If you have marks from acne, age spots, or even freckles, it’s likely you have hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is defined as discolouration of the skin where some patches are darker than the surrounding skin. This discolouration could be caused by extended exposure to the sun, acne marks, inflammation (for example eczema or a rash), injury or […]
If you have marks from acne, age spots, or even freckles, it’s likely you have hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is defined as discolouration of the skin where some patches are darker than the surrounding skin. This discolouration could be caused by extended exposure to the sun, acne marks, inflammation (for example eczema or a rash), injury or even hormones. Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation that is triggered by hormonal imbalances (and made worse by sun exposure). It is usually present on the cheeks, nose, forehead, chin and upper lip. Many women experience melasma during pregnancy and certain ethnicities are more likely to suffer from melasma than others. Melasma is hereditary, so you’re more likely to experience it if someone in your family has it.
Hyperpigmentation is further broken down into epidermal (superficial), dermal (deeper) and junctional (combination of dermal and epidermal). Freckles, age spots, acne marks and sunspots are some examples of epidermal or superficial hyperpigmentation and are the easiest to tackle as they are relatively light and not too dense. Melasma looks more dense and solid, and can have an ashen or grey tinge and is categorised as dermal hyperpigmentation because it sits in the deeper layers of the skin.
At illumia Medical we have a wide variety of lasers that can help treat different types of hyperpigmentation. After an in-depth consultation to understand your needs and concerns, our team of dedicated and experienced doctors will offer long term and sustainable solutions that will be tailored to your specific needs. We may even combine the different treatments to help you achieve your skin goals. Here are some of the lasers we use to help you achieve clear, even toned, blemish-free skin.
illumia Picosure: This laser uses a 755nm wavelength to optimally target melanin clusters to tackle a variety of hyperpigmentation. The Picosure laser emits lightning fast energy pulses—at a trillionth of a second—to shatter pigment into fragments that are then eliminated from the body via the lymphatic system. This helps reduce stubborn hyperpigmentation like freckles, sun spots and melasma. The Focus lens on this laser also helps to break up the laser beam into many smaller micro beams so that it targets many separate spots of skin instead of just one big spot, reducing the build up of heat and the associated side effects. Simultaneously, it helps with the production of collagen and elastin. The result is reduced blemishes and overall skin rejuvenation.
illumia Elite IQ: This laser uses a 755nm wavelength laser to emit a precise beam of light into the targeted areas. This breaks up the melanin, which is then absorbed into the body and naturally eliminated to reduce the appearance of freckles, age spots, café au lait spots or birthmarks. As the laser energy is converted into heat within the skin, it triggers the production of collagen and elastin for overall rejuvenation.
illumia Pro Yellow Gold Laser: A combination of two different wavelengths of laser, this treatment helps to target hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone as well as dilated capillaries, spider veins and rosacea. The specific 532nm GREEN wavelength targets haemoglobin legions while the 577nm YELLOW wavelength targets and destroys red pigments. Together they help keep skin bright, blemish free and even toned. This laser also helps stimulate collagen production thanks to the yellow light laser energy which is absorbed deep into the skin.
illumia Pico Discovery: Target sun spots, freckles, melasma and post acne hyperpigmentation with this laser that has dual wavelengths that allow it to work in both Q-switch and photothermal mode. It also has four emission modes. Pico Discovery is able to shatter pigment while leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed thanks to its ability to generate a photoacoustic effect. The shorter pulse durations and high peak power also mean that it can effectively target hyperpigmentation and spots at the deepest layers of skin.
illumia CO2 Laser: Target superficial and dermal hyperpigmentation with this laser that can be customised for precise and effective results. The laser uses pixelated beams of carbon dioxide to target columns of skin to reveal new skin under. This laser has the longest wavelengths and can reach even the deeper layers to tackle severe hyperpigmentation. The treatment can even be customised to achieve different treatment depths as required to resolve each client’s skin concerns.
