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!

Hyperpigmentation can be frustrating after HALO, but know that it is usually not permanent.  Do not attempt to use any over the counter skin lighteners.  Contact your physician and let him know what you are experiencing.  He/she may prescribe a course of Hydroquinone to lighten the skin.  Also please be prudent about applying sunscreen with SPF 30 or retire, preferably containing zinc.  This should be applied every few hours with in direct sunlight.  It is important to continue protecting your skin from the sun for at least three months after your HALO procedure.  
Even with treating the hyper pigmentation, you will likely have excellent results and noticed an improvement in your skin overall. I hope this helps you some.

Shyrlena~