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Pigmentation

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What Causes Skin Pigmentation?

Pigmentation refers to the presence of dark spots or uneven skin tone caused by an excess of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. By understanding the causes, it can help you better manage your condition. Some common causes include:

  • Sun exposure: Sun spots, freckles
  • Natural ageing process: Age spots
  • Hormonal changes: Melasma

Melasma

Often seen as large, symmetrical patches on the face, melasma is primarily caused by hormonal changes and is commonly observed during pregnancy or with the use of birth control pills. It appears as brown or grey-brown spots, usually on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip.

Sun Spots

Dark, flat spots that develop on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, hands, and shoulders, as a result of prolonged sun exposure.

Hyperpigmentation

These dark spots can develop due to various reasons, including acne scars, injury, or inflammation. They appear as darker patches on the skin compared to the surrounding area.

What is skin pigmentation?

Skin pigmentation refers to the natural colour of your skin, determined by melanin production. When melanin production becomes excessive or uneven, it can lead to pigmentation issues such as melasma, age spots, sunspots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). In Singapore, where UV exposure is consistently high, many individuals experience pigmentation concerns that worsen over time.

Types of pigmentation:

Freckles

Small, light brown spots that appear on sun-exposed areas, often due to genetic predisposition.

Melasma

Large, symmetrical patches often triggered by hormonal changes, commonly appearing on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip.

Sunspots (age spots)

Dark, flat spots that develop with age and prolonged sun exposure.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)

Dark marks caused by acne, injury, or skin inflammation.

Causes of pigmentation in Singapore

Singapore’s climate and environmental conditions contribute significantly to pigmentation issues. Some common factors include:

High UV exposure

Constant exposure to strong sunlight triggers melanin production.

Humidity-related skin concerns

Excessive sweating and clogged pores may contribute to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Hormonal factors

Pregnancy, birth control pills, and hormonal imbalances can increase the risk of melasma.

These issues can be resolved by undergoing dark spot removal and sunspot treatment.

Laser Treatment for Pigmentation Removal

Laser treatment addresses various types of pigmentation, such as sun spots, age spots, melasma, and dark spots. At Halley Medical Aesthetics in Singapore, we utilise advanced laser technologies to target and treat these skin concerns with precision.

How It Works

Laser treatment works by emitting targeted light energy that penetrates the skin to break down excess pigment. The laser light is absorbed by the pigmented areas, causing them to fragment into smaller particles that are then naturally eliminated by the body’s healing processes. This approach ensures that the pigmentation is treated effectively while minimising damage to the surrounding skin.

Types of pigmentation treatments in Singapore

Pico Laser: Utilises ultra-short pulses to target and break down pigmentation with minimal downtime.

Fraxel Dual Laser: Combines ablative and non-ablative technology to address both surface and deeper pigmentation issues.

Halley Medical Aesthetics offers a comprehensive range of pigmentation treatments designed to address various skin concerns effectively. These include laser therapies and skin rejuvenation procedures tailored to different skin types and needs. 

Laser treatments

  • PicoSure Pro Laser: Uses ultra-short pulses to break down pigmentation while stimulating collagen production.
  • Fotona PQX Picolaser: Offers treatment versatility with dual wavelengths to address pigmentation at multiple depths.

Other skin rejuvenation treatments

  • Laser skin resurfacing: Reduces pigmentation while improving skin texture.
  • Microneedling & skin boosters: Enhance skin renewal and promote even tone.
  • Whitening peel & IPL: Help brighten skin and reduce hyperpigmentation.
  • Hydrafacial & chemical peels: Exfoliate and hydrate the skin for a clearer complexion.

Pico Lasers

Pico lasers give out ultra-short pulse bursts of energy in trillionths of a second to treat a variety of skin concerns including pigmentation.
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Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing treatments remove unhealthy skin to improve skin texture and encourage growth of healthy skin.
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Microneedling

Microneedling with radio frequency (RF) combines the benefits of microneedling with the skin tightening effects of RF energy.
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Whitening Peel

Contains lactic acid, glutathione, kojic acid, and arbutin to brighten skin and lighten pigmentation.
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Intense Pulsed Light

A photorejuvenation treatment that targets pigment cells to even out skin discolouration.
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HydraFacial

A pore cleansing facial that also infuses nourishing serum into the skin.
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Chemical Peels & Masks

Removes dead skin cells to reveal fresh, new skin and rehydrates the skin.
Learn more

Benefits of Laser Treatment

Improve skin texture

Reduce enlarged pores

Brighten skin tone

Minimise dark spots

Promote collagen production

Target specific areas precisely

Hyperpigmentation occurs when our skin produces more melanin, which is the pigment that gives our skin its colour. This can make spots of patches of skin appear darker than surrounding areas. When our face is exposed to the sun over a long period of time, melasma and sun spots appear. This is especially common in tropical countries such as Singapore where it is impossible to avoid sun exposure.

A wide range of aesthetic treatments can treat these sun spots, age spots, brown spots, hyperpigmentation spots, and melasma. These treatments help to lighten dark spots and even out skin tone for healthier and younger-looking skin.

Who is a good candidate for pigmentation treatment?

Individuals considering pigmentation treatment should meet the following criteria:

  • Suitable for most skin types
  • Experiencing mild to severe pigmentation concerns
  • Have realistic treatment expectations, as multiple sessions may be required
  • No contraindications to laser or chemical peel treatments
  • Willing to follow post-treatment care, including sun protection

 

At Halley Medical Aesthetics, personalised treatment plans ensure optimal results for those seeking effective pigmentation correction.

Frequently Asked Questions

The duration of pigmentation removal treatments can vary based on the type of pigmentation and the specific laser used. Generally, each session lasts between 30 to 60 minutes. For optimal results, multiple sessions may be required, spaced a few weeks apart.

Laser treatments are highly effective for removing various types of pigmentation, including sun spots, age spots, and dark spots. Lasers target and break down the pigment in the skin, which is then naturally expelled by the body. Results can often be seen after a few sessions, with continued improvement over time.

Common side effects include temporary redness, swelling, and mild discomfort in the treated area. These side effects usually subside within a few days. Rarely, patients may experience hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, but these are typically temporary and resolve over time.

Initial results can often be seen within a few weeks after the first session, but full results typically develop over several months as the body continues to eliminate the broken-down pigment. A series of treatments may be needed for optimal results.

Aftercare involves keeping the treated area clean and applying a soothing moisturiser as recommended by your doctor. Avoid direct sun exposure and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to prevent new pigmentation from forming. Follow your clinic’s specific aftercare instructions for best results.

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The use of these treatments/products is dependent on the clinical assessment and judgement of a medical professional. Please consult a medical doctor for an informed discussion on the use of this treatment/product.

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