Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation after laser hair removal

Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition caused by the excessive production of Melanin. Melanin is responsible for determining skin pigmentation and hair color. When the body produces too much melanin, dark brown spots, and discoloration of the skin occur. There are various factors that can trigger melanin production. These factors include excessive sun exposure, pregnancy, or laser treatments.

The laser treatments are generally safe. However, the use of the wrong laser machine on an unsuitable skin type may trigger excessive Melanin production. An increase in Melanin may lead to hyperpigmentation.

Dark patches and lesions may appear on your skin in post-laser hyperpigmentation. The lesions and dark patches take longer to disappear on their own.

If you have developed this skin condition after laser treatment, the good news is that there are multiple treatment options to cure the problem.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)

Post Inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) can be caused by an injury to the skin due to sunburn, surgery, or Laser treatment. PIH may affect the skin surface ( Epidermis), and the deeper layer of the Skin (Dermis).

It is common in people with dark skin tones. PIH may lead to discoloration of the skin which affects your attractive looks. Numerous non-ablative treatments are available at Laser Skin Care Clinic Dubai to treat the problem of PIH.

Causes of Hyperpigmentation

Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) is caused by excessive melanin production. When damage is caused to the skin, the skin cells respond by producing excessive Melanin. This excessive production of Melanin causes PIH.

There are several factors that trigger melanin production, these factors include:

  • Laser Treatments
  • Sun Exposure
  • Hormonal Changes
  • Skin Injuries
  • Aging

Ethnicities prone to hyperpigmentation

People with darker skin tones are more prone to this skin condition. Dark skin already has excessive melanin, and a triggering effect may easily increase melanin production. This may lead to PIH.

  • African Americans, Carribeans, and South Americans are more prone to PIH.
  • People with these ethnicities need to be more careful during laser treatments.
  • They should also apply sunscreen to protect their skin from sun damage.
  • On the Fitzpatrick scale, skin types III to VI are prone to PIH.

Can laser treat Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)?

Age spots and Sun damage can be treated with laser treatments, however, some cases of Melasma and PIH are not treated through laser.

It is recommended that you consult an expert dermatologist before choosing a treatment.

We have certified dermatologists at Laser Skin Care Clinic. The doctors have years of experience in treating this skin condition.

Our dermatologists are board-certified and results-driven to make your experience worth it.

Treatment options for Post-Laser Hyperpigmentation?

Laser treatments can cause Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). If you have developed PIH, there are numerous treatment options that can help you out.

Two of the most common treatments are:

  • Chemical peels.
  • Topical therapies

Chemical peels

Chemical peels are a classical treatment for PIH. It uses chemicals of different strengths to treat skin conditions. Chemicals with strong power are avoided during the treatment because they may increase the problem.

Some of the Peels that can be used are

  • TCA peel
  • Radiance Peel
  • Spectra Carbon Peel
  • Salicylic Peels
  • Mandelic Peels

Topical Therapies for Hyperpigmentation

Topical therapies are the first response to PIH. Topical creams are used in these therapies to reduce the effect and improve skin appearance.

Some of the topical therapies to treat the skin include:

  • Vitamin C
  • Cosmelan
  • Mesopeels
  • Retinoids
  • Extracts of orchid, Alone vera, and grape seed.

Conclusion

Laser treatments can cause Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) which doesn’t look good on the skin. Laser treatments make your skin sensitive and excessive exposure to the sun right after the treatment may also be a cause of this skin condition.
It is important to consult an expert dermatologist to diagnose the problem and get it treated. Treatment options like chemical peels and topical therapies can help you out if you have developed (PIH) after a laser treatment.

Every woman wants their arms and legs to be super-smooth always. But unfortunately, there is no short –cut to smooth skin. Instead, you have to endure long painful waxing sessions or try shaving every alternate day. Well, finally you can bid adieu to razors and stop dreading about waxing sessions at the salon. Best Laser hair removal treatment can finally put an end to these grooming sessions.

Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation after laser hair removal

But is laser hair removal the answer to your grooming woes? Is it really all smiles and no more tears? Not really there are some potential risks of laser hair removal too. It may cause skin discoloration and scarring. Know all about the side effects of this popular treatment.

There are a few side effects of laser hair removal such as skin discoloration after laser treatment, itching, redness, and swelling around the treated area but these side effects do not last long, in fact, they do not last more than two or three days.

What is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal, a non-invasive hair-removing procedure helps in unwanted hair-reduction. This is one of the most popular dermatological procedures currently and more and more people are opting for this to get rid of unwanted hair.

This procedure utilizes a laser procedure that targets melanin of your hair with a concentrated beam of light. The light transforms into heat and damages the hair follicle sacks in the hair follicle and this either stops the hair growth or delays the hair-growing process.

Top Side-effects of Skin Discoloration

  1. Minor side effects are common

Laser hair removal technique makes use of high-heat lasers. The laser can lead to immediate effects such as skin irritation and pigmentation.

