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. CONCLUSION : 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.