Laser treatment for hyperpigmentation is one of the numerous examples of laser technology that has benefited humankind during the last few decades.
Are you among those who are afflicted with hyperpigmentation? Are you actively considering laser as one of your options to treat your condition?
If your answer is yes to any one of the above questions, here is some useful information that may benefit you enormously.
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of your skin caused mainly due to an increase in melanin. Melanin is a class of compounds found in animals, plants, and humans where in it serves chiefly as pigment in the skin. In humans, melanin is the primary determinant of skin color.
What Causes Hyperpigmentation?
A host of reasons can cause hyperpigmentation. These include an increase in deposits of melanin, post inflammatory conditions such as injuries caused by cuts and burns and other disorders like acne. There is also some evidence that certain drugs like amioderone, anti malarials, bleomycin, and chemotherapy can cause hyperpigmentation too.
What Are The Available Treatment Options?
Only a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist can best determine the course of action best suited to your condition. Here are some forms of treatment that are currently used:-
Hydroquinone- For non-hormone, induced hyperpigmentation, the hydroquinone treatment is very effective.
Alpha hydroxyl acids- These products are water-soluble and help in healing the condition by increasing hyperpigmentation cellular turnover.
Microdermabrasion- This procedure involves the skin being sand blasted by aluminum oxide crystals, vitamin C crystals and other mild abrasives.
Hyperpigmentation Intense pulsed light- In this procedure, machines produce an intense pulse of light that is capable of removing pigmented areas effectively.
Laser Treatment For hyperpigmentation
Due to a variety of potential benefits, laser resurfacing is now a treatment of choice of many dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and patients. The physiological benefits that have been either experienced or foreseen are:
• Reduced inflammation
• Decreased pain levels
• Increased tissue regeneration
• Enhanced nerve regeneration and repair
• Increased microcirculation and vasodilatation
Patients who have undergone laser treatment for hyperpigmentation have provided the following feedback:-
• Drugs and invasive surgery are avoided. It is quick, convenient, and safe, provided a certified and skilled surgeon performs the procedure.
• Though certain side effects have been experienced, they are lesser as compared to the ones that effect from prescription drugs and conventional surgery.
Conclusion
Treating hyperpigmentation ultimately boils down to correct diagnosis, skilled treatment by certified professionals and proper follow up. If you have chosen laser treatment for hyperpigmentation, your patience, and emotional readiness also factor into play. With a balanced approach, you will need to take all such aspects into your rejuvenation program.