MedicalPigmentation

Pigmentation issues can manifest in various forms, including hyperpigmentation (brown spots) and hypopigmentation (white spots), each presenting unique challenges.

Why Choose Pigmentation Treatment?

  • Long Term Effects

  • Minimally Invasive Options

PigmentationWhat is Pigmentation?

Pigmentation issues can manifest in various forms, including hyperpigmentation (brown spots) and hypopigmentation (white spots), each presenting unique challenges. Hyperpigmentation is typically characterised by the overproduction of melanin, resulting in dark spots or patches on the skin, commonly due to factors like sun exposure, inflammation, or hormonal changes. Hypopigmentation occurs when there is a reduction or absence of melanin, leading to lighter patches of skin, often caused by conditions such as vitiligo, albinism or excessive UV exposure.

Seborrhoeic Keratoses (Wisdom Spots, Senile Warts)

    • These flat or stuck on, waxy or warty papules are a very common reason for the seeing the dermatologist, more often than not because they are confused for more sinister spots like melanoma. Seborrhoeic Keratosis (SK) can be found anywhere on the skin apart from the wet surfaces (i.e. the lining of the mouth) but tend to be less common in areas protected by two layers of clothing – i.e. the buttocks. This suggests sun exposure has a role in their development but they also increase in number as we age. When they suddenly appear, particularly in clusters, it’s important to see your doctor to rule out serious underlying illness. Whilst these lesions are benign, many patients want them removed as they itch, crumble away and can look unsightly. From chemical peels to cryotherapy, hyfrecation or curette and cautery, the practitioners operating from the Skin Centre have options for anyone looking to get rid of these frustrating signs of age.

Ephelides (Freckles) and Solar Lentigines

      • Both ephelides (freckles) and lentigo appear as flat, brown to black marks on sun exposed areas of skin. They are both more common in people with fair skin types and red hair. They can also be seen in certain inherited conditions, in particular those affecting darker skin individuals. Developing in childhood, freckles are generally less noticeable by adulthood. Freckles tend to fade in winter and when protected from ultraviolet light. In comparison, Lentigos persist across the seasons, even when protected from the sun. There are many forms of lentigo, the most common of which is the solar lentigo. The solar lentigo can develop at any age but is more often seen after the age of 40. New brown spots should be reviewed as part of full skin examination to exclude more sinister lesions like melanoma. Bleaching creams are ineffective for freckles and lentigos but certain laser therapies can be used.

Vitiligo

        • Vitiligo is a relatively common condition in which the pigment forming cells are destroyed, so that white patches appear on the skin and occasionally in the hair. The cause of this disease is unknown but may be auto-immune in nature. A family history of vitiligo or other auto-immune conditions is often seen. It affects all ages, genders and skin types. Although it is a benign disease, the psychological impact can be devastating and most sufferers want some form of treatment. Depending on individual circumstance this may include topical agents, phototherapy and cosmetic procedures to either re-pigment or camouflage the affected sites.

Hyperpigmentation & Melasma

        • Any condition that causes inflammation of the skin, for instance acne, eczema or psoriasis, can leave a brown footprint as it is heals. This is referred to as post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Depending on the level of damage, this discolouration may last weeks to months and in even longer in darker skin types. Frustrating though it may be, the best treatment for PIH is time.Melasma, known as the ‘Mask of Pregnancy’, appears as patchy brown pigmentation on the sun exposed areas of the face. Whilst it can affect anyone, it is more common in women and people of certain ethnicities (i.e. Asian, Hispanic, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean ancestry). Genetics, sun exposure and hormonal factors, such as pregnancy and the oral contraceptive tablet, are thought to drive its development. For many people this a frustrating cosmetic complaint. Prevention is critical and the use of a daily sunscreen is recommended. Other treatment options include topical and oral medical treatments, chemical peels, laser and light therapies.

Treatment Options for Brown and White Spots

At our clinic, we offer advanced treatments to address both types of pigmentation irregularities. Our goal is to achieve a balanced and even skin tone by targeting the specific pigmentation issues with precision. Treatments vary depending on the type and extent of pigmentation, encompassing a range of technologies designed to either reduce excessive melanin or stimulate melanin production in areas where it is lacking.

Understanding the underlying causes of pigmentation is crucial for effective treatment. For hyperpigmentation, sun protection is essential to prevent further darkening of the affected areas. For hypopigmentation, especially conditions like vitiligo, treatment focuses on restoring colour to the affected areas or, in some cases, lightening the surrounding skin to reduce contrast.

To address the diverse needs of pigmentation treatment, our clinic utilises several leading technologies: Pico Laser, BBL (BroadBand Light), Nordlys IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), 1927nm Laser and Erbium YAG Laser. Each of these platforms offers unique benefits tailored to specific types of pigmentation.

The Pico Laser is exceptionally effective for treating hyperpigmentation, such as brown spots and freckles, due to its ultra-short pulse duration that shatters pigment particles without heating the surrounding tissue. This minimises the risk of post-treatment hyperpigmentation, making it suitable for all skin types. BBL therapy, on the other hand, uses an adjustable range of wavelengths to target both brown and red pigments, making it ideal for a broad spectrum of pigmentation issues.

Nordlys IPL is versatile in treating both brown spots and redness, promoting an even skin tone by reducing colour irregularities. The Erbium YAG Laser excels in precise skin resurfacing, removing the outer layers of skin where pigmentation resides, and is particularly useful for more stubborn or deeper pigmented lesions.

Our Philosophy on Pigmentation Treatment

At our clinic, we believe in a holistic approach to treating pigmentation issues, understanding that each patient’s skin is unique. Our philosophy is grounded in creating tailored treatment plans that address not only the aesthetic concerns of pigmentation but also consider the overall skin health of our patients. We aim to restore skin to its natural tone and texture while ensuring long-term health and vitality.

We are committed to using state-of-the-art technology in combination with expert knowledge to provide safe, effective, and minimally invasive solutions for pigmentation. Education plays a crucial role in our treatment approach; we spend significant time educating our patients on the causes of pigmentation and the importance of ongoing prevention strategies, particularly sun protection and appropriate skin care routines.

Frequently Asked Questions

During your initial consultation, we conduct a thorough assessment of your pigmentation concerns, taking into account your skin type, the extent of pigmentation, and your overall skin health. This assessment helps us determine the most appropriate treatment plan, which may include one or a combination of our advanced technologies.

Each treatment session is conducted with the utmost care, adhering to the highest standards of safety and efficacy. Depending on the technology used and the area treated, sessions can last from a few minutes to over an hour. Most treatments require minimal downtime, allowing patients to return to their daily activities shortly after.

Post-treatment, patients are provided with detailed care instructions, which may include the use of specific skincare products to enhance and prolong the results. We also schedule follow-up appointments to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

After completing pigmentation treatment, maintaining skin health is crucial for lasting results. We provide comprehensive guidance on how to protect the skin from further damage, including the importance of using sunscreen daily and adopting a skin care regimen that supports skin health.

For patients with persistent pigmentation issues such as melasma, ongoing management may be necessary. In these cases, we may recommend periodic maintenance treatments to prevent recurrence and keep the skin looking its best.

At our clinic, we are committed to supporting our patients throughout their treatment journey and beyond, ensuring that they achieve not only improved skin appearance but also enhanced skin health and confidence in their appearance.

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