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.
December 23, 2017
Answer: Hypopigmentation post laser resurfacing 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.
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December 23, 2017
Answer: Hypopigmentation post laser resurfacing 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.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
December 23, 2017
Answer: Hypopigmentation 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.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
December 23, 2017
Answer: Hypopigmentation 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.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
