Dear Dr. Seckel, I had laser resurfacing done on my entire face two years ago and most of the sun damage is gone. However, I have had several brown spots return on my cheek and on the top of my eyelid, which is a large patch. When I asked my doctor he said that this is part of my skin. Do you think it would be a waste of time to try and have these areas lasered again? The areas do lighten up but when I try and use a self-tanner those areas really jump out at you? Also, in your book you recommend Retin A but I was wondering what you thought of Renova for treating lines under my eyes and possibly the brown spots? Thank you, Jenny, Portland, OR.
Dear Jenny,
I would not do laser skin rejuvenation or laser resurfacing a second time, your skin could become too white or hypo pigmented and you risk having a demarcation line at the neck where the skin that has not been lasered stands out.
The best skin cream for your situation for pigment removal and wrinkle removal is Epiquin® a retinol mixed with a bleach called hydroquinone (best for average or oily skin) or Glyquin®, a combination of Vitamins A, C, E, Glycolic Acid and Hydroquinone (best for dry sensitive skin).
The best treatment for pigment removal today is IPL or Photo facial skin rejuvenation which is a no down time non-surgical facial skin rejuvenation procedure which can help with wrinkle removal and pigment removal. I would seek consultation with a very experienced board certified doctor who is experienced with IPL (called Intense Pulsed light) and Photo facial. Since you have had a laser skin rejuvenation peel I would proceed cautiously with IPL and photo facial only if your skin looks normal and has not been thinned by the laser skin rejuvenation or laser resurfacing.
For further information on laser peel, laser skin rejuvenation and laser resurfacing or non-surgical facial rejuvenation in general read Save Your Face or contact me.
Thank you,
Boston, Massachusetts