How Effective is Laser Treatment for Hyperpigmentation?
If you suffer from hyperpigmentation of the skin, you may be looking for ways to reduce this. If so, you might have read that laser treatment for hyperpigmentation may be an option. But how effective is this? And is it the right treatment for everyone? Here, we take a look at how laser treatment works on hyperpigmentation and explore what you need to consider before opting for this type of treatment.
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Simply put, hyperpigmentation is a dark patch of skin that is caused when the skin produces excess melanin. Melanin is this pigment that is responsible for our natural skin tone. Hyperpigmentation can be caused by sun exposure, skin inflammation and hormonal changes. These can cause an overproduction of melanin, which can cause darker patches of skin, both large and small. Even though hyperpigmentation is a common occurrence and it does not cause harm to a person, some people can suffer insecurity due to the changes in their skin tone. Therefore, they might seek treatment to help reduce hyperpigmentation so that they can even the tone of their skin.
Exploring laser treatment for hyperpigmentation
Laser therapy is an option for those suffering from hyperpigmentation. There are various types of laser that can be used for this type of treatment.
Fractional lasers. – These lasers tiny controlled injury zones in the skin. These tiny areas stimulate the body’s healing response, which will lead to a reduction in hyperpigmentation.
Q-switched lasers – Highly focused energy pulses are delivered to shatter the excess melanin in the skin. This is then cleared from the body, resulting in a lightened area of skin.
The treatment that is most appropriate for you and the laser that is used will be discussed with your skin therapist if you choose to go ahead with a consultation. It’s important to ask questions about the lasers and their effectiveness as well as their suitability to your skin. A qualified skin therapist will be able to discuss any concerns you might have, and come up with a treatment plan to suit your needs.
What Other treatments are available?
There are of course other options besides laser treatment for hyperpigmentation. Some topical creams and chemical peels provide relief for some users. However, laser treatments often provide a faster course of treatment and more noticeable results for stubborn areas.
It should be noted, however, that fractional lasers have been found to improve hyperpigmentation in people with darker skin tones in one study, something that many creams and peels do not treat so well.
Side effects
It is important to recognise that while there are benefits of using laser treatment for hyperpigmentation, it does come with some risks. For example:
- It is possible for those treated with lasers to have temporary side effects such as mild crusting, swelling and redness.However, these tend to dissipate within a few days.
- It should also be noted that those with rosacea or acne should see a dermatologist before beginning laser treatment.
Aftercare
Laser treatment for hyperpigmentation should not, however, be a ‘One and done’ treatment. It is important to look after your skin carefully, following your therapist’s instructions, post treatment. This will help ensure the good health of your skin. If your hyperpigmentation is caused by sun exposure, your skin therapist could help give you strategies to ensure you prevent this as much as possible going forward.
In conclusion, laser treatment is a powerful ally to those looking to reduce the signs of hyperpigmentation. However, it is important to be aware of the risks and benefits before starting treatment. It would be wise therefore to always seek help from a qualified skin therapist who can help discuss all your options with you to find the right treatment for your needs.
