Genetics affects the reactivity of our skin; some are more prone to acne, some excessive dryness, while others suffer from hyperpigmentation. In Singapore, abnormal overproduction of Melanin pigments, which give the skin its colour, creates dark spots. While this creates a sense of self-awareness, it can be treated effectively with laser pigmentation removal.
Causes and Risk Factors of Hyperpigmentation
This lesion affects all skin types of middle-aged to elderly individuals, even though it is possible in younger individuals too, about 50 % ladies and 20% males, while genetics plays a crucial role in this alteration, exposure, and lifestyle contribute significantly to it.
Forms of pigmentation include Sunspots, Melasma which deal directly with solar exposure; here, the legs, arms, and face are mostly affected. Other sources of hyperpigmentation happen as a result of injury or inflammation, which could preferably occur anywhere around the body. It is common in Asia and Singapore.
Sun exposure leads the skin to produce much melanin, and this protective gesture leads to overproduction, lupus, and other injuries, antidepressants, malaria drugs, and medical conditions like Addison’s disease all contribute immensely. Its cause is the overproduction of melanin; it tends to blacken some specific areas around the skin. The presence of Hyperpigmentation has zero effect on your general health, although physical aesthetics might render its victim excessively self-aware.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type of hyperpigmentation, which could be liver spots, also known as Age spot, characterized by brown or tan spots which appear on the skin as a result of exposure to the sun, they are standard on the face and hands. Melasma, common among pregnant individuals, is seen as large patches of the dark skin of the forehead, face, or stomach; it is also common among women who take birth control pills more often.
The post-inflammatory type seen as patches of darkened skin that appear just after inflammatory skin problems like acne. They are common on face and necks and paramount in people with injuries. People with this ailment should see the doctor for consultancy to know what treatment will be best for them; usually, a biopsy of the affected skin taken for microbial and biochemical analysis. Some treatment include
- Topical creams: It involves the use of chemical elements to lighten up the affected area, and this has proven useful over the decade as mild conditions managed effectively. Examples of creams include ingredients such as; hydroquinone, retinoids, vitamin C, and kojic acids.
- Home remedies: Although sufficient research hasn’t been able to back up the effectiveness of these home remedies, some parts of Singapore have testified to treatments that included the following; Aloe vera, Licorice, and the widely spread green tea.
- Cosmetic Procedures: These include surgical means to remove hyperpigmentation from the body and they are; microdermabrasion, chemical peels, intense pulse light, and most significantly Laser pigmentation removal
Laser Pigmentation Removal
Cambridge Medical Group, a renowned clinic based in Singapore, claims that the most professional treatment of hyperpigmentation depends on the type, area, and recovery time of the pigmentation. Superficial pigmentation treated by using the PICOCARE 450 a pico laser pigmentation removal treatment, and it is fast, mild, and less corrosive or lethal.
The laser here selectively absorbed by cells that produce excess melanin content. It doesn’t change the skin colour or the surrounding tissues, it is relatively comfortable to use, taking about 1-3 treatments and immediate darkening of the affected area noticed after the procedure. This dark skin is eventually shed off after about 7 to 10 days.
Deep pigmentation requires more meticulous process, a treatment called the ActiveFX Laser Resurfacing is capable of removing a large amount; 80% of melanin content from the skin at just one treatment.
The basic analogy to Laser Pigmentation removal is that these lasers convert wavelengths of high energy light to heat energy to cause efficient destruction of abnormal cells and tissues while selectively overlooking unaffected areas.
Tips
Before the laser treatment, a habit of abstaining from lotions, oil, or fragrance is ultimate. A shaded treatment area void of solar penetration, prevent the use of photosensitive materials such as hydroxyl acids, and a keen adherence to every instruction given by the professional doctor is of high priority.
During the treatment, after being certified as a candidate having fulfilled requirements, the laser technician will ask intimate questions of which you must answer before you proceed. You’ll discuss your treatment desires while intimating you with the procedures so that you won’t be caught unawares during the treatment. All body areas will be protected apart from the affected part; also note that eyewear to the victim and technician is essential. Depending on the affected area, it shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes of exposure, discomfort, redness, tenderness will resolve quickly in time.
After the treatment, pain relievers prescribed by the doctor, avoidance of sun exposure, gentle care of the treated area, with reassessment every 4-6 weeks. Laser pigmentation removal costs about $150 per session, ranging to $800 for total treatment. Note that this varies according to the practitioners.
Preventive Measures
Even though this alteration is medically harmless, we still need to maintain our physical aesthetic value by doing the following
- Avoid unnecessary skin picking: injuries, inflammation should all be left untouched to prevent post pigmentation of the skin. It is in the case of acne, scabs, and spots.
- Reduce solar exposure: any temperature higher than 30-degree Celsius avoided as this will cheer the melanin to produce pigments.
FAQ
- What causes Pigmentation?
Environmental factors such as UV rays, Sunlight, change in hormones, and also medical challenges. - What area of the body treated for Pigmentation?
Every area, including the face and limbs. - How many laser removals do I need?
A minimum of 3 laser treatments should be enough for the whole therapy, but it also depends on how large or extensive your pigmentation is. - Does the treatment hurt?
It depends on the individual. Some may feel slight discomfort, but it’s a relatively adjustable pain level. - Is Laser pigmentation removal safe?
Of course. Only the affected areas are treated, leaving the other parts of the body unaffected.
Conclusion
In conclusion, everyone is prone to pigmentation in any phase of life, and the safest and efficient way is by adopting the use of pigmentation removal by laser. Each treatment depends mostly on the type of pigmentation, its location, and its size. While it is relatively less painful than other methods, it is helpful to follow every guideline given by professionals on the matter, and strict avoidance of sunlight and reduced physical activities on the skin will go a long way of maintaining a hyperpigmentation free skin.
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