Hi amigababy,

I agree with you regarding hypopigmentation is less obvious in pictures than in real life.

Anyway, here is one that no one can miss:

Look at this message board and notice that EVERY person talking about pigmentation problems were Asian.

 

I can see the hypopigmentation in your pics. Subtle pigmentation issues may be not seen at all in a standard pic, and serious pigmentation problems may appear as subtle. I see a subtle hypopigmentation in your pics so maybe it is very hypopigmented.

Keith,

Thanks for the good wishes. As I said I was desparate to rid the scars, and from what I read Dr. Y is a highly respected dermabrasion specialist in the field with many years of experience, so I trusted him when he said most patients regain their color even for asians, only 5% - 6% are a shade or two lighter and to me that wasn't so bad.

As shown in the above pic, the difference is night and day, it will take a miracle for the color to ever match again. I asked Dr. Y how it will look when the inevitable hair loss occurs, he said "people would go crazy if they worry about things that happens 10 or 20 years down the road". He suggested dermabrading the receding hairline as the solution.

Billyboy,

Some caucasian patients of this board were happy with the smoother skin, but had to accept the fact that their new skin won't tan as much, or won't tan at all after dermabrasion. From your pic you look a bit tan to me. You have to ask yourself if the reward is worth the risk, and in case you have partial / full face hypopigmentation, can you live with it? If you ask me, you look like a real, healthy person, and there is no need to change that. Good luck man.

lowfreq,

I won't mind as much if the redness is only spreaded across the cheek. But it looks like I am wearing some kind of red mask, amplified when I flush and it happens very easily especially when I have hot food / soup, or if I cough or sneeze. I hardly ever flushed before the dermabrasion.

In the eyes of Chinese people my color is very unusual, not everyone notice it right away, but often when I dine at (especially busy Chinese) restaurant there are always people who notice, then stare and laugh at the same time. Then it spread to the whole table and then everyone will turn and check me out. For a while I felt beat down that but didn't stop me from dining out. Lately, I would look at the staring person and rub my eyes with my middle finger and then smile back, and carry on normal conversation with my friends or family. That is my version of salute to insensitive people.

Kip,

I think one trade mark we both carry on our jaw lines is the Nike Slash.

Kipster and Sword,

Can you visit Dr. Y in person so he can give you an actual examination of your condition? I think that it'll be far more effective than send him photos. Having a follow up visit may be considered necessary if you believe to have a complication.

Sword, your face looks great from the pictures you are showing.

Keith,

 

Thanks for the good wishes. As I said I was desparate to rid the scars, and from what I read Dr. Y is a highly respected dermabrasion specialist in the field with many years of experience, so I trusted him when he said most patients regain their color even for asians, only 5% - 6% are a shade or two lighter and to me that wasn't so bad.

 

As shown in the above pic, the difference is night and day, it will take a miracle for the color to ever match again. I asked Dr. Y how it will look when the inevitable hair loss occurs, he said "people would go crazy if they worry about things that happens 10 or 20 years down the road". He suggested dermabrading the receding hairline as the solution.

 

Billyboy,

 

Some caucasian patients of this board were happy with the smoother skin, but had to accept the fact that their new skin won't tan as much, or won't tan at all after dermabrasion. From your pic you look a bit tan to me. You have to ask yourself if the reward is worth the risk, and in case you have partial / full face hypopigmentation, can you live with it? If you ask me, you look like a real, healthy person, and there is no need to change that. Good luck man.

 

 

lowfreq,

 

I won't mind as much if the redness is only spreaded across the cheek. But it looks like I am wearing some kind of red mask, amplified when I flush and it happens very easily especially when I have hot food / soup, or if I cough or sneeze. I hardly ever flushed before the dermabrasion.

