Did facial resurfacing with Renuvion 15 months ago. Left unraised white marks on neck. How to regain pigment? (photos)

Question

Had great results on face but lost pigment on neck. Surgeon recommended IPL. Did 2 sessions and then moved cities. New dermatologist thought it was scarring and did 2 fractional laser sessions with her and I moved again. I am a nomad. Hoping to confirm what is the correct treatment so I can find a specialist with that tool rather than switching treatments with each move.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Sorry for this very common complication following facial resurfacing, no matter the technology used. Whether it is chemical peels, laser peels, Heluim peels (J-Plamsa/Renuvion), etc this hypo pigmentation effect occurs. Seeing more with the J-Plasma/Renuvion then other technologies. Maybe that is why FDA placed a restriction on use of this on skin? As for possible re pigmentation "tools" I do not really think there is much availble once hypo pigmentation occurs. Might consider very superficial light tan tattooing, but try a test area first.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I am so very sorry about your troubles. You have lost pigment from an aggressive treatment. I would suggest cosmetic, not artistic tattooing to replace the lost pigment.  More heat treatments will not improve your color loss.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

The face can tolerate ablative treatments that would leave horrific scarring on other parts of the body. The neck is not part of the face and while it heals better than other parts of the body it does not have the same capacity to heal that the face does.

When surgeons do a blade of treatments onto the neck they are engaging in risky behavior and power settings should be reduced substantially when blending onto the neck.

With enough dermal damage the melanocytes can be destroyed leaving people with hypo pigmentation.
I don’t believe that doing more energy-based treatments are going to allow your melanocytes to come back alive.

I suggest letting your face rest and doing nothing except sunscreen for a couple of years in regards to skin treatments.

Doctors will be quick to reach for some device when there’s money to be made.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Did facial resurfacing with Renuvion 15 months ago. Left unraised white marks on neck. How to regain pigment? (photos)

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Did facial resurfacing with Renuvion 15 months ago. Left unraised white marks on neck. How to regain pigment? (photos)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Renuvion

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