Does picosecond laser treatment treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation?

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is extra pigment left after acne, eczema, a burn, an injury, or another skin inflammation. A picosecond laser delivers very brief energy pulses that can break up pigment into smaller particles for the body to clear. Results depend on whether the mark is superficial or deeper, what caused it, your natural skin tone, and whether the original inflammation has settled.

Laser energy can sometimes irritate skin and cause further darkening, especially when pigment is easily stimulated. A clinician should first confirm that the mark is post-inflammatory rather than another pigmented condition.

Arrange an assessment with a dermatologist or qualified laser clinician. Discuss recent tanning, active acne or eczema, previous reactions to procedures, medicines, and any tendency to develop dark marks after irritation. Treatment may be delayed while inflammation is active. Ask about a cautious test area, laser settings suited to your skin, cooling, and a plan for protecting the area from sunlight. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen and gentle skin care help reduce the chance of new pigment while the skin heals.

Seek medical advice before laser treatment if a mark is changing, bleeding, crusting, very itchy, or not clearly linked to an earlier rash or injury. After treatment, contact the clinic promptly for worsening pain, spreading redness, blistering, pus, fever, or darkening that continues rather than gradually settling.

Ask whether the diagnosis is certain, whether your skin tone changes the risk of post-treatment darkening, what alternatives could be tried first, how many appointments might be considered, and how to care for the area between treatments.