Hyperpigmentation Treatment in Nashville, TN

SOLUTIONS FOR PIGMENTATION ISSUES

Sun Damage, Brown Spots, Pigmentation

Hyperpigmentation literally means “more color” and it is a common concern we hear from patients because hyperpigmentation can affect anyone. The discoloration isn’t dangerous, but when it results in a blotchy facial complexion, it’s easy to feel self-conscious. Specialized treatment can diminish dark spots to give your skin a more uniform appearance. But what causes hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation Treatment in Nashville

We often refer to these dark spots or patches as freckles, age spots, sun spots or liver spots. They are caused by an excess of melanin produced by unhealthy or damaged skin cells. Areas of hyperpigmentation can show up almost anywhere on the body. Melasma, a specific type of hyperpigmentation, appears only on the face.

Sun damage is a common cause of hyperpigmentation, but an over-abundance of melanin can also be due to genetics, hormone changes, certain medical conditions or medications, or even specific vitamin deficiencies.

Regardless of the cause, there are multiple ways to effectively treat hyperpigmentation to restore more facial uniform skin tone.

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START WITH A CONSULTATION

A Personalized Protocol

At your consultation, one of our highly skilled medical aestheticians will examine your skin and discuss your treatment goals with you. Together you can make an action plan for improvement with customized treatments.

Hyperpigmentation Treatment Choices

The best way to treat dark spots is with an advanced skin care regimen that is based on vitamin C, pigment-suppressing serums and retinol. In many cases, we also use hydroquinone. Hydroquinone sometimes gets undeservedly negative reviews because it is often used incorrectly. However, if used properly - under the supervision of a medical aesthetician or doctor - it can be an amazingly effective treatment for most all types of hyperpigmentation, especially melasma.

Traditional sun damage on the face is easily treated with chemical peels or lasers. Intense pulsed light (IPL) usually requires about three treatments to achieve the best results.
Melasma cannot be treated with a laser because it is a heat-induced condition. When melasma is caused by pregnancy, the hormones are also exacerbated by heat inflammation from sun exposure. So, for melasma patients we use pigment-control systems based on medical grade skin care. Melasma patients are also great candidates for HydraFacial with a Britenol booster, for the Perfect Derma Peel or for ZO brightening facials. Any of these treatments can help minimize melasma.

To treat stubborn hyperpigmentation, we love the Perfect Derma Peel and the ZO 3-Step Peel. These are also excellent choices for melasma. For more advanced treatment, we recommend light CO2 or light erbium to resurface the skin and slough off any stubborn remaining pigment.

FOR LONGTERM RESULTS, CONSISTENCY IS KEY

Maintenance Plan

Your aesthetician will help you devise an at-home skin care regimen to help minimize and prevent hyperpigmentation. However, there are additional steps you can take such as:

Always wearing broad spectrum (UVA + UVB) sunscreen that is at least 30 SPF (or using a sun blocker such as zinc oxide)
Reducing time in the sun
Wearing a hat and protective clothing when outdoors

You don’t have to live with blotchy facial skin. To learn more about which treatment options would be most effective for you, schedule a personal consultation with one of our highly-skilled medical aestheticians.