Facial Hyperpigmentation Specialist
South Charlotte General and Vascular Surgery
Vascular Surgeon located in Charlotte, NC
We offer treatment for varicose veins, spider veins, wound care, and laser therapy for acne. Call us to book your appointment today.
While the expression goes, “Put your best foot forward,” it’s your face that usually greets the world first, which is why you want it looking its best. Pigmentation issues on your face can create an uneven and mottled appearance, and to combat facial hyperpigmentation. South Charlotte General and Vascular Surgery offers innovative laser technology treatments. Patients in the Charlotte, North Carolina area can see blemishes significantly reduced and get on the road to clearer skin. Call today to schedule an appointment.
Facial Hyperpigmentation Q & A
What is facial hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a harmless condition that causes darker patches on your skin due to an excess of melanin, which is the brown pigment responsible for the color of your skin.
The most common examples of hyperpigmentation are:
- Age or liver spots
- Sun spots
- Melasma
- Freckles
- Scarring
While these conditions are benign, they can develop or grow larger over time, creating cosmetic concerns.
What causes hyperpigmentation in the skin?
Several factors contribute to hyperpigmentation in your facial skin, such as:
- Sun exposure
- Hormone imbalances
- Certain medications
- Injury
- Genetics
The sun is the biggest culprit in creating and exacerbating hyperpigmentation issues on your face. If you consider that your face is likely the most exposed area of your skin, this makes sense, making sunscreen one of the most valuable tools in your skin care arsenal.
Outside of sun exposure, aging leaves your skin vulnerable to developing darker patches as your skin progressively thins and loses collagen over time.
Hormones also play a significant role in hyperpigmentation because hormones sometimes trigger your body to overproduce melanin. The phrase “mask of pregnancy” refers to the melasma, or brown patches, that often accompany pregnancy. The hormones in birth control pills have also been linked to the development of dark patches on your face.
How can I treat my hyperpigmentation?
At South Charlotte General and Vascular Surgery, Dr. James Antezana offers laser therapy to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation on your face. Using the CUTERA excel VTM instrument, Dr. Antezana delivers light energy beneath your skin, which your skin’s pigment absorbs. This light energy is strong enough to destroy the pigment, which your body naturally processes and eliminates.
Immediately after treatment, your pigment may temporarily darken before it sloughs off and leaves natural-looking skin behind.
How many laser treatments do I need?
It depends on the problem you’re trying to correct. During your initial consultation, Dr. Antezana reviews your concerns and recommends a treatment plan. Typically, most patients require several treatments, spaced a few weeks apart, for maximum effect. In between each treatment, your body is hard at work removing the old pigment and regenerating healthy, unblemished skin.
To learn how to regain smooth, clear skin, call South Charlotte General and Vascular Surgery or book an appointment online.