Pigmentation and melasma
Condition Overview
Black, brown and blue pigmentation of the skin is a commonoccurrence and can represent a variety of conditions. Freckles, birthmarks, sundamage, age spots, lentigines and melasma are just a few reasons forpigmentation.
Most brown marks on the skin will not be medically serious,but because some cancers can also present as pigmented spots, it is importantto have your skin checked by a dermatologist before proceeding with treatment.
Melasma is a condition, more common in females, wherepatches of brown appear on the face, typically the forehead, cheeks and upperlip. It can be associated with hormonal changes in pregnancy or taking the oralcontraceptive pill. However, for some patients, it can be troublingcosmetically and treatment is desired.
Can melasma be successfully treated?
Melasma can be difficult to treat, so our goal is often improvementover complete cure. We can use a range of laser and light based therapies, aswell as topical creams, to treat melasma, including the Nd:YAG pigment, FraxelDual and Picosure lasers, as well as IPL.
What causes melasma and other dark pigmentation?
One of the primary factors in the development of melasma isexposure to sunlight. Strict sun protection, through the use of SPF50 and otherprotection measures, is essential.
Brown pigmentation represents an increase in the melanin ofthe skin in that spot or area. We all have some melanin in our skin, withdarker skin tones having more. The reason why an increase in melanin in alocalised area occurs depends on the condition – birthmarks are random patchesof darker skin; scarring or inflammatory conditions may causes darker patches;sun exposure can cause a range of brown pigmentation conditions, developing upto 20 years after the sun exposure, explaining why sun spots and sun damageoccur more in middle aged and older skin.
How do you treat other brown pigmentation?
Many conditions causing dark pigmentation can be treated,but the choice of treatment depends on the cause of the pigmentation andunderlying skin type, as well as whether there are any underlying skinconditions. Treatment options can include bleaching creams, skin peels, IPL,pigment lasers, ablative laser and Fraxel lasers.
In the rare case of pigmentation being diagnosed as cancer,treatment options are different.
Pigmentation is easier to treat in lighter skin tones, asdarker skin have a greater risk of burning, darkening or hypopigmentation(lightening of the skin) from light-based treatments. Asian skin inparticularly tricky, even when pale, as the underlying skin pigmentation candiscolour. For this reason, we recommend only seeking laser treatment at amedical clinic with a wide range of lasers available, like NBLDC, so treatmentcan be tailored to your skin type.
How do I know if my dark pigmented spot is cancer?
Most pigmentation is not cancer. However, if a pigmentedspot changes shape or colour, starts bleeding, or is persistently itchy, westrongly suggest you have it reviewed by a dermatologist.
It is also recommended that people with lighter skin toneshave regular skin checks with a dermatologist.
How much does pigment laser treatment cost?
Your initial consult with our dermatologist will cost $330,with a medicare rebate if you have a referral from your GP.
Treatment cost depends on the area being treated, buttypically starts from $500.
Corrective Treatments
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Love the skin you’re in
At Neutral Bay Laser & Dermatology Clinic, we’re committed to providing the most effective treatments for your skin, with the utmost safety, for the whole family. That’s why the first step of every treatment is a review by our dermatologist, Dr Terence Poon. Make your appointment today to love the skin you’re in.
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