Treating PIH in Asian Skin?

Question

Hi, I suffered an injury on my cheek a couple of months ago. The area has PIH (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation) and is now red/pink. My dermatologist thinks it will fade on it's own. However, I am interested in getting rid of it quicker. I know some procedures maybe contraindicated in asian skin because of a chance of further hyperpigmentation which is the last thing I want. What procedure(s) would you recommend that have a low chance of causing rebound hyperpigmentation. Thank you!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Dark pigmentation on the skin can be caused by genetics, hormones, 
and sun exposure. I would use a carefully curated protocol of laser 
therapy, fractional ablation, Covalent peels, and topical creams. The 
most important step is first starting Melarase creams for at least 6 to 8
 weeks. 
AM: Melaclenz, Melapads, Melarase AMPM: Melaclenz, Melapads, Melarase PMBest, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Cameron Rokhsar, MD, FAAD · Answer

In experienced hands, asian skin can be treated with almost any laser, as long as the settings are titrated accordingly to the precise texture, tone, and pigment of your specific skin. In your case, I would not recommend Fraxel laser for your post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Though it could certainly help with other common skin issues, such as large pores, scars, wrinkles, etc, I think you may want to either wait longer for the hyperpigmentation to decrease on its own, or expedite the process with a lightening cream containing hydroquinone. You must also be vigilant about sun protection. Hope this helps.

Esta Kronberg, MD · Answer

With most Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation which is brown  I suggest a home Glycolic Acid lotion program. However, your problem is red and pink. So in your case I would do a couple of tests pulses with Photofacial (IPL). Then I would wait a couple of weeks to make sure you don't have a reaction to the IPL. If you tolerate the test pulses you could benedit from Photofacial.

Treating PIH in Asian Skin?

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Treating PIH in Asian Skin?

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