Hyperpigmentation comes in many forms and can affect men and women of all skin types. Having discolored patches of skin can cause a great deal of distress and may affect your self-image. Technological developments in the aesthetics industry have led to new laser skin resurfacing treatments which can treat and even eliminate hyperpigmentation. Here are our top recommended skin treatments for hyperpigmentation and how they could give you an even skin tone.
Understanding Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a condition in which part of the skin becomes discolored – specifically, when a patch of skin becomes darker than the surrounding area. Common examples include:
- Melasma: Melasma usually appears as brown or blue-gray patches on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin. It typically results from hormones, sunlight, or medications, and it commonly appears during pregnancy.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can result when the skin overproduces melanin while healing acne lesions.
- Sun spots: Sun spots, age spots, and liver spots (all different names for the same thing) are small, flat areas of discolored skin (usually tan, brown, or black). They are caused by sun exposure over time and usually appear in areas such as the face, hands, shoulders, neck, chest, and arms.
Best Laser Treatment for Hyperpigmentation
Our top laser treatment for hyperpigmentation is the Moxi™ non-ablative fractionated laser. This treatment creates micro-coagulation zones in the hyperpigmented area, which signal the body to replace the cells with new, healthy skin cells. Each treatment session stimulates cellular regeneration, and results can be seen in just a matter of days. Most patients receive 3 or 4 treatments in a row, then reduce to regular maintenance treatments to keep their skin looking even and smooth.
One of the reasons we love Moxi™ is that it is gentle enough to be performed on all skin types. Because it is so gentle, it has minimal risk of side effects and can easily be combined with other skin rejuvenation treatments as desired.
Moxi™ works especially well for melasma because it does not heat the skin; other conditions that heat the skin (like IPL) can actually make melasma worse. In some patients, combining Moxi™ with broadband light (BBL) treatments can virtually eliminate hyperpigmentation. This combination can be used to correct sun damage, melasma, and even some post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne scarring.
Laser treatments with Moxi™ can provide color improvement as well as textural improvements to keep your skin looking healthy and youthful. If you are concerned about hyperpigmentation, schedule a consultation at Poris Plastic Surgery. Dr. Stephenie Poris will be pleased to recommend a treatment plan to eliminate hyperpigmentation and restore an even, balanced skin tone.