Will these white spots from laser hair removal burning be permanent? Will they repigment?

Question

I had my legs lasered for the first time on January 17th 2017 and experienced burning from prior sun exposure, its been over 2 months and i'm worried my legs will never be normal again! I took photos after my laser treatment and everyday after until the scabbing healed, then photos weekly until now. I dont see any improvement in these white spots and i have tried fading creams, pigmentation creams, sun exposure to tan the white areas and even my skin out, and nothing seems to change the spots

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. This can be improved with lasers, microneedlig/prp, and radiofrequency. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph. Unfortunately, it is difficult to predict whether your skin will return to its normal pigmentation. Sometimes the pigment does return to normal, but depending on the laser used and the depth of the burn, the hypopigmentation can be long-lasting or irreversible. I recommend returning to your treating physician for an evaluation. Best of Luck!

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to predict whether your skin will return to its
normal pigmentation. Sometimes the pigment does return to normal, but depending
on the laser used and the depth of the burn, the hypopigmentation can be
long-lasting or irreversible. I recommend returning to your treating physician
for an evaluation. Best of Luck!

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. With discoloration like this due to burns from laser treatments, it is possible that the skin can take up to 1 year before the pigment comes back, sometimes depending on how severe that damage is the pigment may not come back but that is less common. One very big mistake is tanning the area to try and even out the color as this can cause the damage to be permanent. You need to avoid the sun all together for at least 1 year, making sure to wear SPF and reapply. I would recommend speaking with the provider you received the treatment from or your dermatologist so they can examine your skin and give you the best options for reversing the pigmentation loss. Best Wishes, Pablo Prichard, MD

Will these white spots from laser hair removal burning be permanent? Will they repigment?

Answers (4)

Answer: Hypopigmentation after laser Hair removal

Answer: Hypopigmentation after laser Hair removal

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Will these white spots from laser hair removal burning be permanent? Will they repigment?

Answers (4)

Answer: Hypopigmentation after laser Hair removal

Answer: Hypopigmentation after laser Hair removal

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Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

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