Acne Marks & PIH Treatment in Seoul
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and erythema removal
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and erythema removal
After acne inflammation resolves, discoloration often remains. These marks take two primary forms: post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which is brown discoloration, and post-inflammatory erythema (PIE), which is red discoloration. Both are inflammatory responses that gradually fade naturally but can persist for months or years without treatment. Laser treatment dramatically accelerates resolution by directly targeting melanin in PIH and expanded capillaries in PIE.
PIH occurs when melanin from damaged melanocytes deposits into the dermis. It is more common in darker skin types and in areas of greater inflammation. PIE results from persistent vasodilation and neo-angiogenesis during the inflammatory phase. PIE is more common in lighter skin and resolves more slowly than PIH. Most patients have a mixture of both PIH and PIE, requiring combination laser approaches.
At ABLE Dermatology, we use Pico laser (PicoPlus) to fragment melanin in PIH, V-Beam laser to destroy expanded capillaries in PIE, and LDM (Low-fluence, Long-pulse ND:YAG) for comprehensive remodeling. Treatment takes 3-6 months total from initial consultation to final clearance, with progressive improvement at each session.
PIH (Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation): Pico laser at 532nm (green) wavelength targets melanin with precision. Multiple passes with progressive sessions every 4-6 weeks fragment melanin granules without damaging surrounding skin. Results appear within days and continue improving as melanin is eliminated.
PIE (Post-inflammatory Erythema): V-Beam laser targets hemoglobin in expanded capillaries with minimal damage to surrounding tissue. Multiple sessions cause progressive capillary closure and regression of abnormal vasculature.
Mixed PIH+PIE: Combination protocols use Pico for melanin and V-Beam for vasculature. LDM provides overall remodeling and collagen stimulation. Sequential treatment or same-day combination approaches are customized by lesion characteristics.
Darker skin considerations: Darker skin requires careful energy selection to avoid post-laser PIH. Lower fluences, longer intervals, and preferential use of 1064nm (infrared) wavelengths minimize keloid risk while treating marks effectively.
Clinical evaluation determines the ratio of PIH to PIE. Skin type assessment guides energy selection. Photography documents baseline appearance.
Pico laser treats PIH. V-Beam treats PIE. LDM provides overall remodeling. Sequential or combination protocols depend on mark composition and skin type.
Monthly assessments monitor fading. Protective skincare prevents post-treatment PIH. Final results stabilize 1-2 months after final treatment.
PIH is darkening of the skin following acne inflammation. Melanin is released from damaged melanocytes into the dermis, creating brown discoloration. PIH typically resolves within 3-12 months but can persist longer in darker skin. Pico laser and V-Beam accelerate resolution.
PIH is brown discoloration from melanin. PIE is red discoloration from persistent vasodilation. PIE is more common in lighter skin, PIH in darker skin. V-Beam treats PIE by destroying capillaries. Pico laser treats PIH by fragmenting melanin.
Pico laser and V-Beam typically show results after 3-5 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart. LDM may require 6-10 sessions. Complete resolution takes 3-6 months from final treatment.
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This page constitutes medical advertising in accordance with Article 56 of the Korean Medical Service Act, and treatment results may vary by individual.
