used to do a session once or twice a year. This year I noticed that the skin is lighter than the rest of my face and it bothers me very much especially as I am getting engaged soon. I would be very grateful to know what has happened with you now that it has been 2 years and whether you discovered if there is a way to treat this.
Thank you very much

gagirl (2 posts) 3 Jun 2009
I have the EXACT same issue that 'hypopigmentation' has described. My entire body is covered in round, white spots. I went to the dermatologist and he didn't seem too worried but that still hasn't eased my fears. He said to stay out of the sun and it should repigment on its own. However, like 'hypo' stated, I also thought my skin could use some sunlight and am now taking her advice re: tanning w/ SPF. I just started this week so I won't know it works for a while. BTW, I am now 11 months post-laser so I'm pretty sure any underlying damage has healed. But my skin still looks the same. If anyone would like to discuss or see pics please email me. I'm DESPERATE for a resolution to this.
hypopigmentation (15 posts) 3 Jun 2009
I would be happy to further discuss with you and /or to see your pictures etc and tell you if it looks similar to what i had. I am 100% better; I live in FL so I get regular sun exposure and am even going to the tanning bed w/ no SPF just tanning lotion (I know, I know that is bad for me..... ) Anyway, it is working and I have ZERO hypopigmentation and no resulting problems or issues. I will say the prior 9 months of my life from Sept until May were ruined as a result of this hypopigmentation and I am overjoyed to be back to my old self. Taking it VERY slow and VERY controlled exposure to sun w/ HIGH SPF is the way to go; even though it is tempting to do it quicker.... I'm not sure how we can share email addresses on here? Do you know and I can give you my direct contact info so we can further discuss.... I'm so happy to help others as I found LITTLE help and NO resources really despite hours and days of internet searching, visiting doctors, spending money on all kinds of crazy ideas to try and help myself, etc.!
hypopigmentation (15 posts) 11 Jun 2009
how is your controlled sun access going? it took me about 2 mos w/ very slow controlled minimal access to get back to normal (may have been 3 mos).
Charleston1492 (3 posts) 25 Oct 2010
I live in Tampa, fl. I have the same issue. i got the laser burn 3 months ago and the white spots look the same.. I just started using Jergins lotion with some kinda tanner. A few weeks ago I got some sun, the white spots didnt react so I didn't get anymore, it actually made it look worse cuz it darkened the skin around it. I can send u pics and u can tell me what u think.
John
Agnieszka8315 (1 post) 8 Jun 2011
Hi, I also have upper lip discoloration after laser hair removal which appeared several months after the last treatment (I had 6 treatments and I still have some hair). please let me know how are you doing and what has happened with your discoloration
Hypoback (2 posts) 8 Jun 2011
I'm definitely better than I originally was, but am struggling to get it to go away finally. I went in the sun two straight weekends and don't know what to do, or how long it should take, etc.

