Unwanted Pigmentation? Enjoy Clear Skin with Laser Treatments
Are you experiencing skin discoloration or unwanted pigmentation on your skin? Laser treatments can help you get clear skin and slow the process of pigmentation from occurring. We know it can cause you to be self-conscious and afraid to show your skin, but we are here to help! The dermatologists at Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute can help you find the right laser treatment.
How Skin Pigmentation Occurs
Skin pigmentation or discoloration of the skin is often referred to as vitiligo. Vitiligo occurs when the skin loses its natural color and results in white spots appearing on the body. When our pigment-producing cells, melanin, die or stop producing, it results in discolored skin patches. This can occur from genetics, an immune disorder, or stress, sunburn, or another trigger event.
It can occur in both males or females and often appears before the age of 30. The severity of the pigmentation varies for each person. Some may experience it only on their hands or feet and others may experience it all over their body. It can even affect the hair and inside of the mouth.
Although there is no permanent treatment, laser treatments can help to change the skin color and make the pigmentation less noticeable. It is important to have a dermatologist determine the cause of your skin pigmentation as it is not always from vitiligo and treatments may vary.
Get Clear Skin with Laser Treatments
In some cases, patients may not want to treat their skin pigmentation with laser treatments. It may be because their discoloration is not that bad, they are nervous for treatment or their discoloration can be covered with makeup. Fortunately for those who want to get rid of the pigmentation, a few different options are available.
Laser treatments include light treatment, PUVA light therapy or depigmentation. During light treatment, patients with widespread pigmentation sit in a light box and patients with small areas of pigmentation receive excimer laser treatments. Treatments for each occur up to three times per week over the course of several weeks. Results can disappear if treatment is not continued.
PUVA light therapy uses a UVA light combined with a topical medication to see results. PUVA light therapy is best for widespread pigmentation. This treatment takes significantly longer and requires hospital visits for each treatment, twice a week for one year.
Lastly, depigmentation is an option, but not a common one. It is offered as both a topical solution and laser treatment and can be combined with either of the above laser treatments. The topical treatment and laser treatment leave the skin completely white and causes irreversible effects. The topical solution and laser both work to destroy the melanin. It can take up to four years for results to appear and comes at a high price. Keep in mind, the treated skin will forever be sensitive to the sun.
These laser treatments are meant to be tested to see which is best for the amount of pigmentation you have. Some may work and others may not work as well. It is important to work with your dermatologist to figure out the best course of action.
You deserve to have clear skin! Let us help restore your confidence and body positivity with our laser treatments. If you are in Bloomington, Illinois or surrounding areas complete this form. Our dermatologists will be in touch to help you choose the right laser treatment for you.