Should I be using hydroquinone on my erythema red face? (photo)

Question

I am 5 weeks post co2 laser resurfacing a day I'm very red and dry. I am healing sloway. I have erythema small dark brown spots but the rest of the face is just red. My doctor said to use the bleaching cream. Should I ne using that if I haven't healed?

Jennifer Reichel, MD · Answer

First, it is almost always within the normal range to have redness and very dry, fragile skin for weeks to months after a CO2 laser resurfacing. Continue to follow the post-procedure care instructions. Hopefully, your doctor that did the procedure provided you with good information. Hydroquinone is a fading cream that treats brown discoloration. We do use it after laser resurfacing (weeks after) if there is pigment deposition from the laser treatment (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation - PIH). It is not used to treat redness. Hydroquinone can potentially be irritating if applied to fragile skin. So, if you are going to treat the brown spots with it, I would recommend that you do a small area and see if it bothers your skin. If it does not, it is probably safe to use it at this point. However, make sure you have consulted an expert in person.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend following up with a cosmetic dermatologist for after care. Laser takes 6-12 weeks to settle. You should be on the appropriate post procedural care. Photodynamic therapy can help as well. Lasers like Co2 work best in combination with other treatments in order to improve the skin's texture and collagen. After Co2, I recommend adding fraxel lasers, microneedling/prp and radiofrequency treatments. I also recommend Sculptra to rebuild collagen. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer.

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question madisonaidan. Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is an
outstanding treatment that can address multiple aspects of aging in a single
treatment. Hydroquinone can be used to treat pigmentation, but it does not address redness. Redness may last for several weeks after a treatment. Please consult with a doctor for specific recommendations.
Good luck!

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