Hyperpigmentation
Removal
What is hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition where certain areas of the skin become darker than the surrounding tissue. This darkening is caused by an overproduction of melanin, the natural pigment responsible for skin color.
Most common causes of hyperpigmentation:
- Sun Exposure: UV rays stimulate melanin production, often leading to sunspots or age spots.
- Inflammation: Skin injuries, acne, or bug bites can trigger melanin production, leaving behind
dark spots.
- Hormonal Changes: Conditions such as pregnancy or the use of birth control pills can
cause melasma, a form of hormonal hyperpigmentation.
- Certain Medications: Some medications may lead to increased pigmentation as a side effect.
- Allergies: Food allergies (e.g., to nuts, dairy, gluten), contact dermatitis (from metals, cosmetics,
or plants), medication allergies, or environmental allergens (like dust mites, pollen, or pet dander) can contribute to hyperpigmentation.
- Medical Conditions: Disorders such as thyroid imbalances or Addison’s disease can also cause
skin darkening.
Which types of dark spots can be treated?
The most treatable forms of hyperpigmentation are those caused by sun damage or post-inflammatory responses (e.g., acne scars or minor injuries). These can often be significantly reduced or removed through cosmetic procedures.
However, we always recommend to consult a dermatologist before starting any cosmetic treatment for hyperpigmentation to identify the underlying cause, whether it's hormonal, related to a health condition, or external factors. In some cases, hyperpigmentation can be a symptom of a medical condition that needs treatment. If the underlying cause isn't resolved, cosmetic treatments may only provide temporary results, with dark spots quickly returning.
Our goal is to ensure long-lasting results and your complete satisfaction, which is why understanding the cause is a crucial first step.
Removal methods
In some cases, we are able to fully eliminate the pigmented area. In others, we can effectively disperse excess melanin, helping to even out your skin tone and improve its overall appearance. The results depend on the type of hyperpigmentation and the treatment method used.
We will recommend the most suitable treatment for your skin, based on your individual needs and goals. The techniques we offer include Laser YAG and Cryotherapy.
You can find more information about each of these methods below.
Q-SWITCHED ND-YAG LASER
The Q-switched ND:YAG laser is a highly effective, non-invasive laser treatment used to target and break down pigmentation and vascular issues in the skin without damaging the surrounding tissue.
It is specially indicated for sunspots, age spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and also helps reduce spider veins and broken capillaries.
How it works:
The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser emits high-intensity light pulses in extremely short durations (nanoseconds). These pulses are selectively absorbed by areas with higher concentrations of melanin—the pigment responsible for skin coloration—such as those found in hyperpigmented lesions (dark skin spots, age spots, sun spots).
Upon absorption, the laser energy causes the excess melanin to heat rapidly and fragment into tiny particles. These fragmented pigments are then naturally eliminated by the body's lymphatic system or through epidermal turnover, leading to a reduction in hyperpigmentation and a more even skin tone.
Is it safe for darker skin phototypes?
Yes. It is safe for all skin types, including darker skin phototypes.
For individuals with darker skin tones, adjustments are made to the laser's wavelength to ensure it penetrates deeper layers of the skin, minimizing the impact on melanin in the surface. This approach helps prevent unwanted lightening of the overall skin tone, while effectively treating hyperpigmented areas.
Key benefits:
- Precision targeting: Specifically targets melanin or blood vessels without harming surrounding skin.
- Safe for most skin types: Especially effective and safer for darker skin tones compared to other lasers.
- Stimulates collagen production: Improves overall skin texture, tightness, and rejuvenation.
- Long-term results: With proper care and maintenance, pigmentation and vascular lesions can be
significantly reduced or eliminated.
CRYOTHERAPY
Cryotherapy is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that uses nitrous oxide or a cryo-device to freeze and remove skin imperfections, such as hyperpigmentation, skin tags, age spots, and certain benign lesions.
The treated area will form a scab and eventually heal, revealing new skin.
How it works:
The treatment consists on the controlled application of extreme cold via nitrous oxide gas to target and freeze unwanted hyperpigmentation (dark spots on the skin). Once the targeted area is frozen, the pigmented skin cells are damaged and destroyed. This triggers a mild inflammatory response, prompting the body to begin healing and shedding the damaged skin. Over the course of a few days to a week, the treated area forms a small scab or crust, which eventually falls off, revealing new, lighter skin beneath.
Indications:
It’s a quick and minimally invasive procedure used for spot-treating small, well-defined dark patches such as:
- Age spots
- Sunspots
- Freckles
- Lentigines (flat brown spots)
Is it safe for darker skin phototypes?
It is not recommended for dark to very dark skin phototypes (Fitzpatrick 4-6). In these cases, we can recommend other treatment options.
It is an ideal treatment for very light to medium light skin tones (Fitzpatrick 1-3).
Book an appointment
Schedule a Consultation appointment and we will personalize the best treatment for you.