I had a botched laser resurfacing treatment that left facial skin patchy light and dark. Any suggestions?

Question

Please advise

Adam Scheiner, MD · Answer

Laser Skin Resurfacing can stimulate the melanocytes (pigment cells) in the deeper skin.They can respond by producing pigment in the new healing skin.This can be treated with Hydroquinones and Retin-A but will often take 2 months to improve.Talk to your practitioner about putting you on these compounds if they feel you have post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.I hope this was helpful.

Michael Boggess, MD · Answer

Hello.  Thank you for your question.  Hyperpigmentation (darker areas) and hypopigmentation (lighter areas) are risks of laser skin resurfacing.  The risk of these complications is higher in individuals with darker skin.  The fact that you have some pigmentation problems following your procedure does not necessarily mean that your procedure was "botched".  All cosmetic procedures have risks.  Complications can occur even in the hands of the most experienced surgeons performing procedures with perfect technique.  Hyperpigmentation generally responds well to treatment, while hypopigmentation is a little more challenging problem.  I would suggest that you follow-up with your provider, if you have not already done this, and make them aware of your concerns.  They need to be aware of the complication and may be able to advise you on a treatment plan to correct the pigmentation problems.  If they are not willing or able to advise you and manage the problem, then I would suggest getting a consultation with a Facial Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist with experience in managing pigmentation problems.  I hope this information is helpful.

Anne Marie Tremaine, MD · Answer

My most important recommendation is sun avoidance. You should be wearing sunscreen (at least SPF 30) every day and wearing wide brim hats when outside. Excessive sun exposure after laser treatment can lead to prolonged discoloration of the skin. In terms of further treatments for the discoloration, depending on the appearance, I might recommend bleaching creams, chemical peels, or possibly further laser treatments. A consultation is very important to determining the next step.

Marc J. Salzman, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation is not rare after laser resurfacing. Avoid sun exposure and wear a good sunscreen at all times while outside. Creams like Kojic acid, hydroquinone and Lytera can help. If it doesn't go away after 3 months I would consider adding Intense Pulse Light to the regimen. Follow up with your surgeon is recommended.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Sun exposure can cause pigmentation problems.  Always wear sunscreen and avoid the sun when possible.  Your surgeon can recommend a good skin care program to aid in the healing of the laser procedure.  An exam will help determine the next step. Follow up with your surgeon.

I had a botched laser resurfacing treatment that left facial skin patchy light and dark. Any suggestions?

Answers (5)

Answer: Avoid the sun

Answer: Avoid the sun

Answer: Avoid the Sun

Answer: Avoid the Sun

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Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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I had a botched laser resurfacing treatment that left facial skin patchy light and dark. Any suggestions?

Answers (5)

Answer: Avoid the sun

Answer: Avoid the sun

Answer: Avoid the Sun

Answer: Avoid the Sun

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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