Reaction after Pico laser treatment for Melasma, advice? (photos)

Question

Red, almost burn-like marks, itchyness, swelling after 2nd Pico treatment. I did not have this reaction after the first treatment. Are these normal responses to treatment?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It takes several weeks for laser results to settle. I recommend following up with your Doctor for after care. I recommend skin care with vitamin c, b5 hydrator, silicone based scar gels with growth factors and enzymatic washes with papaya enzyme. PDT therapy can help calm inflammation. Melasma needs a combination approach to get the best improvement and will need a series of treatments. First and foremost, always wear sunscreen daily. Cosmelan is a “gold standard” leave-on peel that has a high concentration of antioxidants and skin brightening actives that can used safely on all skin types especially skin types that have irregular pigmentation such as African American, hispanic, asian and mixed ethnicities. Its effects are to improve discoloration, hyperpigmentation, melasma, while also helping skin texture, pores, and acne scarring. Cosmelan inhibits tyrosinase, an enzyme in the melanin formation process, the process of your skin tanning. So the end result is a more even skin tone without as many irregularities. Other treatments in our practice, we combine Clear + Brilliant, peels, Microneedling/PRP, Aerolase, and sometimes Erbium Laser (coollaser) to get the best results. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

I have seen your reaction of redness, bumps and itchiness. I would recommend Benadryl. If it does not settle down in 2 days, then add a medrol dose pack (which is a steroid). I would suggest next time, you pretreat with Benadryl 90 minutes before your Pico treatment. If that does not do the trick, then pre-treat with a single dose of Prednisone 40-60 mg several hours before your treatment. you do not need to stop the Picosure treatments. david berman md

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

We all have our own settings for melasma, this reaction is a little too aggressive in the context of melasma treatment. If you could go back to your dermatologist - plastics, they can settle down the inflammation quickly. All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Brisbane. Australia.

Reaction after Pico laser treatment for Melasma, advice? (photos)

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Reaction after Pico laser treatment for Melasma, advice? (photos)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.