  1. Skin irritation

Most people suffer from skin irritation after the laser hair removal procedure; the treated area may appear inflamed and swollen. Still, the side effects may not be as harsh as it is made out to be, waxing can give similar side-effects. Your dermatologist may use a topical anesthetic before the procedure to reduce some of the side effects.

The fact is the irritation may start going away within a few hours. In these cases, ice packs also help do away with the swelling and pain. If the symptoms get worse it is advisable to consult your doctor.

  1. Pigmentation changes

The skin turns darker or lighter, depending on your skin type after a laser hair removal treatment. People with light skin are more prone to getting darker spots from this procedure. People with darker skin, on the other hand, may end up getting lighter spots. Temporary skin irritation may not be a major cause of concern.

Are there any Severe Side-effects?

Rarely, laser hair removal can lead to more severe side effects. Firstly you have to select a qualified dermatologist who is experienced. It is advisable not to opt for at-home laser kits. A few of the rare side-effects of laser hair removal are as follows,

  • Excessive hair growth in the treatment area
  • Change in overall skin texture, you may be at risk if you have tanned recently.
  • Scarring, it especially affects who has a tendency to get scared easily.
  • Skin blisters, it usually affects a person who exposes him/her to the sun, immediately after the treatment.

How to Prepare For Laser Hair Removal

Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation after laser hair removal

If you have decided to go for laser hair removal treatment here are a few things that you must consider before going for laser hair removal for different skin types.

  • Avoid any other hair removal treatments apart from shaving before the laser hair removal treatment is carried out.
  • Avoid sun exposure for the stipulated time period of six months before the procedure. You will have to stay away from sun exposure even after the procedure is completed.
  • Stop using harsh skin products that may impact your skin.
  • Avoid the use of anti-inflammatory drugs that may increase the chances of bleeding.
  • Avoid going for the procedure if you are suffering from any kind of rash or infection.

If you are pregnant skip this procedure altogether. Ensure you follow this checklist before opting for the procedure to avoid or minimize the chances of skin discoloration after laser treatment. Visit the top cosmetic surgery in Hyderabad India for better results.

How long does it take for Brown Spots to Fade after Laser?

When treating the condition of brown spots or hyperpigmentation) or melasma, the skin may start to darken in the treated area. This especially occurs when there is a brown pigment in the layers of your skin. This brown spot disappears after 7-14 days if the pigment is set deeply in the layers of skin, particularly in the case of melasma, a series of treatments is required before you notice your brown spots reducing and there is a reduction in general discoloration. Though you may not be able to completely eradicate the spots you may be able to reduce them completely.

How long does it take for skin to heal after laser treatment?

It takes at least five to seven days after laser resurfacing; your skin will become dry after the treatment, healing usually takes ten to twenty-one days. Once your skin starts healing you can start wearing oil-free makeup to get rid of the redness, which usually goes away in two to three months.

How long does it take for Capillaries to Disappear after IPL?

After a specific dermatological treatment, some capillaries and veins disappear suddenly while some of the others last for 3-4 weeks after in which the results of the treatment are evaluated. 1-3 treatments are typically the norm. Some capillaries and veins become more prominent after the treatment which is a sign that they are damaged and will go away after a few weeks.

After Care Tips Post Laser Hair Removal

After an intense laser hair removal, session, it is normal to feel a few side-effects; you may feel a sensation of warmth in the area and mild redness very similar to a sunburn. These normal side effects usually go away within a time period of 24-48hrs after each session. The side effects are more prominent after the first few sessions when the hair is usually thick and coarse. Over the course of your treatments, hair becomes finer and the side-effects become lesser. It is important to avoid sun exposure and wear sunscreen if you do go out, Wear comfortable cotton loose clothing to allow your treated skin to breathe. Avoid exercise for a few days and also avoid wearing makeup till your doctor gives a go-ahead and you are allowed to resume your usual activities.

Does hyperpigmentation from laser hair removal go away?

Hyperpigmentation after laser hair removal may be caused by your skin reacting to the laser energy or heat. Most of the time, hyperpigmentation after laser hair removal is temporary and will resolve on its own. Typically, it lasts one to two months post-treatment.

How long does hyperpigmentation last after laser?

Pigment will darken for 1-3 weeks following the treatment, then will begin to fade. Immediately following a laser session, you may experience redness, tenderness, and mild swelling. Many clients say that the sensation is similar to the effect of sunburn.

Can laser cause post inflammatory hyperpigmentation?

After trauma or cutaneous inflammation, melanocytes can react with increased or decreased production of melanin, reflected clinically as hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation is probably the most common adverse effect of laser treatments in dark-skinned individuals.

How long does it take to treat post inflammatory hyperpigmentation?

The treatment of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) tends to be a difficult and prolonged process that often takes 6-12 months to achieve the desired results of depigmentation.