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How Can I Fix Hypopigmentation After VBeam?

I have a lighter circular footprint spot from vbeam laser that was done on my forehead 5 years ago for pinkish post acne mark which i regret doing everyday. I am desperately seeking to correct this, it basically looks like a punched out circular spot on my forehead that no longer flushes red and is lighter than the rest of my skin on forehead.

I have fair skin and get a lot of the color of my skin from the redness/blood vessels. and since they were eradicated in that spot by the vbeam, it has left a demarcated lighter circular spot. can anything be done to correct this?

Doctor Answers 3

March 15th, 2010

Post V-Beam Hypopigmentation

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The loss of "color" to the skin, in your case, is most likely from reducing the number of microcapilaries with the laser. Loss of pigmentation following laser treatment can also be caused by depletion of the melanin production cells in your skin. Hypopigmentation may take months to improve, but it can be permenent. Presently, I would suggest specific skin concealers for blending. Sun Protection is also recommended.

Burr von Maur, MD


Orange County Plastic Surgeon
4.6 out of 5 stars 22 reviews

November 2nd, 2010

VBeam Hypopigmentation

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What you are experiencing is actually the result of the VBeam working in that spot. It knocked out all the redness and the blood vessels in that area. Unfortunately, now it looks very white compared to the rest of your skin which has a more ruddy/pink undertone.  The only thing to do is to try IPL to the remainder of your forehead or using the VBeam to eliminate the ruddy tone on your forehead or at least feather out the white area to pink.

Kavita Mariwalla, MD
New York Dermatologic Surgeon

March 28th, 2010

VBeam discoloration

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Let me first say, a personal evaluation is important to get a truly accurate picture of your problem. What you are describing sounds like an "excellent" laser response, but a poor cosmetic result. The laser was effective at reducing the vessels in that one area, just too much so compared to your surrounding skin.

A series of full face V-Beam treatments at non-purpuric settings would be useful in decreasing the redness you continue to note on the rest of your face, thereby blending to one consistent color.

Jeffrey C. Poole, MD

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.