Teresa,
Thanks for your question about facial pigmentation. Facial pigmentation requires treatment with multiple modalities. Everyone needs to be using a good skin care regimen with a retinol (retin-A), something to reduce pigment (hydoquinone, azelaic acid, kojic acid) and good sunscreen. In some cases, that may be enough although the results may take some time. Many patients choose however to speed the resolution of the pigment. This can be achieved through the use of laser such as Fraxel or chemical peels. If you only concern is pigment then I would recommend a series of light chemical peels or a series of Fraxel laser treatments. The Fraxel laser is considerably better at reducing pigment, but does have some minor down-time and is more expensive. I would not recommend a deep chemical peel as these are more for treatment of wrinkles in conjunction with pigment.
I hope this is helpful. Please feel free to contact our office with any other questions or concerns or to make an appointment where we can discuss your case in more detail.
Ed Buckingham
Dr. Buckingham,
I am a “light-skinned” African American……somewhat of a yellowish beige hue. I have dark spots on my cheeks and chin. I want them gone and vanished…….but would settle for significantly lighter if that is the best expected result. Have you had experience to use the Fraxel on patients with my general complexion? I’ve tried chemical peels and have had some success but want speedier results.
Thanks,
Angie
(also a UT grad!)
Comment by Angie — August 16, 2009 @ 12:18 am