VYDENCE^® Medical Training Center

Treatment

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a possible complication following procedures that induce cutaneous inflammation, such as microneedling radiofrequency. This phenomenon occurs when the inflammatory process stimulates melanocyte activity, increasing the production or transfer of melanin to the epidermis and/or dermis.

The management of PIH generally requires a combined and gradual approach. Therapeutic options include topical depigmenting agents, as well as antioxidants and strict photoprotection. Procedures such as superficial chemical peels and low-fluence lasers may also be used to accelerate pigment removal. The choice of treatment depends on pigment depth, the patient’s phototype, and the duration of the lesion.

The 1,064 nm Nd:YAG picosecond laser delivers ultrashort pulses that fragment melanin deposits into smaller particles, facilitating their removal by physiological mechanisms. In addition, this technology produces less thermal damage, reducing the risk of worsening pigmentation and making the treatment safer across different phototypes.

In the presented case, the treatment proved to be challenging, requiring nine sessions for satisfactory pigment resolution. Spot sizes ranging from 7 to 5 mm were used to treat the pigmented component, along with a 6×6 fractional spot (MLA) to improve tissue quality, leveraging the formation of LIOBs (laser-induced optical breakdowns), which promote dermal remodeling and tissue regeneration.

Result