How should I treat PIH after a fractional laser treatment 7 weeks ago? Will it go away? (Photo)

PIH, which is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is typically a temporary issue that subsides over time, sometimes in months, however.  Typical treatments include sun avoidance, sunscreens, and medications such as hydroquinone.  Your treatnng surgeon will instruct you on the best measures for you.I hope this helps.

Dark scars can be problematic as they can be visible far longer than one might expect. The fundamental problem with dark scars is a process known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in which the pigment cells near the scar are stimulated. In clinical practice, we always begin with application of Melarase AM and Melarase PM creams (coupled with Melapads) to help smooth out the color and pigmentation. Once the creams are started, lasers can be used to further reduce the scarring.

Best,

Dr. Karamanoukian

Realself100 Surgeon

PIH is caused by overproduction of melanin due to heat and inflammation from laser treatment.   These clumps of melanin will eventually go away.  Hydroquinone can speed up the process by slowing down the melanin production in your skin, however, it does not make the melanin that has been already produced from the laser treatment go away. One way to breakup the melanin that already exist is q-switch laser.   It is an acoustic laser treatment which will breakup the pigment into smaller fragments, which allows your own immune system called macrophages to swallow the pigment and take it away from your skin.   Currently, the pigments are too big for the macrophages  to remove them from your skin.    It does not heat up the skin as much as other traditional lasers.   The same laser is used to remove tattoos from the skin, FYI.