How can pigmentation changes occur as a result of laser treatment?

Pigmentation changes are a known response to laser treatments, and they can manifest as both post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. When the laser targets the skin, it can trigger an inflammatory response. In some cases, this inflammation can lead to the overproduction of melanin, resulting in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, particularly in darker skin types. Conversely, during the healing process, if the skin loses melanin production, it may lead to hypopigmentation, where skin areas become lighter than their surrounding tissue.

Understanding that both of these reactions—hyperpigmentation due to excess melanin and hypopigmentation due to insufficient melanin—can occur helps practitioners manage and set expectations for their patients regarding possible outcomes of laser treatments. It is important for practitioners to educate patients about these potential changes so they can take appropriate precautions and seek treatments if necessary.

Color preservation is not guaranteed because individual responses to laser therapy can vary significantly based on skin type, treatment depth, and technology used. Therefore, acknowledging both possible types of pigmentation changes is crucial in laser treatment practices.