Laser Treatments for Hyperpigmentation

Laser Treatments for Hyperpigmentation
 Laser Treatments for Hyperpigmentation

Your dermatologist’s first attempts at erasing or fading discoloration will likely involve relatively mild hyperpigmentation treatments, such as skin lighteners, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion. But if these therapies are unsuccessful, she might break out the big guns — that is, a laser treatment. Ultimately, the effects of laser therapy are similar to those of a chemical peel or microdermabrasion — the layers of pigmented skin are stripped away — but the laser method is more precise, since the doctor can control the intensity of the laser and its degree of penetration. There are a couple of different types of laser therapy for hyperpigmentation disorders, so do your homework and be sure to ask plenty of questions at your practitioner’s office. Here’s a brief overview: Types of Laser Treatments for Hyperpigmentation There are basically two types of laser light therapy used to treat hyperpigmentation: IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and lasers. Both use the same principle to remove unwanted pigment; however, IPL emits multiple wavelengths of light, while lasers emit light of a single wavelength. There are pros and cons to each, based on the type of hyperpigmentation you’ve got, where it is, and how long you’ve had it. Laser treatment is usually most effective in treating discrete lesions and thickened age spots; IPL may be a better choice if the discoloration is over a wider area. Scabbing is typically more prominent after laser treatment as compared with IPL, but more IPL treatment sessions may be necessary in the long run. Depending on the type of discoloration you’re dealing with, you may need one treatment or several. For example, age spots typically respond very quickly, but birthmarks often require repeated zapping. Whichever type of laser therapy you and your practitioner agree upon, she’ll zap the hyperpigmented area and vaporize the discolored skin with very short bursts of high-energy pulsed light. Longer pulses may be used on larger patches. In general: Your doctor may prescribe a pretreatment regimen that includes topical or oral medications. Pain medication (including local anesthesia) may be used during the procedure. Afterward, you may experience redness or swelling on the area that was treated. A scab or scabs may form, depending on the intensity of the treatment. Your doctor may prescribe a care regimen, as well as special ointments, after treatment. It will be crucial to protect your sensitive new skin from sun exposure after treatment. Laser resurfacing: If your hyperpigmentation disorder has caused deep or extensive scarring — as is sometimes the case with postinflammatory hyperpigmentation — it may be necessary for your doctor to perform a more invasive laser therapy, known as carbon dioxide resurfacing. This treatment penetrates deeper into the skin, removing multiple layers as opposed to just surface layers of epidermis. The recovery period is likely to be longer than with standard laser treatment, lasting up to three weeks or longer and often accompanied by redness that could last for months. Keep in mind: While laser therapy can have a dramatically positive effect on hyperpigmentation disorders, it’s not a cure. If your pigmentation problems are a result from sun exposure, for example, you’ve got to protect your skin from UV rays in the future or the whole cycle will begin again. Always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of at least 15 (SPF 30 will offer even better protection). Also, limit sun exposure and wear sun-protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. One last note: Laser treatments can actually cause pigmentation problems, especially in olive, light brown, or dark skin. Be sure to discuss your skin characteristics and your family history with your doctor before the procedure so you know all the risks.