 

In the eyes of Chinese people my color is very unusual, not everyone notice it right away, but often when I dine at (especially busy Chinese) restaurant there are always people who notice, then stare and laugh at the same time. Then it spread to the whole table and then everyone will turn and check me out. For a while I felt beat down that but didn't stop me from dining out. Lately, I would look at the staring person and rub my eyes with my middle finger and then smile back, and carry on normal conversation with my friends or family. That is my version of salute to insensitive people.

 

Please include me when a letter is to be sent to Dr. Y.

During my consultation, I ask specifically about hyper-pigmentation and Dr. Y told me that none of his patient fails to recover from hyper-pigmention. The question was asked twice since another member of this board having earlier sign of hyper-pigmentation (3 months) but time period is too short to tell. It can be treated, according to Dr. Y. AaANoneAa? is very powerfully, statistically speaking. This assurance takes off my last concern.

It's been months (before hurricane) since I told Dr.Y about my condition. He insisted on giving tri-luma another trial.

I donAaat have a good way to deal with it other than spend less times thinking about it. It mitigates my frustration. At the mean times, IAaam doing whatever necessary to maintain healthy skin.

I follow all the necessary post-op procedure. I regret not taking precaution step (small test patch before making the decision for the full-face.) or gathering more data. ylem (If I remember correctly) does test patch with Dr. Y. and concludes that he does not heal well.

I donAaat think the letter will change my recovery. However, it will serve Dr. Y better in giving advises to future patients. Also, it serves as caveat to those who jump into it lightly. As long as it prevents another person from the same problem, its purpose is well served. I do plan to make another trip to Dr. Y.

On the other hand, the derma-brasion does some good for many people. Like a drug, you serve one well but may not good at all for another. IAaam still thinking highly about Dr. Y. personally. If I am his age with his capability, money does not really mean much to me (assuming he is wealthy) if I can make many people happier.

ItAaas hard to depict the problem in picture. ItAaas 1000% worst if you see the problem right in front of you. I can totally comprehend the symptoms sword described (easy face flush).

On the other hand, my condition does improve (even slightly) every 3 months. Hopefully, the problem resolves itself in sometimes in the future. LetAaas keep our finger cross.

p/s: klipster & sword, thanks for posting the picture. It takes a real courage to do it.

Thank you so much for sharing your stories. I was thinking of getting dermabrasion, but now, I will not do it.

That Dr. Y sounds like he should be listed under the "Bad Doctor's" thread! He said no one gets hyperpigmentation?! It is listed as a somewhat common side effect of the procedure. He misled all of you, IMO.

I hope all of you heal and can put this behind you.

Have you thought of suing him?

gttravelling,

The pictures does not show the color difference well, like dolmal said in real life the contrast and redness is many times worse. But you should at leaset see the discoloration below my hairline. The dark yellow color above the demarcation line was my original color!!!!

Sassy,

Thanks for your good wishes. I hope one day we all heal to a somewhat normal skin tone.

Dolmal,

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. From the picture of your jawline, I thought you only have redness and possibly some hypopigmentation, I did not know you have hyperpigmentation too?

We all cope with this disaster in our own ways. It challenges how others view us (non matching color, redness, lines below hair and along jawline, etc.) and how we view ourselves. For me it is learning to let go any concerns about appearance and let the person within come through. My derm says if some jerks make a fuss about my demarcation lines, show them the other side too, because that is the courageous thing to do.

I hope you enjoy the holiday fully and not let anything get into your way. I shall send you the first draft after the holidays.

Take care my friend.

Sassy,

Thanks for your good wishes. I hope one day we all heal to a somewhat normal skin tone.

Me too!

Hi Hopeful,

Your concern about the hair line is anything but superficial or vain. I just came back from a short vacation so I know how you mean. The cold weather made my full facial red mask very noticeable and some people had a few laughs. Despite a few hard moments, I concentrated on loved ones and freinds, managed to share laughs and had a good time.

I have not met you but I am 100% sure you are the same beautiful person you were before the dermabrasion, demarcation line or not. And it definitely wasn't your fault. You just have to believe it. No one can make us feel damaged if we don't feel damaged ourselves.

