I’ve had several IPL sessions with Dr. Hines now and am so pleased with how much clearer my skin looks. It’s so refreshing to see a Dermatologist who listens, is straight forward, and doesn’t try to sell you “packages” you don’t need.
Thank you for the question regarding scars after laser removal of moles. Removal of nevi by any method can be a challenge, and some type of scaring is actually the norm. That being said, several issues arise after use of lasers for this purpose. You describe red scars 4 months after the procedure. After reviewing your photographs, you have what is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and post inflammatory erythema (PIE). Both of these should slowly improve over time. Pigment remodeling in the skin is notoriously slow, and can take up to 18 months. Also noted on your photos is the slight rim of scale, where it appears your epidermis (very top layer of skin) is still sloughing off and/or not totally healed. This can also be seen after laser injury due to thermal damage to underlying sweat glands and oil glands there. This should also improve over time. Unlike surgical removal of nevi, laser works by thermal injury to the melanocytes. However, the thermal injury can disrupt normal epidermal function by the above method. Recommend: 1.) time. It should improve. 2.) keep area moisturized with petrolatum based moisturizer to allow epidermis healing while sweat and oil glands recover 3.) As redness fades and pigment is left behind, consider use of bleaching cream containing hydroquinone or other similar agent (e.g. Triluma marked in USA). 4.) Use of sun screen daily there to prevent additional pigment from forming at location. Hope that helps.
