Objective To explore the effect of intense pulsed light combined with Q-switched laser in the treatment of post-acne pigmentation and its influence on aesthetic satisfaction of patients. Methods A total of 120 patients with post-acne pigmentation admitted to Langfang I Beauty Plastic Surgery Medical Cosmetology Clinic from January 2022 to December 2023 were selected as the research subjects. According to the random number table method, they were divided into the control group and the observation group, with 60 patients in each group. The control group was treated with intense pulsed light, and the observation group was treated with intense pulsed light combined with Q-switched laser. The pigmentation score, skin condition and aesthetic satisfaction were compared between the two groups. Results After treatment, the pigmentation score of the two groups was lower than that before treatment, and that of the observation group was lower than that of the control group (P <0.05). After treatment, the skin glossiness and elasticity of the two groups were better than those before treatment, and those of the observation group were better than those of the control group (P <0.05). The aesthetic satisfaction rate of the observation group was 88.33%, which was higher than 66.67% of the control group (P <0.05). Conclusion The treatment of post-acne pigmentation with intense pulsed light combined with