Hyperpigmentation Treatment
Restoring Clear Skin to Make You Feel Like the Best Version of Yourself
Two of the leading causes of changes in the skin’s pigmentation include natural aging and excess exposure to sunlight. However, hormonal changes and an individual’s genetics can also contribute to hyperpigmentation (darkened skin). Regardless of the cause of your skin’s changes, hyperpigmentation treatment with an experienced dermatologist can provide a path back to clearer, more youthful-looking skin. Our treatments include sun spot and age spot removal, along with tailored treatment for other causes of darkened skin.
Dermatologist-Approved Hyperpigmentation Treatment
Your skin tone is determined by the amount of melanin in your skin. Hyperpigmentation is simply what happens when more of this natural pigment is abnormally produced in any given body area. Some of our hyperpigmentation treatments (laser therapy and chemical peels) work by removing damaged or aged skin to promote the growth of new cells. As new skin cells replace the old, the treatment areas should gradually appear more even, radiant, and youthful. Additionally, we have gentler treatments (intense pulsed light, or IPL).
In IPL, the pigmentation absorbs the energy from the laser, which causes the pigmentation to come to the surface of the skin and eventually peel off.
We treat several types of skin pigmentation concerns, including:
- Age spots and sun spots
- Freckling
- Melasma
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Our Hyperpigmentation Treatment Options
Laser Skin Resurfacing
- Uses targeted beams of light to treat damaged or aged skin cells.
- Focuses on removing the damaged upper layer to promote new cell growth.
- Moderate intensity procedure.
Chemical Peel
- Our Perfect Derma Peel uses a variable-strength solution that includes phenol, glutathione, TCA and other mild acids that are applied to the treatment area (face or elsewhere on the body).
- The ingredients in the peel remove the top layer of skin and boost collagen production.
- Peel strength can be modified for your individual needs but is safe for all skin colors and ethnicities.
- Highly effective for melasma
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
- A gentler treatment that is excellent for flat spots (freckles, age spots, liver spots)
- Delivers pulsed light to the upper layers of skin
- Easy to tolerate and comfortable.
Microneedling
- Uses ultrafine needles to create micro-wounds in the skin, creating controlled inflammation that leads to the removal of damaged cells.
- The body also responds by boosting collagen production.
Prescription-strength Lightening Cream
- A take-home treatment that can produce gradual lightening over time.
- Some also contain sunscreen to further protect your skin from pigmentation changes.
- Dr. Aivaz also compounds different topicals in a custom solution for you to use at home to effectively lighten the skin
Hyperpigmentation Treatments: At a Glance
- Treatment Type: Cosmetic, laser, peel, topical
- How Long It Takes: 10 to 30 minutes per visit
- Recovery Time: Varies by treatment type (typically about 1 week)
- Treatment Regimen: 2 to 6 sessions
- Speed of Results: Initial results within weeks, full results after completing your regimen
- Duration of Results: You may need yearly touch ups, and the best way to prolong results is by protecting the skin from the sun with sunscreen and hats
- Pain Level: Mild to moderate
Which Hyperpigmentation Treatment Is Right for Me?
Our variety of treatment options ensures there is a solution suitable for you. When you schedule your consultation visit with Dr. Aivaz, she will build a tailored treatment plan according to your needs. She customizes each element of your plan, from the type of treatment to the number of sessions needed. She provides comprehensive information during the consultation, ensuring you are fully informed about your options. She will answer any and all questions that you may have during your consultation. Some factors that are considered when building your plan include:
- Cause of hyperpigmentation
- Natural skin tone (some treatments might not be suitable for darker skin tones)
- Additional patient goals (e.g., skin tightening, wrinkle removal)
What Is a Treatment Session Like?
The duration of a hyperpigmentation treatment session can vary depending on the treatment. However, regardless of the treatment type, the total time of a visit is typically less than 1 hour and treatment is well-tolerated by patients. During treatment, the area will be cleaned and prepped for the procedure. Chemical peels may be accompanied by a stinging or burning sensation. The discomfort from IPL is minimal (similar to a rubber band snapping on the skin), but medical-grade topical anesthetic can be used to numb the skin should you desire. Cool air and ice make the procedure very tolerable.
How Is the Recovery?
Patients are red and may be swollen for 2-3 days after the IPL, chemical peels, or microneedling. After IPL, expect light scabbing (similar to coffee grounds) for about one week. These “coffee ground crusts” are actually the undesired pigment that is being removed. The pigment comes right to the surface of the skin, then peels off within 5-7 days. This does not necessarily require downtime, but many patients feel more comfortable taking time away from work until these side effects resolve.
After Your Treatment: Seeing Results
Hyperpigmentation treatment results are gradual but consistent. Treatments are generally performed every 4 weeks, and you should see improvements with each new treatment session. Typically, the benefits of each new treatment session should be noticeable within about 2 weeks after a visit.
What to Know About Sun Spot and Age Spot Removal Results
- Continued sun exposure can place you at risk for recurrence of hyperpigmentation.
- Wear protective sunscreen and clothing when out in the sun, and minimize prolonged exposure.
- Touch-up treatments are ideal when you notice early signs of pigmentation.
Book Your Consultation
We believe everyone deserves to have skin they feel comfortable in and proud of. Our tailored hyperpigmentation treatments aim to help you achieve clearer, more youthful and radiant skin that leaves you feeling rejuvenated on all levels. Call our office or use our website to sign up for a consultation, and start working with a leading, board-certified dermatologist today.