I'll work on the draft next week and send it your way.

Now go, and have fun in Haiwaii, and @#$% anyone who gets in the way!

Thanks Lunarsurface,

I've been meaning to post pics, but right now I'm in Hawaii with family... totally sucks because I can't even enjoy the sun, or anything for that matter!

 

Anyhow, I'm on board with Sword and Kipster's letter if things don't progress. I'm at 5 months and a week, so I don't want to jump the gun, and I'm really not here to point fingers or blame specific individuals per se. However, I do feel that the warning about Asian skin (higher possibility of hypo, hyper, mismatched pigment of old and new skin, etc), should be highly emphasized. To make this matter trivial is a grave error on the doctor's end, as this is their professional duty to be as researched and thorough as possible in their respective fields. I feel misled as well.

 

I'll post pics asap when I get back to NY next week to show you the horrible demarcation line and the red patches of skin (where my skin was perfect before). The most difficult part about this process is knowing that I did this to myself, and that I may NEVER be able to put my hair up or back ever again. I know it sounds vain and superficial, but my neckline and shoulders were my best features prior to this procedure (as most people complimented me on those parts.) Ugh, I know I have to get over this, but how can I??

 

May i ask what skincare are you guys using after the dermabrasion?

Can dryness be a factor for the prolonged redness?

Thats what my esth. said anyway

Good Luck with your skin fellow asians !!!

Your skin texture is so wonderful now!!!!!

for the colour diff. why dont you use some foundation or other make up,I know It's abnormal for me to make up. and I think XCD has some moisture with colour,which may help you.

Strawberryskin,

My redness is caused by vascular disorder as the result of the dermabrasion. A lot of people got it after dermabrasion and it lasts for many many years. If I press my finger against my face, for a split second I can see non-red skin. Then the blood rush back to the capillaries, and the skin becomes red again.

gowf,

Thanks for the suggestion. The skin texture is good but the color is not mine.

As much as I hate the redness and demarcation, I won't ever hide my face behind anything again. People gawk and laugh but that doesn't mean I have to feel ashamed.

I wore make up the first 4 months post op. I absolutely hated it. It's very uncomfortable, people knew I wore it, and I knew they knew.

O.. i am sorry that is not the answer..

Have you tried the skincare on skinbio.. i saw that today, they said they r made for post derm

http://www.skinbio.com/quickpostdermabrasion.html

good luck! i wish you can find the solution eventually!!

From still trying to help, Strawberry Skin

Thanks cutie, your good will is much appreciated. I still have the CP and supercop skinbio which did absolutely nothing at all for me a couple years ago.

I pretty much have kissed my pigment good bye on the day of dermabrasion. If I'm lucky I can probrably get rid of the redness in this life time. So be smart, and don't be naive like I was.

O.. i am sorry that is not the answer..

Have you tried the skincare on skinbio.. i saw that today, they said they r made for post derm

http://www.skinbio.com/quickpostdermabrasion.html

 

good luck! i wish you can find the solution eventually!!

 

From still trying to help, Strawberry Skin

 

Thanks cutie, your good will is much appreciated. I still have the CP and supercop skinbio which did absolutely nothing at all for me a couple years ago.

 

I pretty much have kissed my pigment good bye on the day of dermabrasion. If I'm lucky I can probrably get rid of the redness in this life time. So be smart, and don't be naive like I was.

 

 

O.. i am sorry that is not the answer..

Have you tried the skincare on skinbio.. i saw that today, they said they r made for post derm

http://www.skinbio.com/quickpostdermabrasion.html

 

good luck! i wish you can find the solution eventually!!

