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Red spots after hair laser removal then the spots turn a brown color, is this. normal?

Cosmetic Treatments QuestionsCategory: Laser Hair RemovalRed spots after hair laser removal then the spots turn a brown color, is this. normal?
A patient asked 5 years ago
Hi I got laser hair removal and after the treatment my face was full of red spots then the spots turn brown it’s been Over a month since my appointment and my face is still full a brown spots? Why does this happen? Is this normal? And is it going to come off ? Or am I going to stay with those brown spots in my face? Also what cream do y’all recommend me to use? Thank you.
1 Answers
Dr. Elham Jafari Staff answered 5 years ago

Red and Dark Spots after Laser Hair Removal

  Hi and thank you for your question! First and foremost please keep in mind that what is provided here is for general information only and it does not replace seeing your provider or physician. You need to do a follow up with your provider or see a physician in person for proper assessment and treatment. This being said, in general some tiny bumps or red spots might emerge after laser hair treatment and they are generally caused by folliculitis which is actually a good sign as it shows that the laser was effective in reaching the hair follicles and destroying them. In your case and based on the picture, it appears more likely that the red spots you mentioned were reactions to the laser or possibly burn marks, and as time passes, they tend to emerge as areas of hyperpigmentation/brown spots as appear to be the case for you now. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). PIH is part of normal skin reaction to an injury as it heals. The brown spots in PIH may gradually go away on their own as time passes, but sometimes they need additional treatment with bleaching creams and sometime we might recommend doing laser treatments to target the areas of hyperpigmentation. Again, please do a follow up with your provider and they should be able to assist you. I hope it helps and thank you!  
IMPORTANT: These answers are for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.