Dear Doctor
Dear Patient
This condition is known as Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation.
Microdermabrasion for Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Microdermabrasion, which is also known as lunchtime peel or diamond peel can be used to treat post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
Microdermabrasion is a painless cosmetic procedure in which fine crystals are gently sprayed onto the skin and gentle suction used to remove the dead and dark (hyperpigmented) skin cells as well as the crystals.
This procedure which is done in the dermatologists office takes around 30 to 60 minutes. A series of treatments performed every 2 to 4 weeks for a total of 6 to 10 treatments is usually required to fade the dark spots.
Minimal to no recovery time is required after microdermabrasion and most persons resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure. Makeup can also be applied after the session.
Microdermabrasion Side Effects
Side effects of microdermabrasion include redness and irritation of the skin which can persist for a few days. There may also be slight skin tightness and marked peeling.
Skin discolorations like darkening (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation) or lightening (post inflammatory hypopigmentation) are rare after microdermabrasion.
Persons taking aspirin and blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin) can develop bruising (ecchymosis).
Microdermabrasion can also trigger outbreaks of herpes simplex (cold sores). Persons who have had many bouts of cold sores can take valacyclovir (Valtrex) 1 gram once a day starting on the day before the microdermabrasion procedure and continuing for 2 days after it.
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