Discoloration from Erbium Laser Resurfacing

January 27, 2009
Asked By:Gail2009 in jersey city, New Jersey

I am a 26 year-old-girl of Asian origin. I went to a doctor for chemical peels to treat my acne. I started seeing significant difference and wasn't getting as much acne as before. The doctor then recommended laser resurfacing for the acne scars, so I had Erbium Laser Resurfacing done around November last year. My skin peeled heavily. I was applying a lot of sun screen during the day. My face looked smoother in 4 weeks, but I started to notice some slight discoloration on both my cheeks, on my nose, and some bit on my forehead. Some are brown patches while others are pink. I am trying to cover it with makeup but it does look awfully bad without any makeup. My doctor told me to apply Retin A and Hydroquinone every night. I have been doing this for over 2 weeks now. The patches look a little lighter but not so light that I can walk around without makeup. I am definitely not happy with the results of laser resurfacing. What can be done to make these discolorations fade? Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Answers (4)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
VOTED MOST HELPFUL
March 27, 2011

Answer: Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation after laser resurfacing

1 person found this helpful
William Ting, MDDermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
VOTED MOST HELPFUL
March 27, 2011

Answer: Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation after laser resurfacing

1 person found this helpful
William Ting, MDDermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
MOST RECENT
November 2, 2010

Answer: Melasma, hyper pigmentation, ethnic skin

MOST RECENT
November 2, 2010

Answer: Melasma, hyper pigmentation, ethnic skin

February 7, 2010

Answer: Hyperpigmentation of Asian skin after laser resurfacing is common but will resolve

February 7, 2010

Answer: Hyperpigmentation of Asian skin after laser resurfacing is common but will resolve

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Answer: Hyperpigmentation after laser

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January 6, 2010

Answer: Hyperpigmentation after laser

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