I got burn marks after a warm bandage, will CO2 laser help to reduce pigmentation? (Photos)

Question

Hello, SO I got burned in august 2024 due to a warm bandage on my forehead. My skin got scabbed and than one area turned dark one area turned light. I am using hydroquinone on dark area black mark turned into brown but still there and the area which turned light now have pigment in Somme places. I am currently using mederma i want to ask does any laser will help me too return the skin to normal colour also I started to use solicon sheets too

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser.  Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.  
Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

CO2 generates lots of heat which is great for tissue contraction but not for pigmentation.  I'd suggest the Moxi laser from Sciton.  You might also consider micro needling with PRP.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I'm really sorry that this has happened to you. I am no fan of topical anti-scar silicone gels, patches, etc. So, no surprise these have not proven particularly helpful. I would be concerned, especially in a person of skin of color, to use a laser or other energy-based device, as these can often be responsible for causing pigmentaty problems. 
You would be wise to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist to discuss the use of manually performed microneedling (no need for the added expense or risks of RF microneedling) accompanied by the application of Rx pigment lightening medications for the dark spot on the right forehead and Rx pigment promoting agents for treating the hypopigmented patch on the left forehead.
Hope this helps and best of luck.

I got burn marks after a warm bandage, will CO2 laser help to reduce pigmentation? (Photos)

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about CO2 Laser

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

I got burn marks after a warm bandage, will CO2 laser help to reduce pigmentation? (Photos)

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about CO2 Laser

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