47 Years Old with Hyperpigmentation on my face. Would cryosurgery treatment freeze the hyper pigmentation? (photos)

Question

I have brown Spots on my face and I did all the facial peelings,used bleaching creams and I did an IPL TREAT at the Celebration Cosmetic Surgery but my face is the same and it looks like I had more HYPERPIGMENTATION before my treatment? So I didn't not go back for the 3rd IPL TREATMENT. So what can you suggest to help me out! Can I do a CRYOSURGERY TREATMENT TO FREEZE THE HYPERPIGMENTATION?

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hello SP.  What you have appears to be Melasma and treating it with light based options like IPL and other lasers often makes it worse.  The other problem with lasers or IPL is that they do not cure the condition.  We never recommend them because they cost more and do a worse job of addressing the issue while at the same time potentially making it worse.  Cryotherapy will also make it worse so do not do that.We use high strength hydroquinone.  8% hydroquinone in gel format without Retin A or steroids.  This high strength version has helped many patients in your situation and the photos at the link below show a similar case.  The problem with high strength hydroquinone (even though it works well) is that you cannot be on it continuously.  We take our patients off it one month out of every four.  Find a dermatologist locally that has access to prescription based hydroquinone that are not just the standard 4% with Retin A and steroids.  These may work for some patients, but will not likely work well for you.  Good luck.

Nissan Pilest, MD · Answer

I would not
recommend cryosurgery for your condition.

It appears
that you may have Melasma. Melasma is a common skin condition and usually
appears on the face, cheeks, bridge of nose, forehead, chin and upper lip in
dark patches.

The
cause is unknown but pregnancy, birth control pills, cosmetics, hormone
therapy, and sun exposure often trigger Melasma. The more pigmentation your
skin has the more melanocytes you have. Production of melanocytes is increased
when the skin is irritated (by lasers or peels) or exposed to rising hormones
and the sun.

Melasma is difficult to treat; you have to be careful because if
something too aggressive is done it can cause more damage. I have found great
success with the Cosmelan and Cosmelan MD treatment in my office. It’s usually
the first step I take before moving on to more aggressive treatments like
lasers.

It
is important to consult with a Board Certified Dermatologist to see if you have
Melasma and what treatments are best for you.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

STOP!!! Seek experienced dermatology consultations for hyper pigmentation therapies...Best to go slowly or you could worsen the pigmentary appearances...

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

No, you cannot treat your skin condition (which is melasma) with cyrosurgery and in fact, it could make it worse. I would recommend you see a dermatologist with experience with melasma for recommendations for you. I would also make sure you are using a good sunscreen every single day as melasma takes ongoing management! "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and 
cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person 
treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

47 Years Old with Hyperpigmentation on my face. Would cryosurgery treatment freeze the hyper pigmentation? (photos)

Answers (4)

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