 

From still trying to help, Strawberry Skin

 

 

Has anyone out there who happens to be Asian with Type IV Skin, After procedure and had another Dermabrasion. I have not heard this actually happen, I'm just wondering if there are individuals who did this. I'm just keeping my hopes up that Pigment actually returns (Wishful Thinking). To StrawberrySkin I read the posting concerning acne treatments using Lemon juice and Olive Oil, This seems like the best moisturizer I ever used. Skin Feels always hydrated and reading the post Lemon Juice and Olive help prevent new acne or atleast control it somewhat. Good Luck Guys

Thanks cutie, your good will is much appreciated. I still have the CP and supercop skinbio which did absolutely nothing at all for me a couple years ago.

 

I pretty much have kissed my pigment good bye on the day of dermabrasion. If I'm lucky I can probrably get rid of the redness in this life time. So be smart, and don't be naive like I was.

 

O.. i am sorry CP and supercop are not working for you too!! They appeared to be some pretty convincing treatments!! (i just got some from them too.. guess i waste my $$ again)

To Kipster,

Thanks for your advise for the anti-acne skincare. However, i am more concern about my icepick scars.. since they will never go away..

Strawberry Skin

A related thread.

Has anyone tried (Hydroquine on the neck below the demarkation line). A co-worker of mines who happens to be hispanic, she uses over the counter bleaching cream, I think it probably has a low amount of hydroquine, an she swears that the cream has lightened her complexion. She has no acne she just does it to lightened up her skin. Compared to her brother which, he happens to be much darker, I think it works. Tonight I am going to use my Hydroquine cream to on my neck and see how it goes for the first 2 weeks. I'll keep you post Dermabrasion victims update on the progress. I'll start by taking pictures of my neck tonight and two weeks later I see if my skin has lightened up at all) Keep your heads up guys.

Talk to you later

Thanks cutie, your good will is much appreciated. I still have the CP and supercop skinbio which did absolutely nothing at all for me a couple years ago.

 

I pretty much have kissed my pigment good bye on the day of dermabrasion. If I'm lucky I can probrably get rid of the redness in this life time. So be smart, and don't be naive like I was.

 

O.. i am sorry that is not the answer..

Have you tried the skincare on skinbio.. i saw that today, they said they r made for post derm

http://www.skinbio.com/quickpostdermabrasion.html

 

good luck! i wish you can find the solution eventually!!

 

From still trying to help, Strawberry Skin

 

Hey Kip,

I hope that it does work... that will change the neck/face color difference to be less than it is! I began using Shiseido's Whitening cream as well about a week ago, but had to stop, because it started making my neck areas itch.

What kind of hydroquine cream are you using? a prescription type? I know that in the US there supposedly isn't the type of strong bleaching agent as availabe in Asia and Europe...

Anyhow, please do update us. I'm still hoping for a good recovery.

-Hopeful

Has anyone tried (Hydroquine on the neck below the demarkation line). A co-worker of mines who happens to be hispanic, she uses over the counter bleaching cream, I think it probably has a low amount of hydroquine, an she swears that the cream has lightened her complexion. She has no acne she just does it to lightened up her skin. Compared to her brother which, he happens to be much darker, I think it works. Tonight I am going to use my Hydroquine cream to on my neck and see how it goes for the first 2 weeks. I'll keep you post Dermabrasion victims update on the progress. I'll start by taking pictures of my neck tonight and two weeks later I see if my skin has lightened up at all) Keep your heads up guys.

 

Talk to you later

Thanks cutie, your good will is much appreciated. I still have the CP and supercop skinbio which did absolutely nothing at all for me a couple years ago.

 

I pretty much have kissed my pigment good bye on the day of dermabrasion. If I'm lucky I can probrably get rid of the redness in this life time. So be smart, and don't be naive like I was.

 

O.. i am sorry that is not the answer..

Have you tried the skincare on skinbio.. i saw that today, they said they r made for post derm

http://www.skinbio.com/quickpostdermabrasion.html

 

good luck! i wish you can find the solution eventually!!

