Treatment recommendations for PIH/melasma/lentigo. What should I do? Continue PicoSure?

Question

Have spots on forehead. Diagnosed as lentigo. I think it's PIH. Also have melasma above eyebrows and lip. Melasma has responded well after picosure and retin a. 5 treatments of picosure thus far with not much improvement. Started using triluma after 4th picosure treatment and it lightened quite a bit. After 5th spots disappeared for 3 weeks but came back.It happens after every Picosure treatment but always comes back. What should I do? Continue picosure? What should the aftercare be?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Dark scars can be problematic as they can be visible far longer than one might expect. The fundamental problem with dark scars is a process known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in which the pigment cells near the scar are stimulated. In clinical practice, we always begin with application of Melarase AM and Melarase PM creams (coupled with Melapads) to help smooth out the color and pigmentation. Once the creams are started, lasers can be used to further reduce the scarring.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

Cosmelan is the best way to treat this melasma and PIH on your face.  Lasers will not be the best treatment for this condition.  Please consult an expert in Melamsa and Cosmelan treatment.  Best, Dr. Green

Evan Sorokin, MD · Answer

This sounds like a complicated situation and far too much to make recommendations on the internet without a more thorough history and exam.  I would highly suggest seeing a board certified plastic surgeon or board certified dermatologist who can examine you and give you better recommendations.  It would be best if when going for consultation you bring photos of your skin all along the way...  Good luck!

Treatment recommendations for PIH/melasma/lentigo. What should I do? Continue PicoSure?

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Treatment recommendations for PIH/melasma/lentigo. What should I do? Continue PicoSure?

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about PicoSure

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