How does body remove dark spots/pigment after Nd:YAG treatment?

Question

I’ve had the Nd:YAG treatment for dark spots before, and the pigment seemed like it was removed through the skin’s surface as a scab. However, I recently got the procedure done again and the dark spot became slightly darker after treatment and there was the faintest hint of crusting, but it never scabbed (I believe my derm used very conservative settings). Could the pigment still be in the process of being cleared even if not through the skin’s surface (perhaps by the immune system instead)?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

How does body remove dark spots/pigment after Nd:YAG treatment?

Answers (1)