What can I do about hyperpigmantation/tiena versicolor after laser hair removal on my cheekbones? (Photos)

Question

Hello, I had 2 sessions of cheekbones laser hair removal and the last time I noticed a white patches on my cheeks, and also little brown patches. I'm already see some results from the treatment. I had the white patches before but they definetly not were that noticable. I went to the laser clinic and they told me that they don't think it's from the laser and that it was already there and now I just see it because the hairs not there and that its a tinea versicolor, but I don't if to believe them.

Adaeze Okeke, MD · Answer

Hi there, generally hypopigmentation caused by lasers and tinea versicolor are two different things. Tinea is caused by a fungus which generally responds well to topical treatments and gradual UV light exposure. Your primary care doctor should be able to diagnose and treat you if it is tinea versicolor. Your skin looks good, the hypopigmented areas appear mild and your natural color should return either way. Good luck!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Hyperpigmentation of any type needs a combination approach of peels like cosmelan, lasers like clear and brilliant and aerolase or laser genesis, radiofrequency like venus viva, and constant skin care and sun protection. Bimonthly facials with silk peel dermalinfusion are essential to hydrate, exfoliate and infuse vitamins and antioxidants into the skin. If you have acne you can do additional treatments and peels to get more improvement. I suggest a formal consultation with an expert in lasers and peels. Best, Dr. Emer.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos. Hypopigmentation (loss of color) can occur with any laser type treatment and is more likely on darker skin. To truly determine if something is hypopigmentation vs tinea, you may need to see a dermatologist to evaluate the skin under UV light or with a skin scraping to see if there truly is a fungal infection. If not, it is possible you have post-treatment hypopigmentation. Hope this helps!

Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Johnson C. Lee, MD 
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

What can I do about hyperpigmantation/tiena versicolor after laser hair removal on my cheekbones? (Photos)

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