Acupulse for acne scars. Any suggestions for post inflammatory hyperpigmentation? (Photo)

Question

I got this laser treatment less than four months ago. I had temple acne cars for many years and I never cared about getting them treated until recently. I received a total of two treatments one month apart the last one was aggressive and I felt it was disastrous the way I looked afterwards however, I do see some improvement now. I am suffering from post inflammatory hyperpigmentation at the moment and my doctor is treating me with topical creams, PDL laser and aeroplase .. good suggestions?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

​Hyperpigmentation of any kind needs a combination approach of peels like cosmelan, enlighten and aerify along with dermarolling (EmerageSkin roller with anteage AERIFY MD ampules weekly,; lasers like Clear + Brilliant, Aerolase or Laser Genesis; radiofrequency like Venus Viva; and constant skin care and sun protection. Bimonthly facials with SilkPeel DermalInfusion are essential to hydrate, exfoliate and infuse vitamins and antioxidants into the skin. If you have acne you can do additional treatments and peels to get more improvement. Hypopigmentation will need more of an evaluation and possibly additional lasers to get improvement. I suggest a formal consultation with an expert in lasers and peels. Best, Dr. Emer.​

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

It appears that your doctor is being extremely attentive to your problem. Many doctors do not have all the treatment options available which you are receiving. Fortunately PIH will resolve on its own given enough time.  This is an unfortunate but well known complication of any laser. Best of luck in your treatment.

Acupulse for acne scars. Any suggestions for post inflammatory hyperpigmentation? (Photo)

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Acupulse for acne scars. Any suggestions for post inflammatory hyperpigmentation? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.