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Hyperpigmentation is defined as dark patches of skin. This condition is a result of too much melanin production, which may be caused by a number of factors, such as acne scars, sun damage, or hormone fluctuations. Hyperpigmentation laser treatment is gaining a lot of limelight, but you may be wondering how this treatment option works.
In this article, we will review everything that you need to know about treating your hyperpigmentation with a laser treatment technique.
Background on Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation will appear as dark patches or spots on the skin that will vary in size and color. This condition will cause the skin to look uneven. Dark spots can occur at any point in life and may be caused by a number of things.
Age spots and sunspots are both examples of hyperpigmentation. The most important part of treating your skin discoloration is understanding the root cause. This will ensure that you get a treatment plan that will cater to your needs.
Types of Hyperpigmentation
- Melasma – This is a chronic pigmentation condition that can be caused by genetics, sun exposure, or hormonal changes. Melasma typically occurs on the chin, cheeks, bridge of the nose, or forehead. Melasma on the face occurs symmetrically. Meaning if you have it on one cheek, then you will have it on the other.
- Age or Sun Spots – These spots are typically caused by sun damage. They are most prevalent on parts of the body that are exposed to sunlight, including the face, neck, décolleté, hands, and arms. These spots tend to be small in size and appear as darken patches of skin.
- Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation – This type of hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin has suffered an injury or trauma that heals and leaves behind a flat area of discoloration. It is a common condition among those who are prone to acne breakouts.
Other things could cause the skin to have dark spots, including scarring, birthmarks, solar or actinic keratoses, and skin cancers. However, these conditions are not considered forms of hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation Laser Treatment
Hyperpigmentation has to be treated according to its root cause, which means that not all cases can be treated the same. It may not matter how diligent you are with applying sunscreen, dark spots may continue to develop over the years and leave you with an uneven complexion.
Here at SeaMist Medspa we treat hyperpigmentation accordingly, and laser treatments tend to be a key in maintaining pigmentation issues. It is important to note that results will vary, and not every case can be treated with laser therapy.
At SeaMist Medspa we use a variety of laser therapies to obtain optimal results. The following treatments are offered in our Rhode Island Medspa.
Lumecca IPL
Lumecca IPL can address facial pigmentation, superficial vessels, skin texture issues, and photodamaged skin. This treatment is designed to improve the skin’s complexion, decrease skin irregularities, and help restore a youthful appearance.
Lumecca uses powerful intense pulsed light (IPL) to treat dark spots and lesions. This energy-based treatment is one of the most effective ways to treat and restore an even skin tone. While results vary, significant changes in complexion may be seen in just one treatment. However, multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired results.
IPL treatments can address age spots (red/brown pigmentation), sun damage, vascular lesions (spider veins, port-wine stains, leg telangiectasias), rosacea (redness), and freckles. Lumecca laser treatment can be used on all areas of the body but is most commonly used in areas where the skin is exposed to the sun. This may include the face, neck, chest, legs, hands, and arms.
GentleMax Pro
GentleMax Pro is another laser treatment option that we offer. It targets pigmentation issues, including sun damage, age spots, and freckles. Results may be seen in as little as one treatment, but multiple treatments may be required to reach desired results. It is ideal for areas that are exposed to the sun, including face, neck, chest, and arms.
Fractora
Fractora is a non-invasive laser therapy that uses radiofrequency to treat skin concerns including acne scars, cystic acne, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and texture. It may be used in any area that could benefit from skin rejuvenation.
Alternative Treatments
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for a hyperpigmentation laser treatment. Other treatment options may be presented to you during your consultation with SeaMist Medspa.
These may include:
- Topical lightening creams
- Chemical peels
- Retinol
- Laser peels
- Microdermabrasion
- Dermabrasion
What Should I do Before Laser Treatment?
You will want to avoid exposure to direct sunlight and tanning for at least one month before having laser treatment. In addition, you need to avoid any type of products that cause photosensitivity, including hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, retinol, and benzoyl peroxide.
What Should I Expect?
It will highly depend on the type of laser treatment that you are receiving as to what you will experience during your session. In general, the laser may produce a light sensation that is well tolerated.
Laser treatment of hyperpigmentation typically takes 15 to 20 minutes but will depend on the treatment area. Most patients experience little to no discomfort during their procedure. You can expect redness, mild swelling, and tenderness in the treatment area, but this will dissipate quickly.
Over the next 24 to 48 hours you may notice a darkening of the pigmentation spots. Weeks after your treatment the pigmented lesions will flake off, which will leave behind an even skin tone.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
The number of sessions that you will need will highly depend on the results you receive from your first treatment. Many patients get desirable results with just one treatment, but it is not uncommon to need a series of sessions to treat pigmentation issues. The treatment regime will also depend on the severity of skin damage, skin type, and the type of treatment being used.
When Can I Expect Results?
With sun damage and skin, complexion results can typically be seen in a few days after the first treatment. In the days following, the skin will continue to rejuvenate and appear more youthful and even. Best results can be seen 1 to 2 weeks after your laser treatment. Multiple sessions will enhance your overall results.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you have hyperpigmentation and are looking for treatment options, give us a call today. Our hyperpigmentation laser treatments are highly effective and allow you to see results within a few days of your first treatment.
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