mark on face

I had the medlite laser treatment on a brown spot on my left cheek two years ago.  It became hyperpigmented and took over four months to fade with the help of steroids and creams.  The skin did become lighter, but I was left with a circle mark on or you might say underneath the skin. The area is a little yellow in color, but the circular impression is what bothers me the most.  I don't know if it's a burn mark or what they call demarcation lines, but I did want to know if there is any cream or treatment to fade or get rid of it. I've tried a series of glycolic peels, a medium peel, and the ruby laser. All treatments were unsuccessful, but they didn't make matters worse thankfully.  Is there any laser or other treatment to eradicate this problem? Any and all help is appreciated.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I'm afraid I can't answer you with any precision, because I'm not seeing the spot up close.  However, it sounds to me as though the best thing to do as of now is as little as possible for the next 6 months.  Pigment changes respond poorly to multiple manipulations, whereas time often takes care of them, especially on the face.  If the spot is still there in six months, have a dermatologist take a look, perhaps someone who hasn't seen or treated it yet, for an objective opinion.  But I wouldn't be surprised if there's nothing left to be seen.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff