I had 4 sun spots frozen off - now doctor is telling me to laser

Question

I had a faint discoloration on my face the dermatologist proceeded to freeze them said - no need to do laser. 2 of the 4 spots are bad now ( much darker than before. Leist looks like I have a tattoo of a tear drop. I went back to him 7 weeks later and he said -oops. I guess you fooled me and your skin is more olive than I thought "And than he told me he will laser them when the machine comes back to this office. I know I can bleach them but is laser safe at this point. ill go elsewhere

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

Mark Attalla, MBBS · Answer

Thanks for your email.
Sometimes liquid nitrogen can fail to deliver the results and you may need to use other methods that are designed to remove skin pigmentation successfully, such as Erbium, Co2 , Ruby or -Switch Nd yag laser ssytems, You may need to be prescribed for a skin lightening product as a homecare to even out your skin tone. Please make sure that you ask the relevant questions form your qualified laser therapist of dermatologists to avoid any confusions.
Best of luck,

Mary Beth Mudd, MD · Answer

Skin type and coloration are very important in affecting what types of treatment to perform as well as possible results that can be expected. Skin with olive coloration can be more difficult to treat so  I would suggest that you place yourself under the care of a cosmetic physician very experienced in using lasers and light treatments on the face who also understands how to deal with skin with some olive color. I would also suggest follow-up sooner with the physician following the treatment to make sure that your skin reacts properly.  There are topicals that can be used to help the skin respond properly to a laser treatment to reduce risk of post-treatment pigmentation problems. Best of luck to you. .

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  It sounds like your treatment didn't make the situation better.  A quality laser is expensive and filled with sophisticated technology that needs to be calibrated on a regular basis.  You won't find the best technology available riding around in the back of a truck, moving from office to office everyday.  These machines are usually outdated junk.  We have a ton of money invested in lasers and we hesitate to move them across the hall.  Based on your previous treatment experience, I'm not sure they should get a second chance.  Best of luck.

I had 4 sun spots frozen off - now doctor is telling me to laser

Answers (4)

Answer: Stay Away from Rental Laser Practices

Answer: Stay Away from Rental Laser Practices

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I had 4 sun spots frozen off - now doctor is telling me to laser

Answers (4)

Answer: Stay Away from Rental Laser Practices

Answer: Stay Away from Rental Laser Practices

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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