Can I use Hydroquinone to prevent a mole from growing back?

Question

i got a mole removed by laser, if i used hydroquinone would that inhibit the remaining pigment from growing back? should i give it a try?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Hydroquinone will not help with a mole but will help prevent hyperpigmentation.  I suggest you see a cosmetic dermatologist with experience. Best, Dr. Emer.

Lisa Zaleski-Larsen, DO, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is unlikely that hydroquinone will prevent a mole from returning after a laser treatment.  Hydroquinone can inhibit pigment from forming.  However, when you have a mole, the melanocytes (or cells of a mole) are already there.  A laser can destroy some of them but it is unlikely to removal all of the cells (hence a repigmentation).  If the mole is going to repigment it will do so whether or not you use a topical product.  A high SPF zinc or titanium sunscreen daily is highly recommended.If you use hydroquinone I recommend up to a 4% preparation.  Anything higher has a possibility of making the pigment worse in a small percentage of patients.  I recommend yearly skin checks with a dermatologist.  Laser treatments of moles can make the mole look abnormal and more difficult to rule out cancer in the future.

Seth Kates, MD · Answer

HiHydroquinone is effective at reducing superficial pigmentation, eg freckles or melasma (mask of pregnancy).  It will not have any effect on the recurrence of a mole after removal or the pigmentation that a mole produces.  That pigmentation is too deep in the skin and unrelated to the pigmentation that is treated by hydroquinone.

Can I use Hydroquinone to prevent a mole from growing back?

Answers (3)

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