I'm from the middle east & have hyperpigmentation caused by Laser Hair Removal. Could spectra laser increase my hyperpigmention?

Question

I did laser hair removal a year ago which caused hyperpigmentation. Last month, my doctor gave me a one month treatment course of dermamelan and the results were good, but i still have the pigments. Doctor advised me to do spectra laser now, one session a week for 6 weeks. My concern is: could spectra laser increase my hyperpigmention?

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Middle Eastern skin is prone to hyperpigmentation.Before you spend $$ on peels or IPL, try these topicals.
This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). 
I recommend Melarase AM and Melarase PM creams from Kare Skin as well as a broad spectrum sunblock like Spectrase. Bothe are from Kare Skin. Scler-x post inflammatory hyperigmentation relief complex is a great supplement to take as well. See link below. 
Spectrase is a wide spectrum sunblock SPF 50+that is also recommended to prevent ongoing inflammation.

Edward E. Dickerson, IV, MD · Answer

I did laser hair removal a year ago which caused hyperpigmentation. Last month, my doctor gave me a one month treatment course of dermamelan and the results were good, but i still have the pigments. Doctor advised me to do spectra laser now, one session a week for 6 weeks. My concern is: could spectra laser increase my hyperpigmention?I would advise some less invasive treatments first.  Try consulting with a medical esthetician for information regarding chemical peels and microdermabrasion for lightening the dark spots before you try lasering over laser created hyperpigmentation.

Marilyn Pelias, MD · Answer

Before using a laser on laser created hyperpigmentation, I would try 4, 8, or 12 percent hydroquinone combined with a hydrocortisone base.  This will deactivate the pigment producing cells and lessen your chance of having further problems.  The HQ may even improve the discoloration enough that you might not need any further treatment.

I'm from the middle east & have hyperpigmentation caused by Laser Hair Removal. Could spectra laser increase my hyperpigmention?

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I'm from the middle east & have hyperpigmentation caused by Laser Hair Removal. Could spectra laser increase my hyperpigmention?

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Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.