Question about hypopigmentation treatment

Good Morning ! I would recommend seeking an esthetician to help with different treatments of pigmentation issues. Have a good day

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. Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. 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

I'm sorry to hear about your concerns with hypopigmentation. Hypopigmented scars, particularly those that result from acne and subsequent sunburn, can be challenging to treat, but there are several options you might consider. It's important to consult with a dermatologist to determine the best approach for your specific case. Here are some treatments that are commonly used for hypopigmented scars:

1. **Topical Treatments:**
- **Corticosteroids:** Topical corticosteroids can sometimes help to reduce inflammation and promote repigmentation.
- **Tacrolimus or Pimecrolimus:** These are immunomodulating agents that might help in some cases of hypopigmentation.
- **Retinoids:** Topical retinoids (like tretinoin) can help in skin turnover and might improve the appearance of scars over time.

2. **Laser Therapy:**
- **Fractional Laser Resurfacing:** This can help to stimulate collagen production and may improve both the texture and pigmentation of the scar.
- **Excimer Laser:** This type of laser can target hypopigmented areas and stimulate melanocytes (the cells that produce pigment).

3. **Microneedling:**
- Microneedling involves using fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, which can stimulate collagen production and sometimes improve pigmentation.

4. **Chemical Peels:**
- Superficial chemical peels can help to promote skin turnover and may improve the appearance of both the texture and pigmentation of the scar.

5. **Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy:**
- PRP involves injecting your own platelet-rich plasma into the scar to promote healing and regeneration, which might help with pigmentation.

6. **Camouflage Makeup:**
- While not a treatment, high-quality camouflage makeup can effectively cover hypopigmented areas and improve cosmetic appearance.

7. **Sun Protection:**
- Protecting the scar from further sun exposure is crucial. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and consider wearing hats or other protective clothing to prevent further damage.

8. **Depigmenting Agents:**
- In some cases, your dermatologist may suggest using depigmenting agents on the surrounding skin to make the hypopigmented area less noticeable.

Each of these treatments has its benefits and potential risks, and the effectiveness can vary depending on the individual and the specific characteristics of the scar. It's essential to have a thorough discussion with a dermatologist to tailor the treatment to your needs and ensure that you understand the potential outcomes and any associated risks.