What’s the Best Way to Reduce Skin Pigmentation?
Skin pigmentation can be a very frustrating problem to deal with, especially during the summer months when the sun is very intense. Using a broad spectrum sunscreen, wearing broad-brimmed hats, and getting regular skin care treatments, are a few of the things that can be done to minimize pigmentation. But what is the best way to reduce serious skin pigmentation problems.
Skin Pigmentation
Skin pigmentation is a common condition that affects the color of the skin, and while it can affect any part of the body, it is usually harmless.
Pigmentation is characterized by darkening of areas of the skin, due to an increased amount of melanin. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its normal color, but excess sun exposure can stimulate the production of melanin, resulting in dark patches in various areas.
Wearing sunblock daily is very important if you want to avoid pigmentation issues (and in reducing your risk for skin cancer). However, some people don’t appreciate the need for sun protection until they’re older. Unfortunately, by that time their skin is already starting to show the effects of the abuse it was put through when they were younger.
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Although sun exposure is one of the main causes of pigmentation, it can also be triggered by hormonal imbalances, as well as genetics. Common pigmentary conditions include sun spots, age spots, and melasma.
What is the Best Way to Reduce Skin Pigmentation?
There are various treatments and therapies that have traditionally been used to treat pigmentation issues. These include chemical peels, dermabrasion, laser therapy, and intense pulsed light (IPL) photofacial.
IPL for skin pigmentation
IPL, which incorporates the use of a broad-spectrum of wavelengths, is considered the best way to reduce skin pigmentation. IPL delivers high power output over a very short period of time, and is an effective way to restore clear, healthy skin.
It typically takes a series of IPL treatments to achieve the desired outcome. After treatment the discolorations may appear darker, but will gradually lighten within the following 7-14 days.
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About IPL Treatments
The skin is cleansed, and a cold gel is applied to the skin before the IPL treatment begins. The device then delivers bursts of energy to the targeted area of the skin. IPL is not generally painful but, patients will feel some amount of discomfort as the light energy hits the skin.
Benefits of IPL for Skin Pigmentation
IPL is proven to significantly reduce the appearance of brown spots, over the course of 3-4 treatments. IPL is effective because it penetrates the skin down to the level where the pigment is located, and the pulses shatter the clusters of dark spots. IPL also has the added benefit of rejuvenating the skin, and treating other skin issues such as enlarged pores, wrinkles, and fine lines.
After IPL treatment, it is important to limit sun exposure, as it can cause pigmentation to develop again in the future.
At Rocheford Plastic Surgery located in Woodbury, MN, we use the advanced Lumecca IPL treatment to get rid of skin discolorations.
Lumecca® IPL
Lumecca® IPL photofacial treatment is arguably the best innovation in IPL technology. It packs a lot of power, and the superior technology makes it safe for a range of skin types, including darker skin tones, which posed a challenge for earlier model IPL systems.
The Lumecca treatment uses broad spectrum pulsed light to rejuvenate the skin, and treat pigmentation concerns. The device has a built-in cooling system, which helps to enhance patient comfort. Treatment takes 30-40 minutes.
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Lumecca Technology
The pulsed light penetrates and heats up the dermal layer of the skin, using a system known as selective photothermolysis, which specifically targets and breaks up the pigments.
Video: Lumecca IPL for Skin Rejuvenation – How It Works
What Patients Can Expect
Treatment with Lumecca IPL is generally well tolerated, and the downtime is just a few days. Most patients experience very good results after one treatment with Lumecca, so additional treatments are often not required. Lumecca results in brighter, clearer, more radiant skin. It also transforms the skin by stimulating collagen.
Further Reading
- Read the latest skin & beauty news at MD.com
- Read skin & beauty health tips at MD.com
Find a Plastic or Cosmetic Surgeon Near You
- Find a Plastic Surgeon near you in the MD.com Specialists Directory
- Find a Cosmetic Surgeon near you in the MD.com Specialists Directory
Lumecca® IPL Treatments Near Minneapolis-St. Paul
If you’re in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, contact Rocheford Plastic Surgery in Woodbury, MN to learn more about treatments for skin pigmentation. Click here to schedule a consultation with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Heather Rocheford, or learn more about Dr. Rocheford on her MD.com site.
Heather Rocheford, MD
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