Hyperpigmentation
Southlake & DFW Area
What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition where certain areas of the skin become darker than the surrounding skin due to excess melanin production.
It can be caused by factors such as sun exposure, inflammation, hormonal changes, or skin injuries and often appears as dark spots, age spots, melasma, or post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Melasma
A skin condition characterized by dark, irregular patches, often triggered by hormonal changes and sun exposure.
Panda Eyes (Dark under eyes)
Dark circles beneath the eyes, commonly caused by genetics, fatigue, or thinning skin.
PIH / Hyperpigmentation
Occurs when excess melanin is produced in response to skin inflammation, leading to dark spots or patches.
Freckles / Sun spots
Small, pigmented spots that develop due to sun exposure and increased melanin production, often appearing on sun-exposed areas of the skin.
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) trigers Melanocyte 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 leads to higher Melanin production.
- Ethnicity: Asian/ African skin’s are most sensitive, hence have a tendency to cause higher concentrations of melanin pigment deposit around 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 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 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.
PicoGenesis for Hyperpigmentation
PicoGenesis is an advanced laser treatment designed to target hyperpigmentation, melasma, sunspots, and uneven skin tone. Using ultra-short picosecond laser pulses, it shatters unwanted pigmentation into tiny particles that the body naturally eliminates. Unlike traditional lasers, PicoGenesis is gentler on the skin, minimizing heat damage while effectively treating discoloration.
Benefits of PicoGenesis for Hyperpigmentation:
- Effective for all skin types, including darker tones
- Minimal discomfort with no downtime
- Stimulates collagen for overall skin rejuvenation
- Quick treatment sessions (typically 20–30 minutes)
Most patients require 2-4 sessions for optimal results, depending on the severity of pigmentation.
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 hyperpigmentation?
Professional treatments for hyperpigmentation include chemical peels, laser therapy, microdermabrasion, and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. Additionally, medical-grade topical treatments containing ingredients like hydroquinone, retinoids, vitamin C, and azelaic acid can help lighten dark spots and even out skin tone. Consulting a dermatologist or skincare specialist is recommended to determine the best treatment option based on skin type and severity of pigmentation.
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!
