I've just gone through a Q switch ND yag laser treatment on my face for a speckled nevus, and it was done by a well-known laser surgeon in Delhi. I spoke to a bunch of doctors beforehand, and they all assured me it's safe. But now, after the procedure, I'm a bit worried. I had scaling on my face, and the skin peeled off within 5 days. After that, the spots where the laser was applied turned darker than my normal skin. I've been using this depigmentation cream called Depiwhite, but it feels like my progress has stalled, and the spots are still pretty dark. It seems like instead of improving, my situation might have worsened. Do you have any advice on what I should do next?

Dr Shubham Chauhan

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 4+ Yrs

Consult Now

I can sense your concern and frustration.

Q-switched Nd:YAG laser treatment is a common procedure for removing speckled nevi. However, it's not uncommon to experience some side effects, especially if you have darker skin.

Possible Causes of Dark Spots

1. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): This is a common complication of laser treatments, especially in darker skin types. PIH occurs when the skin responds to inflammation by producing excess melanin, leading to dark spots.
2. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations can affect melanin production, leading to dark spots.
3. Sun Exposure: UV radiation can exacerbate PIH and darken existing spots.

What to Do Next

1. Consult Your Doctor Again: Schedule a follow-up appointment with your laser surgeon to discuss your concerns. They may prescribe additional treatments or creams to help alleviate the dark spots.
2. Continue Using Depigmentation Creams: Depiwhite cream, which contains ingredients like kojic acid, vitamin C, and licorice extract, can help reduce melanin production and fade dark spots.
3. Sun Protection: Avoid direct sun exposure, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily. This will help prevent further darkening of the spots.

Answered 04/07/2025