Hyperpigmentation - or Uneven Skin Tone – can go by many names: age spots, liver spots, or sunspots. Freckles that appear in youth and age spots that pop up later in life are all caused by Hyperpigmentation and seem to get worse and more bothersome as you age.
At New Life Aesthetics, we understand conditions of the skin that cause uneven pigment, and we offer safe and effective treatments that will leave you with a brighter, smoother, more even complexion. In some cases, Hyperpigmentation can have a genetic component and can be linked to hormonal factors, so it’s important to be medically evaluated. Sun damage, however, is generally the biggest culprit causing Hyperpigmentation. But even if you basked in the sun or in tanning beds in your younger years, your resulting Uneven Skin Tone or Hyperpigmentation doesn’t have to be a life sentence.
Our Raleigh, NC team of aesthetic nurses, Meredith Harris, NP, Heather Shelton Roberts, RN, BSN, and Amanda Tattersall, NP are amongst the country’s top aesthetics specialists. Together, they have administered safe and effective procedures for thousands of patients. To learn more and to schedule your consultation to treat your Hyperpigmentation, please call ☎ (919) 521-8282 or contact us online today!
Hyperpigmentation is a common condition that affects millions of Americans. It can affect people of any age, gender, race, or ethnicity. The condition causes some areas of the skin to be differentiated in color or darker than other areas. “Pigment” means color and “hyper” means more – and Hyperpigmentation can appear as gray, brown, red, pink, or black patches or spots.
Our bodies have over 150 genes which play a role in regulating pigment in the skin. Pigment is produced from melanocytes. Excess melanin production happens for several reasons, most commonly as a response to solar damage from UV rays. When unprotected skin is exposed to the sun, melanin production kicks into overdrive in that area to shield the skin from damage.
Hormonal changes in the body can also affect normal production levels of melanin, as can skin injuries and certain medications. In most cases, excess melanin and Hyperpigmentation are a direct result of the body’s natural attempt to heal itself or to protect itself from harm. The encouraging news is that several decades of rigorous research and development have culminated in a broad array of effective treatments for Uneven Skin Tone.
Moles are often caused by Hyperpigmentation and are not only a discoloration but are raised areas or bumps. Moles can be red, brown, black, or purple. If you’re wondering about mole removal in Raleigh, NC – including laser mole removal – moles can be easily removed with a simple in-office procedure.
However, sometimes moles are made of cancerous cells and should be evaluated for skin cancer if removed. Red moles, also called cherry angiomas, are typically non-cancerous and are caused by a collection of blood vessels rather than melanin. This is why they are bright red in appearance. Red moles can usually be removed without further evaluation.
Our team will perform a thorough assessment of your skin and any moles during your visit and will give you their expert opinion and advice about the best plan moving forward.
Hyperpigmentation/Uneven Skin Tone is linked to certain risk factors and causes, including:
Generally, Hyperpigmentation will include some variety of the following classic symptoms: darker or colored patches or spots on skin; freckles or moles. Other than these, Hyperpigmentation does not present with other symptoms. If you have spots on your skin along with any other symptoms, it should be medically evaluated.
Hyperpigmentation can typically be identified through a comprehensive physical examination of the skin, further substantiated by a thorough review of the patient's medical history. If there is any question as to whether you might have another skin condition, any necessary tests will be conducted to rule out any other diagnosis.
Our aesthetic specialists will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan. Treatment can range from the use of lifestyle modifications that will naturally help control your symptoms (like reducing sun exposure) to specialized procedures we offer in our office. We may recommend the following therapies we offer that have been helpful with our other patients who have Hyperpigmentation or Uneven Skin Tone:
Whether our aesthetics team recommends the customized peels, Subnovii Plasma pen or any of our treatment methods to treat your Hyperpigmentation/Uneven Skin Tone, your visit will be relatively quick, with little to no downtime.
Local anesthetic may be used, depending on the treatment choice, to help reduce any discomfort. You will be able to return to work or play right after your treatments.
It may take a few weeks for Hyperpigmentation to start resolving, as it takes about 3-4 weeks for new skin cells to be produced. All treatment options for Hyperpigmentation require you to be out of the sun for at least six weeks prior to and after your procedure.
You don’t have to ignore or try to hide Hyperpigmentation or Uneven Skin Tone symptoms anymore. Treatment is available. Call ☎ (919) 521-8282 or contact us online to schedule your consultation!