Burnt during laser hair removal (Candela Gentle YagProU). How to treat brown marks? I have Indian skin tone (Photo)

Question

Got burnt during first sitting in Feb 17. Got redness which subsided in a week, overtime brown marks developed on both cheeks. Doctor reassured me they will fade and I can continue laser. Prescribed ointments like melalite15, melaglow rich, lumicep but none helped fade the scars. Gave me one laser sitting for the brown marks which seemed to help to a very limited (5%) degree. It's a year and a half later and I still have brown marks. Is there any treatment? Any essential oils I could use?

Misbah Khan MD, FAAD, FACMS · Answer

Im not sure if treating your skin with another high powered laser like PicoSure is a good idea as it will create more inflammation and hence more post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. I have had some success of treating this with some of the lasers that I have in my office. usually a combination is required. Im not sure if you can travel to NY for this treatment though?

Sheryl D. Clark, MD, FAAD · Answer

Dear LaserBurns:You may be able to clear this up with the proper medicated products before attempting laser treatments, which are unreliable and sometimes can make the pigmentation worse. Consider a Retinol or prescription tretinoin, Lytera, which has tranexemic acid and botanicals and has been shown in studies to be as effective as hydroquinone, and a sunscreen which blocks alll UVA, UVB and visible light, such as Elta MD tinted.

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and posting pictures.  It sounds like you have post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.  We would probably recommend the PicoSure FOCUS and / or Flat lens.  It is safe for all skin types.  It was worked well for most of our patients.  Our patients typically need a series of 3-5 treatments.  You will need to wear a medical grade sunscreen to help keep them at bay.  Best of luck.

Burnt during laser hair removal (Candela Gentle YagProU). How to treat brown marks? I have Indian skin tone (Photo)

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Burnt during laser hair removal (Candela Gentle YagProU). How to treat brown marks? I have Indian skin tone (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

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