Is there any treatment to help pigmentation return to normal after a recent second degree burn? (Photo)

Question

Any treatment or product to help pigmentation return to normal after a superficial second degree burn (3 small blisters) that occurred 3 weeks ago with a hair iron. The skin healed promptly and I have been applying moisturizer and sunblock (even though no sun exposure since accident). Skin is fair and rosey. Dr are not worried about scaring as skin is smooth etc. but I am worried about pigmentation. Would like to know how long does it normally take for the skin to gain its color also. Thanks.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and questions. The best things that you can do are provide good SPF sun protection to the scar as it heals (or keep it out of the sun) and give it time. Pigment can often take 6-12 months to return to the skin after a burn. Talk with your plastic surgeon about options for scar management.Best of luck!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Skinpen, C02 skin resurfacing laser, IPL laser, fractional with the palomar icon are all effective treatments to help diminish scars,  increase your cell turnover rate and produce healthy skin cells.   The skinpen is a microneedling device that wakes up your natural growth factors and creates healthy skin cells.  The C02 laser is an ablative laser that repairs and rejuvenates the skin. The IPL laser helps to take the red out of the scar and can only be performed on lighter skin types.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

These can be improved with a combination of surgery and/or lasers and microneedling/prp. Below is a more detailed reference list of the treatments available. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a scarring expert to determine which is best for your specific case. Best, Dr. Emer 1. vascular lasers (yellow laser, vbeam, excel v)2. fractional lasers (fraxel, erbium, co2)3. microneedling/PRP4. silicone based scar gels with growth factors5. excision/ revision surgerysee an expert. Best Dr. Emer

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Dark and pigmented scars are usually caused by skin trauma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Common causes include insect bites, burns, chemical peels, lasers, and surgery. Hyperpigmentation of the skin can be treated with our Hidef scar pigmentation protocols that include laser therapy, topical Melarase creams, and skin exfoliation using chemical peels and Melapads. 
  
Melarase AM and Melarase PM is ideal for skin pigmentation on the face. Luminase and Exfolase creams are ideal for the body to correct pigmentation. In our office, we would begin our Rapid Exfoliation treatments to lighten the discoloration quickly. In some cases, Q switch laser can be used to further drive out discoloration. Clear and Brilliant laser can also be used to drive out pigmentation and add texture to a scar. 
  
Redness from PIE (post inflammatory erythema) is treated with Vbeam laser and IPL. In some cases, RF coagulation is ideal. 
  
Textural scars respond well to nanofractional RF and fractional laser to help improve surface texture. When combined with scar modulation, the results can improve dramatically. The most important variable is for you to choose a plastic surgeon with expertise in laser therapy using Hidef protocols. 
  
Best, 
  
Dr. Karamanoukian           
  
Realself100 Surgeon

Is there any treatment to help pigmentation return to normal after a recent second degree burn? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Treating PIE erythema with Melarase creams and Vbeam

Answer: Treating PIE erythema with Melarase creams and Vbeam

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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

Is there any treatment to help pigmentation return to normal after a recent second degree burn? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Treating PIE erythema with Melarase creams and Vbeam

Answer: Treating PIE erythema with Melarase creams and Vbeam

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

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