Dark underarms after IPL treatment? I am Asian, Filipino to be exact (Photo)

Question

I had IPL treatmemt to lighten my dark/gray underarm. However, it resulted to hyperpientation. It has been 7months after the one treatment i had and my underarm never lightemed. That is why i never went back forore treatments, which i should have supposedly done, as what i have told/read so. With mu darker underas i am scared on what to do at this point. Is there any hope for this to go back to iys original skintone?or am i doomed? Thanks.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I would use a combination of fractional laser alongside the Kareskin body brightening creams Luminase and Exfolase. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian#Realself100 Surgeon

Katherine Dee, MD · Answer

First off, I'm sorry you're in this predicament. Doing laser or IPL on Asian skin is fraught with danger. Even when the skin is light in color, there is a much higher risk of hyperpigmentation.
Topicals can usually reduce the pigmentation-- I would see a skin care doc who can prescribe you something similar to a melasma medication. We use a combination of hydroquinone, kojic acid and tretinoin that works well. Since the area is not usually sun exposed, you should be able to tamp it down well without much risk of it recurring.

Dark underarms after IPL treatment? I am Asian, Filipino to be exact (Photo)

Answers (2)