I know others have had light sun exposure (20 minutes at a time), but why does it not make sense to go out long as possible in the sun as long as it's not getting worse?
optgirl (4 posts) 8 Jun 2009
Hey! I am very interested in hearing more about fixing the hypopigmentation problem. I had some laser treatment done on my upper lip and now it is lighter than the rest of my face. It isn't a severe problem but it's very noticeable to me and bothers me a lot. I've been to several dermatologists but they all say to wait and see what happens...and I've had some tell me to stay out of the sun and some say to get some sun. So I just feel very lost...I had the treatment done from Dec 2007 to May 2008. I had no problems until this past November when I noticed my upper lip was lighter. It's been the same ever since and it's driving me crazy. If you could let me know what you did, I'd be very interested! Thanks for your help!
hypopigmentation (15 posts) 11 Jun 2009
I was confused; when was the date of your last treatment? Did you have any burns or adverse reactions to the treatment immediately after the treatment or everything was fine and seemed normal and then several months later you developed hypopigmentation? If everything was totally fine w/ no adverse reaction for months adn then you all the sudden developed hypopigmentation, I am wondering if you had sun exposure and that was the cause of the damage after the treatment which resulted in hypopigmentation? This brings me to a key issue in my recovery as I am female, 34 years old and although my hypopigmentation is completely gone, I have noticed that as I tan and resume my normal life that I have more "sun spots" which are normal and come w/ age than i had before on my lower legs. They are tiny and definiltey something I can live with but these sun spots are permanent and not like the temporary (well if you call 9 months temporary) hypopigmentation I had after the laser hair removal burns and damage. i think the additional (albeit tiny and not very noticable overall) sunspots are also a result of the laser even though i haven't had any laser treatment now for nearly a year. oh and by the way, i will never be having any laser touching me anywhere unless it is for some life saving surgery.
optgirl (4 posts) 16 Jun 2009
My last treatment was in May 2008, so about a year ago. I did tan a little bit after because I was on a trip near the beach in May. I also tanned a little over the summer but it probably wasn't until around July, so I guess I thought it would be fine. I didn't have any burns...basically everything was fine until I noticed my lip got lighter in November. The lightening that I have is not super noticeable (at least most dermatologists told me it wasn't) but to me it is definitely lighter all across my upper lip. It is evenly spread &, to me, well demarcated. I'd at least like it to blend in more. Do you think I could try tanning or could it make it worse? I'm getting really frustrated with it.
dina mercury (2 posts) 28 Jun 2009
hi, stumbled upon this post. I had laser hair removal done on my upper lip around 5 years back. I noticed the same lightening of the skin a month down the line. Since then i have been seeking dermatological advice, and have got various opinions on it. One advised protopic ointment and limited sun exposure. I dropped the treatment when i felt a burning sensation in the area post-application. Been depressed cos nothing has worked out so far. Try and make do with camouflage makeup, but its not a satisfactory situation.
Canada2194 (1 post) 18 Jan 2011
Hi I am surprised to see that I have the exact same problem as you had. I am writing you to ask you if your lip ever darkened up? I went for the laser on my lip and got one treatment done and then looked in the mirror a few days later and noticed a white strip. (very embarassing for me) I am not sure if it is very noticable to other people. I only got the one treatment done so far and called the woman back and told her I wanted no more. I am a bit worried as I am headin South in a few weeks and don't know if the sun should get to it or not? I don't know what to do anymore. So I guess I am looking for a little reassurance as to if it will get better eventaully or not? I was thinking if i just let the hair grow back in then it will look darker and that is why it looks lighter now because the hair is gone (even thou there wasn't that much hair in the first place) I still knew it was there and wanted it gone! I can't believe I did this to myself. Now I am regretting it. Please write me back at daisy_8_7@hotmail.com
Thanks:)
gstar11 (2 posts) 8 Feb 2011
Just wondering if you have been able to tan your upper lip since then..I have the same problem after laser hair removal.
Hypoback (2 posts) 3 Jun 2011
Hi there- sorry I'm late to the conversation. Just found this and only got the "bad" treatment one year ago. So I stayed out of the sun (at least without a shirt on) for a year. Finally at the year point decided I had seen a plateaued result and decided to go out with 50 SPF on (first time two weeks ago). Still no real results, but sun doesn't seem to be hurting. That said, why does it not make sense to go out long as possible in the sun as long as it's not getting worse? Seems like would be the same thing as multiple 20 minute treatments. I'm a guy and love wearing jerseys/cutoffs for sports but am way too self conscious to. Any help would be VERY appreciated!
hypopigmentation (15 posts) 16 Jun 2009
I'm certainly no expert but from my experience with the same issue, it sounds like you definitely got sun exposure too quickly after the procedure and it is probably much more difficult not to when the affected area is on your face which is exposed to sun when you are in a car and basically every time you go outside. I have heard that in rare cases the hypopigmentation can be permanent and that the risk can be greater if the area is exposed to the sun too quickly after the hypopigmentation occurs since the underlying skin damage didn't have the necessary time to heal w/o exposure to the sun. Since you can't undo the sun exposure you already had and the area is lighter than your other skin, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try controlled sun exposure like I did with high level SPF on the area in small increments to see if the skin starts darkening and matches your other skin. This definitely worked 100% for me but that was after literally 0 sun exposure for 9 months or more after I experienced the problem. I'm so sorry you are going through this; I can SO understand how distressing it can be as it really ruined 9+ months of my life and I cried enough tears to fill a river (imagine having this in semi-circle marks ALL OVER your legs and ALL OVER your arms and living in a climate where it is 80 degrees year round so not the easiest place to hide your arms & legs). I am just trying to help others since I couldn't find any help or resources and I just about searched to the end of the internet to find some! I hope I was helpful; please let me know if you have any success as it helps me and others with this problem to know what does and doesn't work on others!

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