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What Causes Pigmentation On Face Post Laser Treatment?
Question: Hello Doctor,
Exactly 7 weeks ago I went in for laser hair removal on my upper cheek. I got burned and the burn left a blister size of a nickel and then the blister got infected and a scab formed. Exactly a month ago the scab fell off and it completely healed but left a pink/red mark the size of half a dime on my face with a very minor indentation that can only be seen under certain lighting. I can kind of see that it has gotten better but I am afraid that it might be permanent. Do you think it will fade back to its normal color and if so how long will it take and what can I do to speed up the healing process (massaging, microneedling, lasers, creams?).
Exactly 7 weeks ago I went in for laser hair removal on my upper cheek. I got burned and the burn left a blister size of a nickel and then the blister got infected and a scab formed. Exactly a month ago the scab fell off and it completely healed but left a pink/red mark the size of half a dime on my face with a very minor indentation that can only be seen under certain lighting. I can kind of see that it has gotten better but I am afraid that it might be permanent. Do you think it will fade back to its normal color and if so how long will it take and what can I do to speed up the healing process (massaging, microneedling, lasers, creams?).
Brief Answer:
Triple combination cream
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for writing to us on HCM.
The pigmentation you have developed after laser treatment is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and is quite possible after such treatments.
Nothing to worry as it is not going to leave any permanent damage to your skin.
For treatment of this pigmentation, I would suggest you application of a triple combination cream containing hydroquinone, tretinoin and mometasone. The cream should be applied pin-point over dark areas without any pressure and only at night time.
In morning you can apply mild skin lightening agent like Kojic acid cream for better results.
Use good quality high SPF Sunscreen everytime before goig out in sun to prevent further darkening of skin.
Avoid any further treatment sessions till this is resolved fully.
Since the triple combination cream is pretty strong its important to monitor its effect and thus I request you to report me your situation with clinical pictures after 2 weeks of usage of the cream.
Let me know if you require any more assistance from my side.
Thanks
Dr Hardik Pitroda
Triple combination cream
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for writing to us on HCM.
The pigmentation you have developed after laser treatment is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and is quite possible after such treatments.
Nothing to worry as it is not going to leave any permanent damage to your skin.
For treatment of this pigmentation, I would suggest you application of a triple combination cream containing hydroquinone, tretinoin and mometasone. The cream should be applied pin-point over dark areas without any pressure and only at night time.
In morning you can apply mild skin lightening agent like Kojic acid cream for better results.
Use good quality high SPF Sunscreen everytime before goig out in sun to prevent further darkening of skin.
Avoid any further treatment sessions till this is resolved fully.
Since the triple combination cream is pretty strong its important to monitor its effect and thus I request you to report me your situation with clinical pictures after 2 weeks of usage of the cream.
Let me know if you require any more assistance from my side.
Thanks
Dr Hardik Pitroda
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you doctor for the detailed quick response. I thought that bleaching creams like hydroquinone are only good for brown hyperpigmented spots. My mark looks more red than it does brown (I have been told its a reddish brown). Are you sure that the bleaching creams will work for my condition? If so, where can i buy the triple combination cream. I have been told by dermatologists that it would fade in 6-18 months but if hydroquinone is right for me and I do use it, will it fade a lot more quickly? Thanks again
Brief Answer:
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Detailed Answer:
Hydroquinone is a wonderful drug for pigmentation if used in proper way.
I am not sure which country you are from but you can ask for famous brands like Triluma cream or Skinlite cream.
After 2 weeks I would consider substituting triple combination with some other combination.
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Detailed Answer:
Hydroquinone is a wonderful drug for pigmentation if used in proper way.
I am not sure which country you are from but you can ask for famous brands like Triluma cream or Skinlite cream.
After 2 weeks I would consider substituting triple combination with some other combination.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I understand that it is great for pigmentation problems but I did not think it would be any good to use it on a red mark. Also does the fact that it is slightly indented mean anything in terms of recovery? Will it take longer to heal because there is a slight indentation? Also how long would I have to use to cream everyday for it to finally fade away to my natural skin color?
Brief Answer:
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Detailed Answer:
The triple combination has a corticosteroid apart from hydroquinone which will take care of 'red spots' which is nothing but inflammation. The indentation may be because of scarring which is difficult to access untill complete clearance of pigmentation but anyways triple combination also has tretinoin which can ameliorate mild scars too.
I would advise you to post your clinical pictures after 2 weeks of usage and then accordingly I can guide you further because there is no sure shot time frame for use of the cream and we have to act according to how your skin reacts to the treatment.
----
Detailed Answer:
The triple combination has a corticosteroid apart from hydroquinone which will take care of 'red spots' which is nothing but inflammation. The indentation may be because of scarring which is difficult to access untill complete clearance of pigmentation but anyways triple combination also has tretinoin which can ameliorate mild scars too.
I would advise you to post your clinical pictures after 2 weeks of usage and then accordingly I can guide you further because there is no sure shot time frame for use of the cream and we have to act according to how your skin reacts to the treatment.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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