What is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of skin after an injury, acne, burn, or trauma to the skin. Hyperpigmentation can also result from exposure to the sun or tanning.  Certain types of hyperpigmentation such as melasma/chloasma (pregnancy mask) can be caused by hormonal changes or combination of hormonal changes, pregnancy,  genetics, and sun exposure.

How is Hyperpigmentation treated?

Depending on the type of hyperpigmentation is observed, the prescribed treatment is different.  For hyperpigmentation other than melasma/chloasma, treatment with PhotoGenesis® in combination with a depigmentation skin care system is usually very effective. A customized skin care system includes a kit containing a Glycolic Cleanser 10%, Glycolic Night Cream 15%, Retinol Smoothing Serum, and Hydroquinone and Licore based treatment pads (strength varies between 2% - 8%). PhotoGenesis® is usually recommended in a series of 3-6 treatments space 2 - 4 weeks apart.  Patient must avoid sun exposure in between treatments, and use an SPF cream of at least SPF30 on the treated areas.  Addition of Vitamin-C either in the SPF or topically is also desired as it speeds up the healing process.  A side benefit of the PhotoGenesis® treatment is that it also reduces redness due to Rosacea and other similar vascular (superficial) conditions.

Melasma or Chloasma Treatment

Melasma is usually treated with a combination cream containing fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%, hydroquinone 4%, tretinoin 0.05% applied once daily at night for at least 2 months.  An alternative can also be used with hydroquininone 4% and tretinoin 0.05% (or a retinol-based smoothing serum), or a hydroquinone 4% with a glycolic acid peel applied nightly.  We also provide a glycolic acid cleansers 10% that can be used for this purpose.

Ablative or Fractional Lasers for Treating Hyperpigmentation

We also offer ablative or fractional CO2 and Erbium lasers for treatment of hyperpigmentation and scars.  These treatments typically achieve a quicker results but may require some downtime (from 1 day to 7 days, depending on the treatment).  Ablative and Fractional Lasers can treat hyperpigmentation, acne scars, surgical scar resurfacing, and more.   Please read more about our Fractional and Ablative laser treatments here.