Skin Pigmentation

Are you finding a way to get rid of pigmented, uneven and discolored skin? We are here to help you get rid of this problem in a quick and safe way at Dr. A.K.’s cosmetic surgery!

What is Skin Pigmentation?

The pigment that is responsible for the characteristic color of our skin is known as ‘melanin’. Melanin itself is formed by the combination of melanocytes, special pigment forming cells in our skin. When these cells are damaged or effected due to hormones or other potential reasons, melanin production is affected. Due to the non-uniform distribution of melanin in our skin, our skin becomes pigmented with noticeably different- colored patches on a certain area of the skin or throughout the skin.

Possible Reasons of Pigmented Skin

There are many reasons that may result in discolored skin patches including minor issues as well as major medical problems. The reasons include:

  • Acne
  • Rashes
  • Pregnancy
  • Birthmarks
  • Sunburns and other burns
  • Skin injury or internal bleeding
  • Skin infections
  • Allergic reactions
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Hormonal changes
  • Various types of skin cancer
  • And other reasons

Skin Pigmentation Disorders

There are many pigmentation problems classified as per the details of their nature. But ultimately pigmentation disorders can be classified mainly into two categories of disorders caused either by the increased production of melanin or by the decreased production of melanin in skin. The two main types of pigmentation disorders are discussed below:

1. Hyperpigmentation

    This is the condition that occurs when there is excess of melanin produced in the body resulting in dark spots over the skin.

    Reasons: There are many reasons that can cause excess of melanin such as pregnancy, drugs or various antibiotics. Sunlight is also a major cause of hyperpigmentation, exposure to sunlight results in dark patches as well as it may darken already hyper pigmented patches.

    Examples: Melasma is a common form of hyperpigmentation, usually occurs during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Grey to dark brown marks appear on the skin of areas like cheeks, neck, bridge of nose and specially forehead. These marks usually disappear after pregnancy but sometimes they persist even after pregnancy and need proper treatment.

    Treatments: IPL, Chemical Peels, Laser Peels are some cosmetic treatments other than skin lightening products.

2. Hypo-pigmentation

    Conversely, hypo-pigmentation (also known as skin depigmentation) occurs due to the reduction in melanin production.

    Reasons: The causes can either be genetic or due to autoimmune diseases. Skin injuries is the most common reason behind hypopigmentation. Burns, infections and other injuries that cause scarring can result in hypopigmentation.

    Examples: The common examples of this type of pigmentation disorder are albinism and vitiligo.

    Treatments: Treatments of hypopigmentation are very limited. Laser and light based treatments are usually used. Other than that topical creams are used and sur
    gical skin grafting is done to cure the problem.

Common Pigmentation Treatments

Here are some treatments that our experts at Dr. A.K.’s cosmetic surgery offer you to effectively treat your pigmentation problems.

Chemical Peels
Chemical Peels is one of the effective solutions to pigmentation problems. Chemical solutions are applied on the skin in a controlled manner such that they help the skin naturally develop collagen and elastic fibers in the deeper layers beneath the skin’s surface, that eventually uniformize the pigmented patches over the surface of the skin.

*To know more about Chemical Peels, visit here.*

Intense Pulse Light
IPL, also called photorejuvenation or photofacial, is a laser treatment in which quick and intense broad-spectrum pulse of light is used to treat the skin. The powerful flashes of light penetrate below the surface of the skin breaking down the unwanted pigment into small particles. These particles then either come up to the outer surface of the skin, forming scab over the skin which naturally goes away after some days, or the body’s lymphatic system helps the body in getting rid of these waste particles.

Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a skin resurfacing treatment that exfoliates the skin in a controlled and safe manner. The skin is first cleansed thoroughly before exfoliation. The treatment includes the usage of a stream of crystals that remove the outer layers of the skin containing damaged and pigmented skin cells resulting in even-toned and uniform skin. The skin is improved after first session and continues to improve due to enhanced production of collagen and elastin.

*To know more about this treatment, visit here.*

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