Hello,
I am sorry to hear about what has happened after your extraction. Be rest assured that this issue of brown marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH in short) will fade away with time. Due to trauma and inflammation after your extraction, the body's immune response deposited extra colour in the form of brown pigment as part of the healing process. This will eventually fade with time as the immune system digests the extra pigment in the next few months.
It is important to stop squeezing the congested or blocked pores on your face in order to prevent more marks. Think of it this way, by squeezing you hope to extrude the oil in the pores but the opposite can happen, you may drive it the other way instead. As a result inflammation occurs and things get worse, and more brown marks will develop.
Topical medical-grade retinoids such as tretinoin cream prescribed by doctors can help to gently exfoliate the skin and unblock the pores, prevent oil accumulation and pore blockage, and also lighten the marks. It is worth using tretinoin cream for a period of time to clear the skin.
Applying SPF50 sun block daily is important as this prevents the marks from darkening further. Do use a non-comedogenic (does not block pores) sun block.
Mild chemical peels, for example mandelic acid or pyruvic acid peels are specially formulated to gently exfoliate the skin, and I find them gentle yet effective, when compared to traditional glycolic acid peels. This is important for patients with sensitive skin, as they cannot tolerate harsh peels.
Lasers may have limited efficacy to remove the pigment as it is deep within the skin, and in some situations, they make worsen the brown marks. Ultimately it still depends on your body's immune system to digest and remove the extra pigment.
To summarise, the best approach for you would be topical retinoids, mild chemical peels and application of sun screens daily. The colour will fade in a few months. There is no hurry to attempt laser treatment at the moment. Do see an experienced dermatologist for further assessment.
Take care and happy holidays!
Best regards,
Dr Ker Khor Jia
