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I have hypopigmentation after Fraxel Restore. Can Latisse be applied to my scars to darken their pigmentation? (photos)

Had 2 treatments of Fraxel restore done on surgical scars on my legs. Now the scars are lighter than the surrounding skin. Can Latisse be applied to my scars to darken their pigmentation? Or are there any other options? I read a study about this. What are the benefits/risks? I am Caucasian with fair/medium skin.

Doctor Answers 2

Fraxel laser and hypopigmentation

July 6th, 2014
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Fraxel is a great laser but when treating scars at high settings hypopigmentation can sometimes occur.  Latisse is not FDA approved for hypopigmentation but there are some anecdotal reports of it working.  I would consult with your treating physician to see if there is any other treatment they can offer you for the skin color.

Web reference: http://www.michelegreenmd.com/fraxel-dual-laser

Michele S. Green, MD
July 6th, 2014

Fraxel laser and hypopigmentation

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Fraxel is a great laser but when treating scars at high settings hypopigmentation can sometimes occur.  Latisse is not FDA approved for hypopigmentation but there are some anecdotal reports of it working.  I would consult with your treating physician to see if there is any other treatment they can offer you for the skin color.

Learn more: http://www.michelegreenmd.com/fraxel-dual-laser

Michele S. Green, MD

Latisse to address hypopigmentation

June 23rd, 2014
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Latisse has been used by doctors to try to correct hypopigmentation with varying results. The company was even looking into a study to see whether Latisse can be helpful. It would be important to understand that this is an off-label treatment, and if you're trying to improve hypopigmentation to treat just the hypopigmented areas, any Latisse that spreads to the surrounding area can actually make the condition worse - and the area can look more uneven in coloration.
Joseph A. Eviatar, MD, FACS
June 23rd, 2014

Latisse to address hypopigmentation

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Latisse has been used by doctors to try to correct hypopigmentation with varying results. The company was even looking into a study to see whether Latisse can be helpful. It would be important to understand that this is an off-label treatment, and if you're trying to improve hypopigmentation to treat just the hypopigmented areas, any Latisse that spreads to the surrounding area can actually make the condition worse - and the area can look more uneven in coloration.
Joseph A. Eviatar, MD, FACS
*Treatment results may vary

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.