A spot' of brightness

Excessive pigmentation is also known as hyperpigmentation, low pigmentation and Hypopigmentation. Hyperpigmentation happens when there is an injury or attack to the skin that causes the melanin pigment to deposit in the areas causing darker spots. Some of the common conditions causing pigmentation are skin diseases such as acne, eczema, lupus, dermatitis, the mask of pregnancy – ‘Melasma’, certain medical conditions like adrenal disorders, medication, injury, tumors, birthmarks and allergic reactions .

Depigmentation helps with troublesome pigmentation problems occurring due to such conditions. The ‘Brighten and Correct’ combination approach with which modalities like peels along with pigment laser sessions work best for treating pigmentation with appropriate sun and skin care programmes.

The pigment lasers use Q switch technology to break down the melanin pigment. They use the powerful photoacoustic technology with which they break the pigment down into smaller particles which is then cleared by your body in time. This laser not only treats pigmentation and spots but also freckles, sun damage, tan and dullness. Peels work by exfoliating the top layers of the skin so that the skin below shows a more even skin tone and lighter pigmentation. Along with the peel sessions interspersed in between the laser sessions, skin lightening creams may often be given to prepare the skin, enhance the penetration or to lighten the spots.

During these sessions, and after, it is important to take good care of the skin with proper skin care products and the use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50.

Dos and Dont’s for pre and post treatment

• Take post care instructions clearly from your treating doctor.
• Sun protection measures are a must. Use a good sunscreen with SPF 50.
• Oral sunscreen agents give you additional protection.
• Avoid makeup application for 24 hours post treatment.
• Do not pick, pull or rub peeling skin.
• If you have sensitive skin, your doctor may give you a test patch to check your reaction.

Cost: The peels will cost upto Rs 5,000 per session and the laser treatment will cost ' 15,000 per session.

– The writer is a dermatologist. Disclaimer: Always check with a cosmetic surgeon before going ahead with this procedure.