Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation from Restylane and Hyaluronidase injections? (Photo)

Question

Restylane injection in tear throughs only made matters worse and caused discolouration. I had Hyaluronidase injected to dissolve the Restylane, but now the discolouration seems even worse and is unchanged after 2 months. Dr says Restylane is gone, but he's been incompetent, and I even had my money refunded because of that. When he did the injections he used about 5-6 injection sites along tear through on each side. It's dark and gets easily red, worse on one eye than the other. Please help!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

PIH is a process that is quite common after surgery. Known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, PIH can make your scars look far worse than they should be. We can develop PIH after acne scars and after surgery, particularly if you have darker complexions. In clinical practice, we always begin with application of Melarase AM and Melarase PM creams (coupled with Melapads) to help smooth out the color and pigmentation. Once the creams are started, lasers can be used to further reduce the scarring. 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing your problems. I am not sure how much of the pigmentation is due to inflammation and how much was originally present. Steroids, Hydroquinone and laser treatments might help. It will probably improve with time as well.Good luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

you can use skin lightening, peels, lasers to get improvement from pigmentation.  Please see an expert. Best, Dr. Emer.

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

Every time you are injected with a needle you run the risk of developing post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It will remain after the filler has been dissolved. It usually resolves on its own, but can take several months. Skin lightening creams and chemical peels can help. Best wishes.

Jeffrey M. Joseph, MD · Answer

If this is reactive (post-inflammatory) hyper pigmentation, it should resolve. Topical meds, peels, or certain laser treatments can help.

Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation from Restylane and Hyaluronidase injections? (Photo)

Answers (6)