Join
For Providers
Join
Sign in

Ask a doctor

How to Fade Pigmentation from Laser Hair Removal?

I had my Laser Hair Removal 3 weeks ago, but my legs are now full with mix hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation.

I am worried and want to ask what treatment should I use to make them fade in short time. How long would the scars normally disappear?

Doctor Answers 3

October 27th, 2009

Leg hyperpigmentation

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do about post inflammatory hypopigmentation (whitening of the skin). In regards to hyperpigmentation, although at times, it can be permanent, often it will resolve with time. Some people try to treat this hyperpigmentation with bleaching creams to attempt to fade the marks. There are several different bleaching creams available but the most effective ones are prescription or dispensed through a dermatologist's office.


West Palm Beach Dermatologic Surgeon

July 2nd, 2017

How to Fade Pigmentation from Laser Hair Removal? Scler-X

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Before you spend $$ on peels or IPL, try these topicals.

This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). 

I recommend Melarase AM and Melarase PM creams from Kare Skin as well as a broad spectrum sunblock like Spectrase. Bothe are from Kare Skin. Scler-x post inflammatory hyperigmentation relief complex is a great supplement to take as well. See link below. 

Learn more: https://venasmart.com/products/scler-x

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS
October 29th, 2009

Improve hyperpigmentation

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Depending on the severity of the hypopigmentation, there may be some improvement with time - many months. If there is true depigmentation (complete absence of pigment), then there is no easy, reliable treatment. There are a number of ways to help PIH or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation such as what you have experienced after laser hair removal - chemical peels, topical bleaching creams with or without hydroquinone and exfoliating creams can all be helpful. Time helps healing also - remember to keep areas covered with sunscreen.

Elizabeth F. Rostan, MD

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.