Hypopigmentation after facial surgery

3 weeks ago I had chin/jaw implants put in and, as expected, I got quite swollen.  I was told to stay out of the sun (I live in Phoenix) because of the likelihood of pigmentation issues. I tried to limit my sun exposure as best I could.  Anyhow, despite my efforts, the skin around both of my jaws has lightened considerably (I have fair skin).  

Is this a permanent condition or will mother nature at least partially improve the pigmentation?  Are there any treatments that will increase the likelihood of improvement?  If so, how long should I wait to begin them?

Thank you! Randy

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I think that the pigment changes will take care of themselves, without treatment.  There is, in any case, little effective treatment for lightening of skin after inflammation.  Resolution takes several months.

Having said that, I add that I am not familiar with the materials used by implant dentists.  It may be that they use a particular chemical which causes this problem (though no one has ever consulted me about such a problem.)  You really ought to ask the dentist about the natural course of lightening in other patients it's happened to.  If you're told that it never or almost never happens, then you can feel comfortable at just waiting it out.  Further sun exposure should not prevent such improvement.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff