What is the best way to remove the dark spots from around my belly button? (Photo)

Question

I've had laser hair removal from that area but I need to now remove the left over dark spots on my stomach from razor shaving over the years in that area. What is best way to have these dark spots removed for my skin tone?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser.  Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.  
Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

A series of in-office, superficial, full-strength salicylic acid peels (or alternatively full strength glycolic acid or Jessner's Solution) can be quite helpful for lightening post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in all skin types, particularly when combined with the regular at-home use of topical prescription-strength bleaching creams. You would be wise to consult a board certified cosmetic dermatologist and best of luck.

Laura A. Katz, MD · Answer

Your dark spots are not necessarily left over from shaving over the years.  Yes they could be scarring from years of folliculitis.  OR they could be hyperpigmentation from the incorrect laser used on your skin type for the laser hair removal..  If you have caucasian skin types one thru 3 or asian skin type 4, an alex short beam laser is safe for hair removal.  If you have darker skin types 5 and 6 which are your african american, indian, and hispanic skin types, the safe type of laser to use is a yag laser or you get permanent hypo or hyperpigmentation.

What is the best way to remove the dark spots from around my belly button? (Photo)

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