Hyperpigmentation in Southlake
And Surrounding DFW Areas
At Medrein Health & Aesthetics in Southlake, TX, we offer PIH (Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation)/ Hyperpigmentation treatments using PICOLASERS to eliminate dark spots and restore an even, radiant skin tone.
What is PIH / Hyperpigmentation?
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) / Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition where darkened patches or spots appear due to excess melanin production, often triggered by inflammation, acne, sun exposure, or skin injuries.
It can affect all skin types and is typically treated with laser therapy, chemical peels, topical agents, or microneedling to restore an even skin tone.
PicoGenesis & Pico Lasers: The Gold Standard for Hyperpigmentation Treatment
PicoGenesis and Pico laser technology represent the most advanced and effective solutions for treating hyperpigmentation. Unlike traditional lasers, Pico lasers use ultra-short picosecond pulses to target unwanted pigmentation without damaging surrounding skin. This makes them the gold standard for treating conditions like melasma, sun spots, age spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
Why Pico Lasers Are Superior for Hyperpigmentation?
Ultra-Fast Energy Delivery – Uses picosecond pulses (trillionths of a second) to break down pigmentation into tiny particles, allowing the body to clear them naturally.
Less Heat, More Precision – Unlike traditional nanosecond lasers, Pico lasers minimize heat damage, reducing the risk of PIH and skin irritation.
Safe for All Skin Types – Effective on darker skin tones, which are more prone to pigmentation issues.
Collagen Stimulation – In addition to removing pigment, Pico lasers boost collagen production, improving overall skin texture and tone.
Minimal Downtime – Patients can return to their daily activities immediately or within a short period after treatment.
Common Causes of Hyperpigmentation Treated by Pico Lasers:
- Melasma – Hormonal pigmentation commonly seen in women, especially during pregnancy or due to birth control.
- Sun Damage & Freckles – Caused by prolonged UV exposure, leading to dark spots and uneven skin tone.
- Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) – Dark marks left behind after acne, injuries, or inflammation.
- Age Spots & Liver Spots – Pigment buildup due to aging and environmental factors.
- Tattoo Removal – Breaks down tattoo ink more effectively than traditional lasers.
- Vaginal Lightening / Vaginal Bleaching – Reduces hyperpigmentation for a more even tone in intimate areas.
- Dark Circles Around Eyes – Lightens stubborn under-eye pigmentation for a refreshed appearance.
- Underarm Lightening – Targets pigmentation buildup caused by shaving, deodorants, and friction.
- Elbows & Knees Lightening – Improves darkened, rough skin on joint areas.
- Post-Acne Hyperpigmentation – Fades dark marks left after acne breakouts for clearer skin.
- Lightening of Dark Scars – Helps reduce the appearance of dark scars from injuries or surgery.
- Skin Lightening / Skin Brightening – Enhances overall skin tone for a radiant, even complexion.
PicoGenesis and Pico laser treatments are game changers in dermatology, providing fast, effective, and safe results for those struggling with hyperpigmentation. Their ability to target pigment precisely while promoting skin rejuvenation makes them the gold standard in modern aesthetic treatments.
Common factors involved in Hyperpigmentation
Skin tone/color is a result of the amount of Melanin production from Melanocytes. Hence, the skin tone/color variations depend on the amount, size, and functioning of Melanocytes.
- Sun Exposure/ UV radiation: This is the most influential factor to cause hyperpigmentation.
- Aging: Also known as sunspots or liver spots, these patches are visible on the skin parts that experience high amounts of sun exposure and aging, such as your face, neck, and hands. This skin condition is more common among the elderly or those who spend long hours in the sun.
- Hormonal changes: Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) triggers melanocytes to release Melanin, so higher levels of MSH produce high melanin release, thereby causing Hyperpigmentation. Other hormones such as Estrogen, Progesterone, and Cortisol also cause Hyperpigmentation.
- Post-Inflammatory: Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) is caused by scarring or discoloration of the skin due to inflammatory skin disorders such as severe acne, eczema, dermatitis, IPL, and other similar ailments. Acne scars are the most common form of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Genetic: Tyrosinase gene TYRP1 is an enzyme that oxidizes tyrosine to create Melanin. Higher levels of this gene lead to higher Melanin production.
- Ethnicity: Asian/ African skin is the most sensitive; hence, it has a tendency to cause higher concentrations of melanin pigment deposits around the eyes/ mouth/ underarms/ groin areas.
Hyperpigmentation and Skin Lightening Treatment options:
Based on the skin biopsy results and the patient’s health status, our team of aestheticians, led by board-certified aesthetic physician Dr. Haritha Mikkilineni (Dr. Mikki), will decide on the treatment plan that may include one or a combination of the following procedures:
- Topical Products – To remove uneven patches and eradicate skin discoloration, we use a mixture of topical products including Hydroquinone, Kojic acid, and Ascorbic acid.
