Will a Chemical peel be effective in treating my hyperpigmentation on my smile lines? Or will I need fillers? (Photos)

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Thank you for your question. While chemical peel is a great option for irregular pigmentation, we find that the most effective treatment is one that combines a few different options. I suggest that you move forward and consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon to craft a treatment and treatment plan that is right for your particular needs.
Best wishes,

The hyperpigmentation of your face can be treated with a combination of treatments.  I would suggest a topical application of Retin-A and Hydroquinone and a series of chemical peels.  The Vi peel is good a evening your skin tone.  This should all be done under the supervision of a qualified medical professional.I hope this helps.  

Thank you for your question, and for sharing some pictures
also! You don’t have to necessarily receive chemical peels to help with your
concerns of hyperpigmentation. Staying out of the sun for prolonged periods of
time will help to slow down the production of melanin in the areas, and wearing
a physical sunscreen will be a major priority for you, and re-applying
sunscreen every 2 hours when you are out in the sun. There are some chemical
peels out there that can help pull out pigmentation, as well as texture, fine
lines and wrinkles. Fillers are also another option to help smooth out the nasal
labial folds (smile lines).

You would be a great candidate for a chemical peel we do called a Retinol Peel. Retinol Peels are very effective for reducing hyperpigmentation and are particularly good options for patients with darker skin tones who are not ideal candidates for many laser procedures. It is also great for anti-aging and will help firm your skin. I will tell you that you will not see a major improvement in smile lines from the peel alone, although yours don't look very deep from the photo. The peel is done in-office and takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. Following the peel I would expect your skin to peel for 2-4 days, however you can still go about your normal life, just keeping in mind staying out of the sun and wearing SPF and moisturizer. I'd recommend an in-person consult to further discuss the peel and determine the best treatment plan for your needs and goals.

I would start with something easy like a Glycolic Aid 40% peel. You will see a noticeable brightening effect, including evening out the discoloration. A home regimen of topical vitamin A and/or a bleaching cream containing hydroquinone is effective for fading brown marks (hard to tell from the photo). Fillers would be great in your chin - whether they would help the smile lines can only be determined in person. Be well and good luck! - Estee Williams MD

Hyperpigmentation is not an easy problem to fix. It typically requires home care as well as a series of in-office procedures which could include chemical peels or microneedling. Plan on a regimen that could be 3-6 months long. I recommend that you have a discussion at an in-office consultation about the best way to address your smile lines. Filler may be an appropriate option.