How can laser burn marks above the upper lip from IPL and Picosure be treated? (Photo)

Question

I’m an Asian woman in my mid forties . Got a laser burned mustache from having an IPL treatments. Then the doctors office did few more Picosure treatments to try to treat my burned mustache. After 4 times of the treatment there are no sign of improvement, then I switch to Tri-Luma (4%hydroquinone) for 2 months. There are no difference on my slightly blistered mustache burn. The Dr. suggested to do more Picosure treatments. What do you think I should do now?

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and posting a picture.  Sorry about the trouble you are having.  We have the same devices in our office.  Find out if your provider has tried using both the PicoSure FOCUS and Flat Lenses.  The FOCUS lens works very well on both pigment and resurfacing.  The Flat Lens works really well on only pigment.  If they have tried both lenses, I would agree to wait it out using lightening creams.  If they haven't used the Flat Lens yet, I would try 1 more treatment.  You should see results in the first 3 weeks.  Best of luck.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

What was the prior diagnosis before this? If it was melasma, then IPL treatment was not the appropriate initial management, as it often rebounds melasma. My suggestion is to get a structured history and diagnosis from a dermatologist. Getting more laser sessions may not be in your best interest. Melasma can not be completely cured, however effective treatment are possible. This is because your skin is extremely sensitive to UV and even the smallest amount can stimulate your pigment cells to produce colour. The mainstay of treatment is strict UV protection- hats, sunglasses and SPF every 4 hours. 
  
I prefer to use a combination of creams and laser for melasma. Hydroquinone can be used (5-8%), along with vitamin A creams. I usually start my patients on laser (low dose Q switch or Picosure) a few weeks after they commence on creams. Another laser I use is the Clear and Brilliant in the Permea setting combined with creams. 
  
In some cases I combine glycolic AHA peels, and in other cases I use a tablet called Tranexamic acid to help. Melasma treatments should be tailored to each patient. 
  
All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Laser, surgical and aesthetic dermatologist. Brisbane, Australia

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

i think for a burn to fade you largely have to give it time. you can try using the hydroquinone cream for 6 weeks at a time but mostly you have to wait, sometimes as long as a year. you don't want to do anything that will cause further inflammation so i would avoid any laser or chemical treatments. of course, use a good sunblock. probably, you would not have gotten a burn in the first place if you had started with the Picosure laser only.david berman md

How can laser burn marks above the upper lip from IPL and Picosure be treated? (Photo)

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How can laser burn marks above the upper lip from IPL and Picosure be treated? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about PicoSure

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.