Hyperigmentation Treatments

Reduce Hyperpigmentation with IPL and PicoSure Treatment Options

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ramandeep Sidhu

 At VIVAA in Bellevue, WA, our highly

trained and experienced staff has the knowledge and resources to provide quality hyperpigmentation treatment for your aesthetic needs. Our team uses state-of-the-art medical technology, including IPL (intense pulsed light) photofacials, to successfully treat and eliminate this condition's effects, as well as the PicoSure laser for darker skin types.

Many patients have tried numerous treatments, such as skin bleaching, various skin care products, green tea extracts, natural remedies recommended in beauty magazines, and other topical treatments as part of their skin care routine, with little to no success. State-of-the-art laser therapy has few adverse effects, making it ideal for patients with sensitive skin and other problems.

What is Hyperpigmentation?

This common, usually harmless skin condition results from the body’s overproduction of melanin. Although melanin is integral to the body’s normal daily processes, sometimes too much melanin production occurs for various reasons. When this happens, hyperpigmentation can result.

Hyperpigmentation most commonly takes the form of age spots, sun spots, freckles, liver spots, etc., all characterized by darker patches where excess melanin accumulates. All areas of the body can show signs of hyperpigmentation. The three main types of hyperpigmentation are post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), melasma and damage from sun exposure. We treat each type differently to achieve the desired results.

POST-INFLAMMATORY HYPERPIGMENTATION

Acne, eczema, allergic reactions, or any skin trauma can trigger the release of inflammatory cells, prompting melanocytes to produce excessive skin pigmentation. The most common cause is acne, but psoriasis, burns, or injuries can often cause darkened skin, creating superficial brown spots. Severe inflammation or trauma can disrupt the bottom layer of the epidermis, causing pigment to become entrapped in the dermis, the skin’s second layer. This results in deeper and more treatment-resistant skin pigmentation. Ultraviolet light exposure and medications such as tetracycline antibiotics, antimalarial drugs and chemotherapy agents can worsen the condition. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can be challenging to treat, depending on its cause.

MELASMA

Melasma affects women’s skin in about 90% of cases. Patients who naturally have more melanin in their skin, such as those of Hispanic, North African, African-American, Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, or Mediterranean descent, are more likely to develop it.

This skin condition presents as symmetrical tan, brown, grayish-brown, or bluish-gray patches and freckles, generally appearing on the cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose, chin, and sometimes the upper lip. Sometimes, it can develop on the arms, neck or elsewhere on the body.

The causes of melasma are unclear, although the most common triggers include sun exposure without using a broad-spectrum sunscreen and hormonal changes. Melasma is also called “the pregnancy mask,” as it often appears during pregnancy. Certain medications like birth control pills and hormone replacement therapies can also trigger it. Melasma worsens with heat and UV exposure, so most people notice it worsening in the summertime.

PicoSure laser therapy targets areas below the skin in increments of one-trillionth of a second to help fade dark spots. The energy converts into pressure rather than heat to penetrate the pigment, which the body eventually flushes out. It safely transfers energy to treat melasma at its source.

As of right now, there is no permanent treatment for melasma. However, under the direct care and guidance of our talented Seattle-area staff, most clients see a significant reduction in melasma-related uneven skin tone. By following the advice of our VIVAA staff, avoiding skin irritations, wearing protection of SPF 40+ on sun-exposed areas and completing a series of PicoSure treatments, you will see a reduction in your melasma.

SUN DAMAGE TREATMENT

Although the sun provides us with Vitamin D, the leading cause of sun spots and dark spots is excessive sun exposure. Years without sunscreen can lead to localized hyperpigmentation, marked by darker patches that cause patchy skin color or a blotchy complexion. Effective treatment of sun damage depends primarily on a person’s skin tone and history of long-term or intense sun exposure.

Effective hyperpigmentation treatment involves intense pulsed light therapy, used alone or with topical creams to improve skin appearance. The PicoSure laser is also effective and safe for those with dark skin tones who have hyperpigmentation. Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 40 or higher is essential to prevent further damage and dark spots.

