The use of hydroquinone with facial laser resurfacing

One complication of laser resurfacing that is especially common in people with skin types III-VI is hyperpigmentation. This may last for several months after the laser resurfacing procedure.

To review the literature and detail the author's use of various techniques, including hydroquinone cream, in patients who develop pigmentation after laser resurfacing.

Limiting the amount of non-specific thermal and minimizing inflammation should help limit post-laser resurfacing hyperpigmentation. If pigmentation occurs, the use of hydroquinone cream with other depigmenting agents speeds its resolution.