 

From still trying to help, Strawberry Skin

 

 

My Dermatolgist by perscription, I start it on it tonight and see how it goes in two weeks, Good Luck

Hey Kip,

I hope that it does work... that will change the neck/face color difference to be less than it is! I began using Shiseido's Whitening cream as well about a week ago, but had to stop, because it started making my neck areas itch.

 

What kind of hydroquine cream are you using? a prescription type? I know that in the US there supposedly isn't the type of strong bleaching agent as availabe in Asia and Europe...

 

Anyhow, please do update us. I'm still hoping for a good recovery.

 

-Hopeful

 

Has anyone tried (Hydroquine on the neck below the demarkation line). A co-worker of mines who happens to be hispanic, she uses over the counter bleaching cream, I think it probably has a low amount of hydroquine, an she swears that the cream has lightened her complexion. She has no acne she just does it to lightened up her skin. Compared to her brother which, he happens to be much darker, I think it works. Tonight I am going to use my Hydroquine cream to on my neck and see how it goes for the first 2 weeks. I'll keep you post Dermabrasion victims update on the progress. I'll start by taking pictures of my neck tonight and two weeks later I see if my skin has lightened up at all) Keep your heads up guys.

 

Talk to you later

Thanks cutie, your good will is much appreciated. I still have the CP and supercop skinbio which did absolutely nothing at all for me a couple years ago.

 

I pretty much have kissed my pigment good bye on the day of dermabrasion. If I'm lucky I can probrably get rid of the redness in this life time. So be smart, and don't be naive like I was.

 

O.. i am sorry that is not the answer..

Have you tried the skincare on skinbio.. i saw that today, they said they r made for post derm

http://www.skinbio.com/quickpostdermabrasion.html

 

good luck! i wish you can find the solution eventually!!

 

From still trying to help, Strawberry Skin

 

 

Good luck Kip, and don't forget applying sunscreen to your neck.

Good luck Kip, and don't forget applying sunscreen to your neck.

 

Hello everyone,

I have not posted for a long time but I would like to post my thoughts on this thread as I had dermabrasion with Dr. Y last May (9months ago) and I have Asian skin. I'm sorry I'm not familiar with the skin type classifications, perhaps Sword may be able to help as I have sent him photos before, however I do have Asian skin, though it is pale. I just wanted to share my thoughts on my recovery with you all.

Firstly, I know how difficult it must be for the red flushing and the demarcation lines. I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties Sword and Kipster have had. Sword I saw your photos and was really impressed with your skin tone and how smooth your skin looked - although I agree the hairline picture does show a very pronounced demarcation line.

My demarcation line on my jawline was quite pronounced initially. My face also flushed easily which was embarrassing bc the blush would extend up to the demarcation line around the eye area and stop at the jawline. The recovery process was long and the demarcation line was obvious even up until last Nov (6 months later).

I went to the mirror just now and checked again, especially my hairline and jawline. The demarcation line around my eyes blended in well after 3 months. My jawline demarcation is still there though it is much more faint and is only noticeable if I stretch my neck up and pull at my skin. I have a faint hyperpigmentation mark on my right cheek however, though it is only noticeable in the sunlight (and if you know where it is).

Like I said though, my skin is paler than both Kipster and Sword. Perhaps for you guys it may take longer for the skin to blend in, I pray that it will improve for you both as I know it must be difficult, especially as a guy, without the benefit of makeup.

I think it is really important (as Sword mentioned in his above post) to always apply sunscreen to your neck as well as your face. I have been using the Shiseido Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen SPF50 for the past 2 years, it is waterproof so even if you sweat, you are still protected. I recently came back from a holiday in Asia, fully trekking out in the sun, on my return, my skin tone is fine, no sunburns or obvious tan lines.

