Niketa Sonavane, MD, MBBS

Hello Augustya,

 

Post inflammatory dys-pigmentation usually occurs in colored skin when a medical peel is done without adequate skin priming before and in between peels. If your treating physician is well versed with handling ethnic/ Indian skin chances are that you have been already advised some home care involving a mild Glycolic acid or Retinoid. This is usually started 2 weeks prior to your first session.

Post peel care in the form of adequate skin hydration and a broad spectrum sunscreen applied 3 hourly is also very important. 

If is is the texture and tone of skin that you wish to improve, try and opt for Salicylic, Azelic or Mandelic gel based peels. These work better and carry the least chance of pigmentary disturbance post procedure.

Keep looking beautiful :)

Hello Artiani,

Indian skin does not tolerate Retin A 0.05% well. The white spot that you developed may have been post inflammatory hypo pigmentation seen mostly in fair skinned north Indians. It is difficult to ascertain without an examination though.

The Obagi Nuderm System needs some modifications when used in Indians and other coloured skin individuals. A Tretinoin microsphere gel in 0.025% may be used. Sometimes Adapalene may be required instead of Tretinoin in individuals with sensitive skin. Also to keep the inflammation down, mild steroid cream may be suggested. This helps in preventing the post inflammatory dyspigmentation.

The 'V' shaped pigmentation that you have is an anatomical 'Pigmentary Demarcation Line'. These are known to be fairly resistant to treatment.

 

Keep looking Beautiful,

Dr Niketa Sonavane.

Hello Anushka,

 

From what you describe, Glycolic peels are definitely not the treatment of choice in your case. There are superior and faster acting peels available on the international scenario like Azelic + Salicylic peels for acne and post acne pigmentation in Indian skin.

In my opinion Indian skin responds far better to dermaroller treatments for fine lines and acne scars as compared to Fraxel laser. Fraxel laser has always been my second line of choice due to the bronzing it leaves behind on Indian skin.

The Cosmelan peel is another good option for you to consider. I have used it with great success in Indian skin for pigmentation, fine lines and mild scarring.

 

Glycolic peels are a very slow and nearly ineffective process when it comes to treating acne  and fine lines in Indian skin. Glycolic peels offer minimal or no benefit in improving post acne scarring.

 

Keep looking beautiful

 

Perlane is a deep dermal filler. It generally lasts for about 12 months when placed correctly. Fillers that are placed more superficially or in more mobile areas tend to metabolize faster. 

 

Following are the options to expedite the dissolution of the Perlane keeping in mind your preferences:

a. Regular massage to the involved area - A two minute massage to the area every time you wash your face or apply any products.

b. Fractional Laser treatment of the injected area - Capable of dissolving the dermal filler with an added advantage of improving your lines and folds in the long term.

c. Injection of Hyaluronidase - Done by your Cosmetic physician. Dissolution is achieved in 24-48 hours.

 

Keep looking beautiful.

The results depend on the severity of the acne, the strength and composition of the peel and your personal response. Generally treatment with gel based medical grade peel containing 20-30% salicylic may require approximately 6 sessions at 10-14 day intervals to solve the problem. Maintenance sessions may be required thereafter. Sessions are always done along with conventional topical and or oral anti-acne treatment else the response may be slow and disappointing.

 

Keep looking beautiful.