Are there any treatments besides allowing time to pass that will erase hemosiderin deposits from below my eyes? (photo)

Question

The last of my bruises from lower-lid surgery suddenly turned brown and were joined by dark circles below each eye after about an hour bike ride in the sun using a high SPF sunblock (5 weeks post-op, now 8). I am of Italian descent and have dark, easily tanned skin. I do not burn under normal circumstances. I diligently apply zinc oxide to the area and avoid the sun as much as possible (wearing sunglasses and a hat). Is there any treatment for this problem? With time will the marks go away?

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Klisak.  Yes, we commonly use q-switched lasers to treat hemosiderin staining.  Q-switched lasers were originally designed to remove tattoos and birthmarks, but they are also great for removing sun damage and dark scars.  Your issue is a result of melanin being generated during healing of a profound bruise.  This is a form of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and is something we commonly treat using the Palomar Q-Yag V or Medlite C6 lasers.  The treatments are VERY technique dependent, which means just because you own the laser does not mean you can perform the treatment well, so search for a practice that commonly treats PIH with q-switched lasers.  Good luck.

Joseph A. Eviatar, MD, FACS · Answer

Under eye hyper-pigmentation can often be improved with IPL (intense pulse light) laser or q-switched laser (see below).  IPL works nicely for this and is often combined with steroid cream to prevent further inflammatory hyper-pigmentation during the healing phase.  Avoiding the sun is crucial after treatment to break the cycle and sunblock/sunglasses are a must

Are there any treatments besides allowing time to pass that will erase hemosiderin deposits from below my eyes? (photo)

Answers (2)