My skin is definitely more pale than it was before, though I don't know whether it is because I have been so anal in sun protection or bc of the dermabrasion. Tonight I asked my dad on how much improvement he sees in my skin. He is very critical of my scarring so I know he will tell me the truth. He said he sees 50% improvement in the scars and even told me to see Dr. Y again for some spot treatment so that I can get more improvements. I myself see those improvements, though I probably won't have anymore dermabrasions. I don't regret going through the first one, though now I know how long it takes to recover and how traumatic the first 3 months of recovery is, I will not be doing it again.

Sword and Kipster, my thoughts are with you. I hope those insensitive ppl you meet who have such unkind thoughts will know what bad karma is.

Take care, queenie

Hi Queenie!

I hope your doing well. From my own experience i did not venture out in the sun for 9 months and as a result my skin was pale and even a little pasty despite the excellent improvement in the scarring. I found though that once I started going back out in the sun, a little at first and gradually increased the time my color came back and returned to normal. I think we can all maybe overdo it relation to sun avoidance. While it is essential to avoid in the first six months, the sun is very good for one and I found I looked better for it after I trusted my face again out in it. The paleness, in my opinion, is not a result of a derm but the avoidance of the sun in the period thereafter.

Also from my own experience there is no doubt the downtime of a wire brush derm is long. However from my own experiences it is because this downtime is long is why you get some results (in my case very good ones). All the other treatments I underwent had lower downtime but no improvement - so what is the point. At least i knew that what I was going through made it all the worthwhile in the long term.

Sword I wish you the best and am sorry for the way you are currently feeling

Hi Queenie!

 

I hope your doing well. From my own experience i did not venture out in the sun for 9 months and as a result my skin was pale and even a little pasty despite the excellent improvement in the scarring. I found though that once I started going back out in the sun, a little at first and gradually increased the time my color came back and returned to normal. I think we can all maybe overdo it relation to sun avoidance. While it is essential to avoid in the first six months, the sun is very good for one and I found I looked better for it after I trusted my face again out in it. The paleness, in my opinion, is not a result of a derm but the avoidance of the sun in the period thereafter.

 

Also from my own experience there is no doubt the downtime of a wire brush derm is long. However from my own experiences it is because this downtime is long is why you get some results (in my case very good ones). All the other treatments I underwent had lower downtime but no improvement - so what is the point. At least i knew that what I was going through made it all the worthwhile in the long term.

 

Sword I wish you the best and am sorry for the way you are currently feeling

 

Hi John_Sydney! Nice to hear from you! I'm doing very well and am very happy with the improvements. I think you have a valid point there about over-doing sun avoidance. Since I returned from my holiday (after 7 months post-op), I feel that my skin tone has become more even and natural (though it is still pale but maybe not as pasty as before), and I was in the sun a lot on my holiday under tropical conditions. I made sure I still used sunscreen though.

I just want to clarify about my previous post about not doing any more dermabrasions. Yes the downtime is long and that is one factor, I don't want to waste any more of my life going through the recovery and waiting for the redness to fade and skintone to return. At this point (9 months post-op) I am happy with the results and feel I can move on with my life. I can still see areas of improvement if I did a 2nd derma but in my situation, I don't think it is worth the recovery time as I am happy with the way I feel and look right now. I am no longer so critical of myself and I think one of the most important things is that I feel like I took control and did something about an area of my life that I was very unhappy with. Prior to making the decision, I did a lot of research, asked a lot of questions from ppl on this forum who were very helpful (John_Sydney being one of those inspirational ppl) and also spoke to Dr Y and other dermatologists here in my country.

I have never done anything else for my scarring, I think I took a leap of faith in going for such an invasive procedure but I wanted to tackle the scarring head on and Dr Y was also highly recommended by my dermatologist here in Australia.

For those with Asian skin, it's important to seriously consider whether dermabrasion is right for you. I have very pale skin (hereditary) but was told hypopigmentation was a risk. It was a risk I took. Like I said, I have no regrets. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions abt the procedure.

Thanks again to all those who helped me pre and post-op, especially John_Sydney and Sword, I wish you both well.

Cheers, queenie