Dark areas typically don’t last more than one or two months following laser hair removal treatments in NYC with Dr. Green, and patients should follow his pre and post treatment instructions to prevent further discoloration – including avoiding direct sun exposure, using sunscreen products, and not using harsh skincare products.
It is temporary.
If you experience dark spots or patches after laser hair removal, they could be signs of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). PIH is your skin’s natural response to injury; when injured tissues produce too much melanin in order to protect themselves. Depending on the severity of an injury, dark spots or patches may form that will gradually fade over time – nothing to worry about! It’s completely harmless and easily treated at home.
One of the leading causes of pigmentary interference with hereditary (PIH) is laser treatments. Laser treatments can generate heat in the upper layers of skin, leading to irritation and an overproduction of melanin. Furthermore, using an unsuitable laser machine for your skin type can also cause too much heat in the lower layer where melanin production takes place – leading to overproduction and an increase in melanin production.
As laser hair removal has made laser hyperpigmentation less of an issue, there are numerous effective and safe treatments to address hyperpigmentation post-laser hair removal. Most treatments focus on exfoliation to reveal healthier and more even skin beneath, using physical exfoliants like facial scrubs or chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid; you could also try using retinol products with proven effects against discoloration and hyperpigmentation.
Use of high-SPF broad spectrum sunscreen is another method for reducing dark spots and preventing their return after laser treatment, providing your skin with protection from both UVB and UVA rays which can increase melanin production and result in pigmentary inflammation of the hands (PIH).
If you are concerned about post-ingrown hair removal (PIH), it is wise to visit an experienced dermatologist such as Dr. Michele Green in New York for assistance with safest and most effective solutions for your specific concerns. She can guide you in selecting appropriate treatments to address them.
She can recommend various treatments that can lighten and fade dark spots, such as hydroquinone products or facial peels, which will lighten the skin and diminish dark spots. When selecting a dermatologist to visit, be sure they offer a wide variety of cosmetic services so they can offer tailor-made solutions to address the specific needs of your skin type – this way avoiding potentially ineffective or worsening treatments that could further exacerbate pigmentation issues.
It is permanent.
laser hair removal performed by a qualified medical professional can be an extremely effective means of permanently eliminating unwanted facial and body hair. Results don’t happen overnight and may take multiple sessions every four to six weeks in order to get optimal results, as well as touch-up treatments every year to maintain them.
Laser treatments work by heating up pigment and damaging hair follicles beneath the skin with laser light, in order to stop future hair from growing back as the damaged follicle no longer produces enough pigment for regrowth. Before opting for any procedure it is advisable to meet with a dermatologist who specializes in laser treatments so they can ensure you are suitable and provide guidance as to how many treatments will be necessary in order to reach desired results.
If you experience discoloration, topical bleaching creams or other lightening agents are usually effective at correcting it. After treatment is completed, however, direct sunlight must be avoided since its UV rays can further discolor your skin and worsen hyperpigmentation.
Some individuals are more susceptible to laser-induced hyperpigmentation than others, particularly those with darker skin who have undergone treatments with certain lasers, especially those suited for Fitzpatrick skin tones III to VI. People suffering from chronic inflammatory conditions like rosacea or psoriasis also tend to be susceptible to this form of discoloration.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a frequent side effect of laser treatment. When skin tissue becomes inflamed, cells produce excess melanin that transfers to keratinocytes and forms spots on the skin – this phenomenon is more likely in darker skin tones, as they’re more sensitive to inflammation and injury; this condition may occur from acne, eczema or various dermatoses; medications; like antimalarial drugs can all increase this condition further.
Though laser hair removal may cause temporary side effects that can be distressing, this should not dissuade anyone from seeking the procedure. As with any medical procedure, it is vital that research be conducted and find an experienced physician capable of carrying out procedures safely and effectively.
After laser treatment, it’s most effective to consult with a board-certified dermatologist experienced in treating melasma and other discolorations issues of the skin. Dr. Green, an internationally acclaimed cosmetic dermatologist in her boutique NYC office is one such practitioner, known for her expert approach in managing pigmentation disorders effectively.
She is passionate about helping clients achieve optimal skin health through comprehensive care and the latest cosmetic dermatology techniques. Reach out today for laser hair removal or to restore natural beauty with other cosmetic dermatology treatments.