Why was hydroquinone 4% cream prescribed before CO2 laser?

Question

Why did my doctor prescribe hypocophen cream 4% to be applied once a day a week BEFORE my co2 laser treatment. From what I am reading it is usually post op cream. I read somewhere not to use anything with retinoid in it before the treatment. Also I'm having under-eye lid surgery directly before this treatment.

Trent D. Douglas, MD, FACS · Answer

Hydroquinone is usually prescribed in the 4-6% range and is used as a skin bleaching agent.  It is useful as a stand-alone treatment as well as part of a skin pre-treatment regimen.  The hydroquinone chemical turns down the pigment production to minimize risk of pigment changes after laser treatment. It is a very important part of preparation to optimize your result.  Laser treatments and eyelid surgery are commonly performed together.  If you have questions prior to your procedure, make sure and ask your surgeon.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

ALL laser treatments should have the skin pretreated to prevent hyper pigmentation.  This is why the hydroquinone would be used and I suggest you see your physician if this wasn't explained properly.  Best, Dr. Emer.

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