Cosmelan chemical peel working or not? Should I seek another opinion? (Photos)

Question

I recently had a consult with a cosmetic dermatologist who recommended a Cosmelan chemical peel for hyperpigmentation. It was performed by the aesthetician who did Step 1 in office and I was told to apply step 2 once daily for days 2-14. I am currently on day 13 and I've noticed that my skin is very light in areas, which appears blotchy and it it remains dark in the same areas as before. Only, this time, I can't tell if it's working or actually making my skin worse. Should I discontinue use?

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

Ray Bayati, MD · Answer

Hello,In our clinic, I do perform the melisma or hyperpigmentation treatment. It should be customized the way that it would work on darker skin area so the results would be more homogenous and uniform, I like cosmelan and we have customized the formula for our patients. it works great. The only disadvantage is that the patients should continue home treatment ( not as often as initial phase) forever. I ask the patients if they can not get into the habit of doing skin care daily then don't start treatment. Compliance with treatment is a major issue. For people doing it, the results are great.Hope that helps.

Cosmelan chemical peel working or not? Should I seek another opinion? (Photos)

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Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

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Cosmelan chemical peel working or not? Should I seek another opinion? (Photos)

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Chemical Peel

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