I have an area of hypopigmentation on my chin as a result of an IPL treatment from a board certified plastic surgeon? (photo)

Question

What can I do about it? I hear all the time that you should go to a board certified plastic surgeon to seek laser treatments. I did just that and now I fear this may be permanent. In addition, he removed a beauty mole on my jaw line that I never asked him to remove. I went in for classic sun damage treatment and now I wish I would have stayed home that day. I can't even get concealer makeup to cover my chin. Can this be remedied?

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Susan.  You are correct, this does look like hypopigmentation.  Have you reviewed the concern with your practitioner and if so, what does he/she suggest?  
If your practitioner is not prepared to move forward with any remedial treatment, we would suggest considering fractional laser resurfacing.  While there is no treatment that is assured to bring back color to a hypopigmented area, fractional resurfacing can help generate new collagen and in the process can help improve the color difference.  
The longer the scar heals without treatment, the more difficult it will be to change the color.  To see some examples of scar treatments with Profractional resurfacing, click on the link below.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

A combination approach will give the most improvement. I recommend lasers, microneedling/prp, and radiofrequency treatments. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question susanmnilon. I am sorry to hear about your situation.
IPL is a great treatment for facial rejuvenation. For my patients I treat hypopigmentation secondary to laser treatments with fractional laser treatments. It has been reported that applying Latisse immediately after the fractional laser can help re-pigment areas of depigmentation. It may work for hypopigmentation. Please consult with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

Reza Tirgari, MD · Answer

Although it's hard to tell from your photo, there are two possibilities here:
1- the hypopigmentation is relative.  In other words, it is because there are areas that were not done to the same extent and the area without pigment is more noticeable.  This could be corrected by treating all the areas to the same extent for better uniformity.
2- you have genuine hypopigmentation due to excessively high laser settings.  In this situation, we have a number of options to help, since we have seen this before.  The best option is to first discuss with your doctor and see what he offers.  Otherwise, there are other remedies that can address this.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Hypopigmentation following IPL is common and a preferred outcome; the fact that you don't have pigment in the area is a good thing; once it comes back you will wish that it was gone; regardless, you hypopigmentation is going to be temporary and will fade; if you dont' like it, then dont do it again.

I have an area of hypopigmentation on my chin as a result of an IPL treatment from a board certified plastic surgeon? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Hypopigmentation

Answer: Hypopigmentation

Answer: Hypopigmentation following IPL

Answer: Hypopigmentation following IPL

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I have an area of hypopigmentation on my chin as a result of an IPL treatment from a board certified plastic surgeon? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Hypopigmentation

Answer: Hypopigmentation

Answer: Hypopigmentation following IPL

Answer: Hypopigmentation following IPL

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about IPL

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