How long after CO2 skin resurfacing can I start to use fading creams to treat hyperpigmentation?

Question

I have post inflammatory hyperpigmentation from co2 skin resurfacing. How many weeks/months should I wait after this surgery until I can start using fading creams such as Meladerm or Hydroquinone?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office specializes in fractional co2 laser and I have written several articles on fractional co2 in academic journals. We advise patients who undergo fractional co2 laser to apply Melarase AM and Melarase PM before and immediately after the laser session. Best,Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Shobhan Manoharan, MBBS, FACD · Answer

Check with your dermatologist but as long as the skin has healed (normal skin returned, no broken areas) I will often restart with low concentration hydroquinone a few nights a week, and gradually increase in frequency.  Be careful with irritation in this early post treatment phase, and back off should there be noticeable redness, excessive dryness, or burning.  As fading continues, concentrations of hydroquinone may be increased, and other agents such as AHAs, retinoids, etc may also be added to further help fading your post inflammatory hyper pigmentation.  Absolute sun protection with an SPF 50+ sunscreen and avoidance is critical also.  That's my personal regime; check with your dermatologist as to how they approach this after-care scenario.

How long after CO2 skin resurfacing can I start to use fading creams to treat hyperpigmentation?

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