- Chemical Peels – Chemical peels enable skin exfoliation, eventually breaking up pigmentation so that it rises to the surface and spontaneously sheds.
- Microneedling – This non-surgical approach includes piercing the epidermis to produce a new layer of skin. The new layer would then cover the black spots and marks, replacing them with a more uniformly colored and textured surface.
- Glutathione Skin Lightening – Glutathione is an antioxidant that deactivates tyrosinase (melanin-stimulating enzyme) by reducing free radicals in your body. It helps lighten the skin, reducing dark spots and acne scars. While this antioxidant treatment is available in the form of oral supplements and creams, receiving glutathione through IV infusions ensures quick results with no downtime or side effects.
- IPL – This is an intense pulse light used to treat uneven skin tone/ sun spots. This can cause hyperpigmentation on sensitive skin tones. Hence, it is not safe for all skin types/ tones.
- Laser Skin Resurfacing – We use laser beam technology to treat PIH by targeting melanin or water to penetrate your skin while heating them up to destroy them. Our picosecond and fractionated resurfacing lasers from Fotona are one of the best and safest lasers in the world.
- PicoNano Laser/Q – Switch Lasers – We have a world-class, state-of-the-art facility, with the most innovative technology, Pico and Q-switch lasers from Fotona–StarWalker laser.StarWalker Pico laser technology is highly effective due to the selectivity of Q-switched light, enabling it to break apart pigments only and not cells. This means that pigment destruction can take place without ablating the skin – a unique feature that also allows other treatment possibilities, such as the safe and effective removal of complex for all skin types and tones.
Hyperpigmentation Conditions that are commonly treated at Medrein Health:
- Melasma
- PIH (Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation)
- Sun spots/ sun damage
- Age spots
- Skin lightening
- Uneven skin tone/ color (Dark circles around eyes, Underarm/ vaginal Hyperpigmentation)
- Freckles
- Birthmarks
- Acne scars
What to Expect from Our Hyperpigmentation Treatment
Uneven skin tone could be from multiple reasons, our team led by Dr. Haritha Mikkilineni, provides a number of customizable therapy options that are supported by cutting-edge technology. Our physician-owned practice allows for the most holistic approach to your health and beauty journey with a commitment to the well-being of our patients.
Patience is key in the treatment of hyperpigmentation. Our staff at Medrein Health & Aesthetics are trained to address your aesthetic needs and ensure that the highest standards of safety are met. Dr. Mikki will provide you with all the tips for a safe and fast recovery.
Choose Medrein Health & Aesthetics to Recolor and Rejuvenate Your Skin
Medrein Health & Aesthetics is Southlake’s most exclusive medical spa and offers the latest technology and procedures to enhance patient wellness, aging, sexual health, and aesthetics. Apart from our expertise in various cutting-edge technology, patients are at the forefront of what we do.
Our aesthetic physician, Haritha Mikkilineni (Dr. Mikki), MD, and our team of experts utilize the award-winning StarWalker® picosecond laser technology for highly effective anti-aging results. Make an appointment with us and have your hyperpigmentation issues resolved today.
FAQs
How long does it take for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation to fade?
While PIH can eventually resolve and fade away, it is difficult to say when that might happen. It can take anywhere from three months to two years, depending on the size and darkness of the discolored area. Additionally, there is a possibility that fresh spots can appear or that your PIH will reappear after fading.
Do at-home depigmentation products work?
There are a number of natural at-home remedies for depigmentation. However, their efficacy varies greatly. If your PIH is strong and covers a larger surface area, it might be best to visit a professional to seek the right course of action.
Is it possible to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation?
It is difficult to completely prevent PIH. The intensity of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, however, can be prevented or lessened with a judicious approach to sun protection: Wearing protective clothing and limiting your time in the sun may help lessen its severity.
What is the cost of this treatment?
The cost for PIH laser treatments depends upon various factors. Since hyperpigmentation differs in each person, we recommend consulting with Medrein Health and Aesthetics for the exact cost of your specific treatment.
Are skin-lightening procedures safe?
Our skin-lightening treatments (topical creams, laser, chemical peels, and glutathione antioxidants) are considered safe as they increase collagen and elastin while reducing melanin production to treat various skin concerns.
What are the most effective professional treatments for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation?
Professional treatments such as laser therapy, chemical peels, microneedling, and prescription-strength topical agents like hydroquinone or retinoids are highly effective in reducing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation by accelerating skin cell turnover and targeting excess melanin production.
Transformation: Before & After
Discover personalized beauty solutions at Medrein Health & Aesthetics. Led by Dr. Mikki’s expertise, our dedicated team offers a wide range of advanced treatments tailored to your unique needs. Schedule your consultation today and experience the premier destination for aesthetic services in Texas!