How to Treat Hyperpigmentation With Intense Pulsed Light

Hyperpigmentation, a darkening of the skin in localized areas, is treated in a variety of ways. One way to treat hyperpigmentation, that does not require significant recovery time and is only mildly painful, is intense pulsed light therapy. Intense pulsed light therapy uses pulses of high-intensity light to penetrate the skin and help diminish hyperpigmentation.

Things You'll Need

• Dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon

Instructions

1. Find a licensed dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon that offers intense pulsed light therapy. Not all doctors have the equipment or expertise to provide this treatment.

2. Have a consultation with your doctor to get your skin evaluated and your questions answered. Every patient is not suited to intense pulsed light therapy, so your doctor may recommend other options to treat your hyperpigmentation. Take this opportunity to learn about the doctor's training and experience with this therapy and to discuss realistic expectations.

3. Have a patch test done to determine whether your skin will respond favorably to the treatment. After a doctor determines that you are a good candidate, this test foreshadows how your body will heal from the procedure. You'll have to watch the patch area for about 1 week or so to see whether any hypopigmentation or skin irritation occurs.

4. Schedule an appointment for your first procedure. If you are on any medications that are contraindicated, your doctor may require you to stop those medications for a few weeks.

5. Get the first round of intense pulsed light therapy. For most procedures, you are given sunglasses to protect your eyes and a topical anesthetic to numb your skin. There may be mild discomfort during the procedure.

6. Expect to need the procedure repeated once every 3 to 4 weeks, depending on the severity of the hyperpigmentation. Generally, it takes several sessions to successfully treat hyperpigmentation.

Tips & Warnings

• Expect to pay by the pulse plus the cost of the patch test. With larger areas, the procedure is typically more expensive.

• Don't go for this therapy if you have darker skin or a tendency towards keloids, unless your doctor says it's okay. People who are prone to keloids or have dark skin are not the best candidates for intense pulsed light therapy.

• Diabetics and patients on various forms of blood thinners are at greater risk for complications from this therapy. If you match this description, get cleared by your primary doctor.

• Avoid tanning for several weeks before an intense pulsed light treatment. Tan skin can cause complications.

• Beware that a common side effect of intense pulsed light therapy is hypopigmentation, in which the skin is over-lightened. This may be a permanent side effect.