Hyperpigmentation 2 Weeks After Fraxel Repair

Hi,

I agree with Dr. Weiner.  In addition, I have found the use of NIA-24 skin moisturizer very helpful.  I hope that your hyperpigmentation clears rapidly.

Dr. P

PIH (postinflammatory hyperpigmentation) can happen after any resurfacing procedure but is more common in skin which tans in response to sunlight (Fitzpatrick skin types 4, 5, and 6).  PIH is temporary and can be treated.  Three medications which are most commonly used are a mild steroid cream, hydroquinone 4%, and judicious use of a sunblocking cream which blocks UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C light. 

Uneveness in pigmentation after Fraxel re:pair (streaking) is very common, and goes away after a few weeks.  Darker pigmentation needs to be treated with hydroquinones, usually 4%, but you could go up to 8 or 10%.  If your skin can tolerate a rentin A, the comination product Triluma is very good.  I had a few cases of hyperpigmentation, mostly in darker skin individuals, which has always gone away very quickly.  I have seen others report on Realself that it has been harder to reverse but that's not what I have experienced.