Do you know what the white slightly raised facial lines are and how to treat? (Photo)

Question

I had a major facelift surgery with a chemical peel one year ago and was pleased with the results. About 3-4 months later I noticed some slightly elevated white lined areas. My plastic surgeon said he had not seen this before and recommended pro fractional laser resurfacing at about 6 months post op, which he performed. The white raised lines have increased where the laser resurfacing was done, even my upper right lip. I am assume I had a reaction to the laser. Do you know how to treat this?

Steven H. Wiener, MD · Answer

You appear to have areas of hypopigmentation which is common following laser procedures The pattern of your hypopigmentation parallels the treatment pattern used in your laser treatment. At this time i would be patient, as this should improve over time.  Make sure you use sunblock all the time.

Samir Undavia, MD · Answer

It appears as though you have some hypopiogmentation with laser resurfacing which can occur.  It many instances, it can be short-lived.  I would make sure you have sunblock on at all times, so the areas which are pigmented don't get darker and cause the whiter areas to stand out more.  I would also see a dermatologist to maker sure this isn't Vitiligo (which I highly doubt).  Good luck!Samir

Anthony A. Admire, MD, FACS · Answer

It looks like you developed hypopigmentation caused by a combination of the peel and laser. This isn't unusual. It could be permanent or temporary that could take a long time to correct. I would recommend waiting it out for now and see what it looks like a few months from now.

Fernando Colon, MD · Answer

It is hard to give an opinion without a personal evaluation.
The photos suggest some areas of hypopigmentation followed
by areas of presumably normal pigmentation. Hypopigmentation
is not a rare occurrence after facial resurfacing procedures. Seems
to me that the interposition of pigmentation next to hypopigmentation
areas of skin may create an optical effect that could explain some of
your concerns. I would wait at least a year from the last treatment  prior any other form of  skin care in regards to the pigment and avoid sun exposure. Best wishes.

Benjamin W. Cilento, MD · Answer

Any time you resurface the skin there is a risk of temporary or even permanent color changes. This varies with the type of laser peel and the aggressiveness of the provider. If this proves to be permanent then treatment options are limited Im afraid. You can wear makeup and/or lighten the surrounding skin with a lightening product.

I hope this helps

Dr Ben

I hope this helps

Dr Ben

Jamie Moenster, DO · Answer

They are areas of hypo-pigmentation.  This can be improved sometimes with additional treatments or a prescription lighten agent like hydroquinone.  Best Wishes!

Dominic Castellano, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello kmarrs,
It appears that you have some pigmentary discrepancies on your skin. This could be due to hypopigmentation (lightening) or hyperpigmentation (darkening) of the skin. Both can occur with resurfacing. Hypopigmentation is a permanent condition, whereas the hyperpigmentation can be treated with topical bleaching agents or other forms of light therapy. I cannot appreciate the raised aspects that you are referencing. Additional photos would be helpful. If you are not happy with the results then I would recommend getting a second opinion. 
Take care,
Dr. Dominic

William H. Jervis, MD, FACS (in memoriam) · Answer

deeper peels can lead to loss of pigmentation, and so can laser resurfacing.  this could be long term or permanent.  if this is the case you may need to disguise it with makeup.  or you could try gain more uniform coloration by repeating the peel over the areas that are darker to make them lighter.  difficult issue.

Do you know what the white slightly raised facial lines are and how to treat? (Photo)

Answers (8)