Hyperpigmentation is a result of laser treatments and should always be addressed by consulting with a cosmetic dermatologist such as Dr. Green in NYC who can recommend suitable non-invasive solutions tailored specifically to meet your needs.
No matter whether it’s age spots, sun damage, melasma or post-laser hyperpigmentation (PIH), there are various cosmetic procedures available that can dramatically improve both your even skin tone and self-confidence.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are used to improve skin tone and texture for patients with darker complexions, specifically light to medium peels that exfoliate the outermost layer of the skin, clearing away dead cells while depositing beneficial skin-healing ingredients that produce smoother surfaces with more even tones.
Deep peels use different acids to penetrate deeper layers of the skin and dispel pigmentation, according to Joshua Zeichner, MD in New York City. They also encourage collagen production while eliminating excess skin for an even complexion resulting in smoother and less uneven complexions. Furthermore, deep peels can treat deeper discolorations issues like brown spots or melasma.
Before undertaking any type of peel, it is crucial that you inform your physician of your medical history, including any previous procedures, medications you’re currently taking and allergies. Furthermore, be sure to notify him if you suffer from cold sores or herpes as the chemicals used in certain peels could trigger flare-ups.
If you’re uncertain which type of peel would best fit your needs, your doctor can perform a physical exam and evaluate your overall health to ascertain if you qualify. Furthermore, be sure to discuss your motivations, expectations and potential risks prior to making a decision.
If you’re experiencing patchy complexion issues and looking to reduce hyperpigmentation after laser treatment, contact our New York City team. We accept CareCredit credit card* which makes aesthetic treatment more accessible, while using our Acceptance Locator or mobile app makes finding providers nearer you much simpler. *Financial assistance available only to qualifying patients who open an account with us.
Vi Peels
The VI Peel is an advanced skin care treatment designed to address pigmentation, pores and scarring issues. Additionally, it can help reverse hyper-pigmentation (such as sun spots and melasma) with its use in combination with lasers or injectables; plus it has minimal downtime compared to stronger chemical peels which could potentially cause unwanted side effects in people with darker skin tones. The VI Peel contains TCA 12% (trichloroacetic acid), retinoic acid, salicylic acid, phenol and vitamin C for maximum effect; no additional treatments such as lasers or injectables are necessary.
On night one, this treatment may cause some itchiness – for added peace of mind it is wise to have Benadryl and Claritin on hand as they could reduce symptoms significantly! Moisturizing throughout the day to keep skin from becoming too dry is also key as direct sunlight should be avoided while your peel is actively working on its effect on your complexion.
Darker skin tones (3-6 on the Fitzpatrick scale) tend to be more susceptible to post-inflammation hyperpigmentation, although any type of skin can be affected. It usually results from injury or an inflammatory condition and UV ray exposure worsening its severity – making this factor an integral component in choosing laser treatment plans.
Good news is that pigmentary irregularity hyperpigmentation (PIH) usually subsides with time, though it may take patience and consistent skin lightening products to bring your color back into balance. Cosmelan and Mesopeels are effective solutions for discoloration on sensitive areas like the face, while Dermamelan Intimate targets hyper-pigmentation in intimate body parts like the groin and axillae. Receiving peel treatments three to four times annually will maintain results and give you healthy-looking skin!
Cosmelan
Cosmelan’s de-pigmentation peel is designed to address all skin types and tones safely, while simultaneously working to reduce dark spots, freckles, as well as hormonal pigmentation such as Melasma that often appears during pregnancy or use of birth control pills, sunspots, etc. It works to lighten these signs while simultaneously improving appearances such as sunspots.
Cosmelan de-pigmentation peels offer an alternative approach for targeting dark spots: gently exfoliation the skin to dislodge and eliminate existing hyperpigmentation cells and reveal more natural skin tone. When combined with medical-grade skincare regimen, these treatments offer patients an ideal way to lessen the appearance of brown spots and other hyperpigmentation.
Dr. Emer often includes Cosmelan peels in her non-surgical combination approach for acne scarring patients with darker complexions. This often includes injectable fillers such as Belotero and Restylane Silk, microneedling RF (such as Fractora or Intensif), lasers like Aerolase or Genesis and a proper skin care protocol – Cosmelan peels can especially effective at treating post inflammatory hyperpigmentation due to repeated laser treatments or other forms of inflammation, such as rosacea.
Cosmelan begins with a professional in-office treatment which involves cleansing and applying an in-clinic mask, typically yellow mustard in color, that should remain on for 4-8 hours depending on client Fitzpatrick and skin type. Following that treatment, clients receive their follow up kit containing an at-home cream to be applied 2-3 times a day over several months; along with sun avoidance measures, Cosmelan can significantly diminish dark spots and hyperpigmentation spots permanently – providing lasting solutions during cooler seasons. Cosmelan can be safely used all year long but results may be greater during cooler weather months!
Mesopeels
Mesopeels are specialty chemical peels designed to address hyperpigmentation and dark spots on both the face and body. They’re medium-depth peels packed with active ingredients that work to lighten pigment while regulating melanocyte activity (the cells responsible for producing brown pigment). Antioxidants and amino acids help protect against future skin damage while stimulating cell turnover – providing regular mesopeels is key in maintaining skin health, improving texture, maintaining its healthy look, as well as complementing other medical aesthetic treatments like micro-needling, radiofrequency, boost Environ and botulinum toxin injections.
Post laser hyperpigmentation can be dispiriting, especially if your initial goal was to even out your skin tone with laser treatment. Consult a cosmetic dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green in New York City to identify the safest solution to restore confidence in an even-toned complexion – such as aging, sun damage or unwanted side effects from laser therapy treatments – like she did.
One of the primary causes of post laser hyperpigmentation is due to skin injury. This is often exacerbated by your immune response to heat and energy of laser treatment; further exacerbating this risk if you already suffer from an inflammatory condition that makes your skin more prone to hyperpigmentation.
One of the key steps you can take to avoid hyperpigmentation is limiting sun exposure. Aim for using broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 rating or higher when exposed to direct sunlight and follow any pre and post treatment instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
Dermamelan Intimate
If you are a woman who has undergone laser hair removal on her genital area, laser hyperpigmentation may occur after treatment. Dermamelan intimate is the ideal way to address post laser hyperpigmentation in this delicate region of your body. Created by Mesoestetics (makers of Cosmelan for facial melansma), it provides effective lightening treatment on external genital area, perianal area, mons pubis and inner thighs with its dual intensive corrective and regulatory actions which provide visible results after just one clinical session!
Limiting sun exposure is one of the key strategies you can use to avoid hyperpigmentation after laser treatments, or worsening. UV rays can stimulate melanocytes to produce more pigment, so wearing broad spectrum sunscreen with physical sunblock is recommended as this provides fuller protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
One effective way to reduce dark spot appearance is through regular exfoliation with physical or chemical exfoliants; physical exfoliators that contain AHAs like glycolic acid may work particularly well for this task.
If you are suffering from post laser hyperpigmentation in the groin or elsewhere on your body, Glow Aesthetic Center’s team of specialists can assist in finding an effective treatment. Plus, we offer complimentary consultations so you can receive all the information required for making informed decisions regarding your care.
