What should you know about CO2 hyperpigmentation?

Laser resurfacing deliberately creates a controlled skin injury. During healing, inflammation can signal pigment-producing cells to make more melanin, leaving brown or grey-brown areas. This is more concerning when the skin is exposed to sunlight or when a person has a history of pigment changes after irritation.

The appearance may also reflect crusting, irritation, an infection or the original pigment concern rather than one single diagnosis. A clinician can examine the colour, timing, texture and distribution before deciding whether treatment should continue.

Use the prescribed cleanser, ointment and sun protection exactly as directed. Avoid picking, scrubbing, bleaching mixtures and unplanned acids while the barrier is healing. Tell the clinic about new products, prolonged outdoor exposure and medicines started since the procedure.

If pigment remains, options may include a topical plan or a carefully selected procedure such as a chemical peel, IPL Photofacial, picosecond laser or Hydroquinone Treatment. These choices depend on the diagnosis and skin tone; treating active irritation first is often essential.

Seek prompt advice for spreading redness, increasing pain, pus, fever, marked swelling, blisters or an open area that is not healing. Arrange a review for pigment that is rapidly changing, itchy, bleeding or not following the expected recovery pattern.

Ask whether the colour is expected inflammation or hyperpigmentation, which products are safe now, how to protect the area from light, and which treatment should be postponed until the skin barrier has recovered.