HOW TO TREAT HYPERPIGMENTATION

IPL laser treatments work by transmitting heat from the IPL light to the skin's brown spots. These areas absorb the energy, turning the brown spots into a coffee-ground-like texture. The discolorations rise to the skin's surface and eventually slough off over several days following this cosmetic treatment, allowing the skin's natural healing process to occur. The result is a more even skin tone, better texture and renewed radiance.

Sun damage and pigmentation occur throughout the skin at various depths, so a series of either IPL or PicoSure treatments is required to achieve optimal results. Your skin becomes thinner, and sun damage rises to the skin's surface, making maintenance treatments necessary to keep it at bay.

YOUR HEALING JOURNEY: THE FIRST 7 DAYS

While IPL and PicoSure are “minimal-downtime” treatments, your skin undergoes a specific biological process as it eliminates pigment.

DAY 1: The “Sunburn” Phase

Following treatment, your skin will appear flushed or red, similar to a mild sunburn. You may have slight swelling around the eyes or cheeks and experience a warm, tingling, or tight sensation. Use a gentle cleanser and a bland moisturizer. Avoid hot showers and intense workouts for 24 hours.

DAYS 2-3: The “Coffee Ground” Phase

This stage is the most important one. Pigmented spots will begin to darken and may appear as tiny “coffee grounds” on the skin’s surface. Your skin may feel rough or like fine sandpaper. Let these spots rise, and shed naturally, and avoid picking or scrubbing to avoid scarring or rebound pigmentation.

DAYS 4-5: The Renewal Phase

The coffee grounds begin to slough off during your normal cleansing routine. Brighter, more even-toned skin will begin to appear. Lingering redness or heat should disappear. Keep your skin hydrated.

DAYS 6-7: The Reveal

Most of the darkened pigment has already shed. You have a clear complexion with more refined pores; the skin tone is noticeably more uniform. Patients can usually resume their normal skincare routine, including retinols or Vitamin C, after Day 7, provided the skin is no longer sensitive.

IPL/PICO Treatment FAQs

What do these treatments feel like?

You may feel a mild stinging sensation with the IPL and rubber band snaps with the PicoSure laser. For the Pico laser, we provide the client with cold air to minimize any discomfort. Afterward, you may experience a mild sunburn sensation with either treatment that disappears within 24 to 48 hours.

What are the common side effects?

The most common side effect of IPL and PicoSure treatments is the temporary darkening of the more superficial brown spots in the treatment area. With IPL, this darkening will slough off within five to ten days. You may also experience mild, generalized redness and warmth in the treated area, which may subside within 1 to 3 days after treatment. To avoid complications, do not receive an IPL/PicoSure treatment before or immediately after exposure to direct sunlight, have a tan or applied chemical tanner, or if you have used tretinoin or retinol products a few days before treatment.

Is there any downtime?

Minimal to no downtime accompanies these professional treatments. You may experience mild redness after treatment, but this subsides within 24 to 48 hours. Use tinted sunscreen to cover the redness.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of cosmetic treatments varies from person to person and depends on the individual’s goals. Most people require three to five treatments spaced four weeks apart for optimal results. Surface-level spots take at least six months of treatment for noticeable results.

Is hyperpigmentation permanent?

No, but it is chronic. While treatments can help fade spots, they often recur if you don’t manage triggers like sun exposure or hormonal shifts. Melasma usually requires long-term maintenance rather than a one-time cure.

Schedule Your Consultation Today for Hyperpigmentation Treatment in the Seattle Area

IPL and PicoSure treatments are the most effective for targeting a variety of skin imperfections, including acne scars and pigmentation issues. Contact the professionals at VIVAA for your complimentary consultation.  Call our office today at 425-250-9999 or use our convenient Schedule a Consultation form.

 

We serve the communities of Bellevue  Kirkland, Newcastle, North Bend, Seattle, Snoqualmie and Sammamish, WA.