Laser Treatment for Skin Hyperpigmentation

Laser skin treatment is a remedy for improving various skin issues. In 2008, there were 400,262 laser skin resurfacing treatments performed in the United States alone, creating a 134 percent increase from 2000, according to the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery. Laser skin treatments are gentler and safer than they've ever been.

Benefits

Laser skin treatment may be successful in diminishing the appearance of darkened areas of skin known as hyperpigmentation. With proper care, the effects of laser skin treatment can last many years.

Function

A laser is used to "peel" the first few layers of pigmented (or more) skin to uncover even-toned skin. A successful treatment must get rid of any existing pigment and stop the production of more melanin in the treated area.

Types

The most common lasers used for hyperpigmentation are pulsed dye and Nd:Yag (both non-ablative), and fractional (ablative). Ablative lasers vaporize the top layers of skin while non-ablative lasers work deeper without damaging the top layers of skin

Time Frame

A session may take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour and a half, depending on the area and severity of the hyperpigmentation. Usually anywhere from a few to several sessions are required.

Good Candidates

Only a qualified doctor or dermatologist can determine if a person is a good candidate. Treatment solutions depend on the cause of the hyperpigmentation, skin type and ethnicity.

Considerations

Keloids (basically an overgrown scar) and hypopigmenation (lack of skin color) or hyperpigmentations may occur in darker-skinned individuals.

References

• Facial Rejuvenation: A Total Approach; D.J. Goldberg; 2008.
• Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery; Laser Skin Resurfacing; M. Goldman, MD.
• Facial Plastic Surgery; Hyperpigmentation Removal; 2008.