The use of hydroquinone with facial laser resurfacing.
BACKGROUND
One complication of laser resurfacing that is especially common in people with skin types III-VI is hyperpigmentation. This may last for several months after the laser resurfacing procedure.


OBJECTIVE
To review the literature and detail the author's use of various techniques, including hydroquinone cream, in patients who develop pigmentation after laser resurfacing.


CONCLUSIONS
Limiting the amount of non-specific thermal and minimizing inflammation should help limit post-laser resurfacing hyperpigmentation. If pigmentation occurs, the use of hydroquinone cream with other depigmenting agents speeds its resolution.
Goldman
M P
MP
Dermatology/Cosmetic Laser Associates of San Diego County, Inc., 9850 Genesee Ave., Suite 480, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA. MGDERM@aol.com
D004890:Erythema / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D006873:Hydroquinones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D053685:Laser Therapy; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015361:Rhytidoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
D006873:Hydroquinones; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents; D013473:Sunscreening Agents; C031927:hydroquinone