Can the Cutera Excel V cause hyper and hypopigmentation? 2 months post-op.

Question

I had a global treatment using the Cutera Excel V across my cheeks about 2 months ago. The nurse mentioned it was an aggressive treatment and it hurt like hell. Since treatment, my skin has been more blotchy, but what bothers me most is there is a line of dark dots that I never used to have across my cheeks, and white blotches here and there. Is it possible for this treatment to cause hyper or hypopigmentation? I have very fair skin with red undertones and freckles. Thankyou for your help.

Rebecca Fitzgerald, MD · Answer

Lasers generally create intense heat and when the settings are high or there are multiple passes, they can cause both additional pigmentation and/or loss of pigmentation. Thankfully, this is not a typical side effect, but it does happen. Aggressive treatments aren't always a good choice if you don't know how your skin responds. Nothing is more frustrating than treating one problem only to have it replaced by a different one.Treating new pigmentation will take some time. It's important that you use sunscreen every day. Laser choice is critical - your genetic background counts in the selection, because even those with very fair skin who have darker skin genes can get unexpected outcomes. As to the loss of pigment, this is a more complicated issue. It could be that the additional hyperpigmentation is creating more color contrast that may not be actually hypopigmentation.I would suggest you seek the opinion of a board certified dermatologist in person who can offer the best course of treatment.

Glenn Messina, MD · Answer

this laser and almost any other can cause hyper and hypo pigmentation. The " aggressive treatment" increases the risk of unwanted outcomes. The hyper pigmentation is less worryi=some because it tends to remove in time. Hypopogmentation is more difficult in light skin types it tends to resolve but may not.

Can the Cutera Excel V cause hyper and hypopigmentation? 2 months post-op.

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Can the Cutera Excel V cause hyper and hypopigmentation? 2 months post-op.

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Excel V

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