What is the best treatment for hyperpigmentation after halo laser? (Photo)

As a doctor who has done thousands of laser treatments with great results, I know that going to an experienced physician is extremely important. However, any laser skin treatment has the possibility of causing post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Usually post inflammatory hyper pigmentation will gradually resolve over many months but may take years. The best treatment for post laser hyperpigmention is a prescription strength topical cream with hydrodrqunone, retininol and a mild steroid along with a bimonthly q-switched 1064 laser at low fluence. We also get good results using The Perméa Clear and Brilliant laser to improve pigmentation but we avoid lightening creams with retinol when we are using this laser treatment. The most important thing is to go to an experienced laser doctor. It's also best to allow us to see you in the office to specifically evaluate your best options for beautiful skin.

Thank you for your question. We recommend returning to your treating provider for recommendations. If you are treating hyperpigmentation associated with melasma, it will take several sessions of Halo to lift the pigment out of the skin.  If the hyperpigmentation developed after having a Halo treatment, it could be that you were exposed to UV radiation too soon, and without enough SPF protection the freshly treated skin will be sensitive to sun exposure and darken easily.  Typically sun avoidance, lightening creams, and retinoids will help to reduce this over time.  There are also some patients who are more susceptible to hyperpigmentation following laser or light treatments, usually due to their skin types.  These patients typically need to use lightening creams before and after Halo to avoid such side effects.

The best thing to do would be to consult the office you had the Halo treatment done with to let them know how your skin is healing and with any questions regarding treatment. Depending on how long it has been after Halo you can start using hydroquinone creams to help lighten the hyperpigmentation or otherwise known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation Many times caused from the heat from laser treatments. Good news is that its not permanent and can be fixed. Hope this helps!