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While hyperpigmentation may be harmless, it can negatively affect your confidence and self-esteem. Luckily, there are plenty of treatments that can fade or even completely erase this darkened skin and give you the complexion you’re dreaming of. Our team at AW Plastic Surgery is here for you!
What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is typically a harmless skin condition where patches of skin become darker than the surrounding areas. It occurs when the skin cells make too much melanin and can appear as freckles, age spots, liver spots, or larger areas of dark skin. Depending on your skin type, the areas can appear brown, tan, pink, black, or even purple. It most often appears on the face, neck, chest, arms, hands, and calves. Unlike a sun tan, the hyperpigmentation is longer-lasting.
PATIENT TESTIMONIALS
Melissa T.
Dr. Wilson's attention to detail and commitment to excellence are evident in every aspect of his work. I HIGHLY recommend him! His nurses and staff are very attentive, responsive, and genuinely caring, making the recovery process smooth and stress-free. I'd give more than 5 stars if Google reviews let me.
Gale P.
Dr. Wilson called me personally after the surgery to see how I was doing! Who does that today? Anytime I needed to speak to someone in his office they called me back within minutes! His surgical skills are meticulous and he is a perfectionist! I couldn’t be happier.
Joe D.
AW Plastic Surgery is the best! From the minute I entered the office I felt comfortable and relaxed! Dr Anthony and his entire staff were informative and helpful, but more importantly, just great people. Truly an incredible experience from start to finish.
What Causes Hyperpigmentation?
There are a wide range of causes of hyperpigmentation. Some of the most common include the following:
- Injury
- Inflammation
- Excess sun exposure/sun damage
- Hormone changes
- Genetics
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
- Certain medical conditions and medications, including thyroid disorders
Different Types of Hyperpigmentation
There are a number of different types of hyperpigmentation. Which one you have depends on your skin type and the cause of the darkened skin. Some of the most common types include the following:
- Freckles: Small dark spots that usually first develop in childhood and can occur when the skin is exposed to the sun. They can also darken or become more numerous when you’re in the sun or heat.
- Age spots: These spots are usually darker and larger than freckles and develop on older adults’ skin that has been repeatedly exposed to the sun or has had a sunburn multiple times.
- Melasma: Typically occurs in women in their 20s-30s and can be caused due to sun exposure and hormonal changes. They are typically dark patches on the face.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: Discoloration that develops after inflammation or injury (like burns, acne, or rashes). The skin may be discolored as you heal.
DR. ANTHONY WILSON
When you are seeking a qualified and talented plastic surgeon, look no further than board-certified Dr. Anthony Wilson with AW Plastic Surgery. Dr. Wilson has a passion for both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the face and the body. He takes deep satisfaction in giving his patients the tools they need to feel confident, whole, and beautiful, no matter where they are in their aesthetic journey.
MEET DR. WILSONTreatments for Hyperpigmentation
Laser Treatments
Laser treatments are highly effective for hyperpigmentation. Depending on whether the laser is ablative or non-ablative, it will either remove the top layer of skin (ablative) or heat the deep layers of the skin to boost collagen production. Both stimulate new cell growth and reduce or completely eliminate the appearance of pigmented skin. HALO and PicoWay are two laser treatments that are highly effective against hyperpigmentation.
Chemical Peels
Because chemical peels remove the top layer of the skin, they are also very effective at addressing hyperpigmentation. The chemical peel kickstarts new cell growth and cell turnover and encourages the shedding of the pigmented skin cells. The healthy new cells then rise to the surface, giving you the flawless skin you desire.
Microneedling
Microneedling has also been shown to fade or erase hyperpigmentation. But how does it work? It kickstarts the skin’s natural healing process and encourages collagen and elastin production. It’s like a reset for the skin, promoting cell turnover, allowing the body to remove the darker skin cells, and improving the overall skin tone and texture.
Morpheus8
Morpheus8 combines radiofrequency energy and microneedling to completely transform the skin. It boosts collagen production, helping to repair damaged skin and reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation and other irregularities. How many treatment sessions you need will depend on the type of hyperpigmentation you have and the results you’re looking for.
Schedule a Consultation
Struggling with hyperpigmentation? You don’t have to deal with it any longer with the help of our innovative treatments, Dr. Wilson, and our team at AW Plastic Surgery. We’ll build a customized treatment plan for you and your needs. To get started, schedule a consultation today. Call our office or message us via our online contact form.
