Skin Hyperpigmentation
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Marissa T. Santos, M.D.
Board Certified Internal Medicine & Aesthetics Specialist located in Woodside, NY & Rego Park, Queens, NY
Skin hyperpigmentation can take many forms, but one of the most common is the mask-like look of melasma. If dark spots or areas on your skin are making you feel self-conscious, there’s great news: Marissa T. Santos, M.D. in Woodside, New York, the solo practice of Dr. Marissa Santos, offers a highly effective hyperpigmentation solution called Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy. Schedule your consultation for hyperpigmentation help online or via phone now.
Skin Hyperpigmentation Q & A
What is skin hyperpigmentation?
Skin hyperpigmentation is areas of visible pigment on your face or other parts of your body. It occurs in three general categories:
Sun spots
As the name suggests, sun spots can develop when you spend too much time outdoors. However, they may also grow as you age.
Melasma
This type of hyperpigmentation has several possible causes, including sun exposure, hormones, and family history. Often, melasma develops during pregnancy.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurs after skin injury or trauma. Usually, this kind of hyperpigmentation happens as a result of severe acne, but it can also happen due to psoriasis or other types of skin injury or trauma.
Though skin hyperpigmentation isn't dangerous, it's a major cosmetic concern for many men and women today. Dr. Marissa Santos offers highly effective hyperpigmentation treatments, microneedling, and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL™).
What is microneedling?
Microneedling is a treatment in which Dr. Santos creates carefully controlled punctures in your skin. The punctures break up the hyperpigmentation, and your body then grows unblemished new skin in its place.
What is IPL?
IPL is a powerful light-based treatment that can break apart melasma through controlled heating of the deeper layers of skin cells. Dr. Santos can help you decide whether IPL or microneedling is the best solution for your particular hyperpigmentation issue.
Will hyperpigmentation return after treatment?
It's hard to predict whether hyperpigmentation will return or not. However, if you take good care of your skin after treatment you're increasing the odds of clear skin long-term. Be sure to use a high-quality moisturizer recommended by Dr. Santos, and never pick at your face.
If your hyperpigmentation was the result of a temporary situation like pregnancy hormones, it's likely to resolve for good once your hormones are back to normal. If your hyperpigmentation is the result of sun exposure, a high-quality sunblock and very limited sun exposure can help you avoid it in the future.
Hyperpigmentation caused by acne is often controllable as long as you manage your acne effectively. With Dr. Santos's help, you can get rid of your current hyperpigmentation and take effective steps to prevent its return.
Use the online appointment maker now, or call the office to schedule with Dr. Santos.
