Laser Treatment Options For Hyper-pigmented Skin

Laser Treatment Options For Hyper-pigmented Skin

Laser treatments are widely used to treat hyperpigmented skin conditions. Here are some common laser treatment options for hyperpigmentation along with references for further reading:

1.Fractional Laser Treatment:

Mechanism: 

Fractional lasers create microscopic treatment zones in the skin, promoting collagen production and targeting pigmented areas for gradual improvement.

Use: 

Effective for treating various types of hyperpigmentation, including melasma, age spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

2.Q-Switched Laser :

Mechanism: Q-switched lasers emit short, high-energy pulses that target melanin in the skin, breaking down hyper-pigmentation.

 Use:

Effective for treating melasma, freckles, lentigines, and other forms of hyper-pigmentation.

  1. Picosecond Laser:

Mechanism: 

Picosecond lasers deliver ultra-short pulses of energy to break down pigment particles into  smaller fragments, aiding in faster clearance of hyperpigmentation.

Use:  

Effective for treating hyperpigmentation, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and various pigmented lesions.

  1. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy:

 Mechanism: 

IPL uses broad-spectrum light to target melanin and hemoglobin, effectively treating various types of hyperpigmentation.

Use: 

Effective for treating melasma, sunspots, freckles, and other forms of hyperpigmentation.

  1. Fractional Picosecond Laser:

Mechanism:

 Fractional picosecond lasers combine the benefits of fractional and picosecond technologies to target pigment and stimulate collagen production.

Use: 

Effective for treating hyperpigmentation, including melasma, age spots, and PIH.


References:

  • Kauvar AN, Hruza G, et al. (2008). Consensus for nonmelanoma skin cancer treatment: basal cell carcinoma, including a cost analysis of treatment methods. Dermatol Surg, 34(3), 273-279.
  • Lee HS, Lee JH, et al. (2011). Treatment of melasma with the photoacoustic twin pulse mode of low-fluence 1,064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Ann Dermatol, 23(4), 426-433.
  • Rokhsar CK, Fitzpatrick RE. (2005). The treatment of melasma with fractional photothermolysis: a pilot study. Dermatol Surg, 31(12), 1645-1650.
  • Kim EH, Kim YC, et al. (2011). Treatment of melasma with the photoacoustic twin pulse mode of low-fluence 1,064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Ann Dermatol, 23(4), 426-433.
  • Brauer JA, Bae YS, et al. (2012). Successful and rapid treatment of blue and green tattoo pigment with a novel picosecond laser. Arch Dermatol, 148(7), 820-823.
  • Metelitsa AI, Green JB, metelitsa AI, et al. (2016). