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Frequently Asked Questions About Hyperpigmentation Removal

What is hyperpigmentation removal?
At what age can hyperpigmentation removal be performed?
What does a typical hyperpigmentation removal consultation entail?
How is hyperpigmentation removal performed?
What should I expect posttreatment?
Does hyperpigmentation removal hurt?
When will I be able to see the results?
What are the risks of hyperpigmentation removal?
Are the results permanent?

1. What is hyperpigmentation removal?

Hyperpigmentation removal treatments are used to lighten or improve the appearance of darkened areas of the skin that may result from natural hormones or hormone supplements, sun damage, injuries, the natural characteristics of one's skin type, medications, and other causes. Hyperpigmentation lesions can include the blotchy skin problems called melasma or chloasma often attributed to pregnancy or hormonal imbalances, birth marks, age spots, and freckles.

Treatments for hyperpigmentation vary greatly from a combination of melanin-blocking agents and exfoliants to microdermabrasion to laser treatments. The treatments best for you depend upon your needs and skin type. Some treatments can cause hypopigmented areas or even other hyperpigmentation problems in some individuals. You should make sure you have a proper diagnosis for what is causing your hyperpigmentation before you decide on a treatment.

2. At what age can hyperpigmentation removal be performed?

There really is no set age, although some treatments may not be appropriate for children. However, there are there are treatments that can be used with topical anesthetics for children to allow removal of birthmarks on the face.

3. What does a typical hyperpigmentation removal consultation entail?

A consultation is a chance to discuss your hyperpigmentation problem and you can make one with a plastic surgeon, a dermatologist, or a skin aesthetician, depending on what level of treatment you are seeking. Some skin treatments can only be administered by a physician, while others can be done by a cosmetologist or aesthetician, depending on state laws. At the consultation, you will discuss your goals and you will asked about your health. You will also discuss the various techniques that can be used on your skin, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as what results are realistic. The person you consult with should discuss the risks associated with hyperpigmentation removal procedures with you, as well the costs.

4. How is a hyperpigmentation removal treatment performed?

Depending on the procedure and the type and size of the hyperpigmentation, the pigmentation irregularity can be removed either all at once or gradually. Some pigmentation problems can be greatly reduced, but not completely eliminated. Removal can be done by exfoliation using dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, laser peels, intense pulsed light treatment, or other means. There are also some skin bleaching products that can be used. Please see our Hyperpigmentation Removal Section for more information.

5. What should I expect posttreatment?

The recovery period varies significantly and is highly dependent upon the treatment chosen. It also depends on the size of the problem and type of hyperpigmentation. Please see our Hyperpigmentation Removal Section for more information and discuss this with your physician.

6. Does hyperpigmentation removal hurt?

This also depends on the treatment chosen. Some treatments such as deep laser or chemical peels have been reported as having some discomfort during or after treatment. Any accompanying pain of all treatments should be alleviated by prescribed pain relievers. Some treatments such as skin bleaching agents like hydroquinone or microdermabrasion usually involves no pain whatsoever.

7. When will I be able to see the results?

This varies as well. Some results may be seen quite quickly. Some don't show until after a series of treatments or until after your skin heals from the treatment itself. There is some recovery time with a deep peel during which your skin will look crusted and ooze a bit.

8. What are the risks of hyperpigmentation removal?

The risks, complications and contraindications vary significantly and are highly dependent upon the treatment chosen. For almost all hyperpigmentation removal, if you have had oral herpes infections (cold sores or fever blisters), you must get a prescription for an antiviral medication to decrease your chances of a breakout while you are being treated or while you heal. If you have a break out during your healing period, it can spread to your entire face and result in severe and permanent scarring.

Some people with darker skin tones are prone to pigmentation problems after several types of skin treatments. Patients with olive skin, brown skin, or black skin (ethnic skin tones) may be at risk for pigmentation problems no matter what type of resurfacing method is recommended. Dark areas and pale areas can result from not identifying the wrong skin type for the treatment, failure to identify any skin problems, and improper care during recovery. Your surgeon should evaluate your skin characteristics and family history before making any diagnosis or treatment.

For chemical peels: Make sure you know how much crusting and weeping to expect in the treated areas. Some is to be expected for some types of peels, but too much may not be good. If you experience painful areas of the face, contact your surgeon or skin care specialist immediately, especially if you are prone to cold sores. If blisters form, report the problem immediately!

For Laser Resurfacing: There are minor risks and complications involved with laser skin resurfacing that include but are not limited to prolonged hyperpigmentation. In 5-10% of patients, darkening or brown discoloration will occur that require bleaching creams. This will generally resolve the discoloration in 2 to 3 months. Prolonged redness occurs in 3% to 5% of patients and this delays the fading to normal color by about 2 months.

There is a risk of intense burns associated with laser resurfacing. Choose a surgeon or dermatologist who is experienced with the technique and has a light "touch."

Patients having used Accutane (isotretinoin) in the past 12 to 18 months, those who are prone to abnormal scarring or keloid formation, and those with frequent skin eruptions such as psoriasis, eczema, and herpes may not be good candidates for laser skin resurfacing.

For Intense Pulsed Light: Although rare, blistering or slight bleeding is possible as pigmentation problems. If pigmentation problems occur, it may be anywhere from 3 to 12 months before normal skin tome returns. This is especially so with hypopigmentation. Be aware that some patients may experience permanent skin pigmentation changes. Scarring is possible, although it is rare.

For Microdermabrasion: There are not many risks associated with microdermabrasion if you are a healthy adult, but if the medical-grade machines are used at too high a power, it carries potential risks of hyperpigmentation, perforation, bleeding, and infection. Infection can also be a risk if the machine is not sterile. Any and all pieces that come into contact with your skin should be able to be sterilized or changed out.

9. Are the results permanent?

This largely depends upon your lifestyle and habits. Repeat sun exposure or medication use can continue to cause hyperpigmentations, as can natural hormonal imbalances. Some treatments such as microdermabrasion may need to be repeated occasionally.