Pigmentation loss due to laser resurfacing in darker skin. Will my skin turn back to its natural color?

Question

I have gotten several Fractional Resurfacing Treatments (Matrix RF). After six weeks, I still have areas of my face that appear lighter than the rest of my face and body. It appears as if there is a reduced amount of pigment in those areas. The areas also turn red more easily than the rest of my skin. Will I regain my natural skin color? I have NO interest in any form of bleaching such as hydroquinone, as my skin is naturally brown. I simply want to get my melanin/pigment back in those areas.

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing a question. Unfortunately, hypopigmentation can occur when treating black skin with lasers. Typically, the skin returns to normal over time. It might take up to one year to see the final results. Be patient and continue to follow up with your treating physician. Good luck,

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. I suggest that you follow-up with your board certified facial plastic surgeon to learn more about your recovery expectations, completing your treatment plan, and learning your options to reach your desired results.
Best wishes,

Leslie Pickens, MD · Answer

Matrix RF is performed on all skin types.  Your regular skin tone should return.  Make sure you avoid sun exposure after these treatments and use sun protection with spf 50.  You are right that hydroquinone may be counterproductive for you right now.

Raghu Athre, MD · Answer

I agree with Dr. Griffin.  The first critical question after hypopigmentation with laser resurfacing is the type of laser used.  CO2 is notorious for permanent hypopigmentation if the depth of penetration and energy levels are high especially in darker skinned individuals.  RF generally does not fall into this category.  The odds are that your pigmentation should return.  There really is not a magical potion that can be applied etc to hasten the process.

Thomas D. Griffin Jr., MD · Answer

Pigmentary change is a frequent occurrence with laser or radio frequency procedures. Without photos, it is tough to tell exactly what type of skin you have, but you mentioned a naturally brown color. In patients of darker skin types, pigmentary change, both lightening and darkening, is quite common. Most often, this change is due the heat and inflammation which is incited by the procedure disrupting the melanin which has been laid down by the melanocytes (pigment making cells) and not from the elimination of the cells themselves. In these cases, we expect the pigmentary change to correct itself in several months. There are certain procedures such as CO2 ablative laser resurfacing which can incite permanent changes. Largely RF does not fall into this category. I encourage you to treat your skin nicely with gentle washes, good moisturization and a daily sunscreen.

Robert H. Woods, MD · Answer

Hopefully, the redness you are experiencing is not due to sun exposure because that is something to avoid during the healing process if at all possible. The loss of pigment is due to damage to the melanocytes in the deep layer of the skin. With aggressive laser treatments this damage can be permanent. Aggressive requires more than a topical anesthetic to perform. If you had this done with numbing cream and maybe a little nerve blocks and you didn't look like you got hit by a flame thrower, then you will likely get all your pigment back in 3 to 6 months. Avoid the sun.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

With eMatrix RF the destruction of the melanocytes are collateral and if performed the face, pigmentation will likely to return back to its normal colour within 3 months. You can quicken up the process with narrowband phototherapy and also with latiesse- be guided by a dermatologist. All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Brisbane. Australia.

Pigmentation loss due to laser resurfacing in darker skin. Will my skin turn back to its natural color?

Answers (7)

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