What Did the Research Discover?
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a condition where dark spots appear on the skin after an injury, inflammation, or irritation. It is especially challenging to treat in people with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI) because their skin naturally has more melanin, which can make treatments more difficult and sometimes worsen pigmentation. The goal of this study was to see if a low-energy, low-density, non-ablative 1927 nm fractional laser could safely and effectively improve PIH in these patients.
Researchers reviewed the medical records and photographs of 61 patients who had been treated with this laser at a single dermatology center. Each patient received at least two treatment sessions, allowing for before-and-after photo comparisons. To measure how well the treatment worked, two dermatologists—who were not told the patients’ identities—evaluated the photos using a visual scale to determine the percentage of pigment improvement.
The results showed that, on average, patients had a 43.24% improvement in their hyperpigmentation after treatment. The evaluations from both dermatologists were statistically significant, meaning they closely agreed on the results. Importantly, no side effects were reported in any of the patients who underwent treatment.
How Can I Apply This Information?
This study suggests that low-energy, low-density 1927 nm fractional laser treatment is a safe and effective option for improving post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in people with darker skin tones. Unlike some treatments that can worsen pigmentation, this laser therapy showed promising results without causing many side effects.
If you are struggling with PIH, especially if you have darker skin, you may want to speak with a dermatologist about laser therapy as a potential treatment option. Because this study focused on a specific type of laser with a low risk of complications, it highlights the importance of choosing the right technology and working with an experienced professional. While more research may be needed to confirm long-term results, this study provides encouraging evidence that this laser treatment can safely reduce pigmentation and improve skin appearance.
Source:
Bae YS, Rettig S, Weiss E, Bernstein L, Geronemus R. Treatment of post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation in patients with darker skin types using a low energy 1,927 nm non‐ablative fractional laser: a retrospective photographic review analysis. Lasers in surgery and medicine. 2020 Jan;52(1):7-12. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31663147/
