Burn discoloration

Recently, I received dental treatment. She used a fibre optic device for about half an hour on the corner of my mouth. The appliance was faulty, and caused a thermal burn on my face. It felt quite hot, but I thought maybe I was imagining things then.

The burn was 1 cm wide and 2 cm long on the corner of my mouth. It was painful, reddish. There were very tiny blisters that can felt when I touched the wound, the area was moist and slightly numbing. Scabbing occurred after 3-4 days. The scab dropped off after 8 days.

It is now 3 weeks. There is a dark discoloration on the burn area on my face. It is very ugly and hideous.

I am traumatised. Questions:
1. Will it fade?
2. What is the treatment available?
3. Is this discoloration permanent?

The dentist is my sister. The burn mark is psychological damaging to me.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It looks like post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Without treatment, this usually takes about 6 months to resolve and for the skin color to go back to its normal color.  Topical treatments with acids and chemical peels can be effective but can take a while for the skin to totally revert to its normal color.  Microdermabrasion can also be done, but this might require several sessions.  Skin resurfacing using lasers is also an option.  

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.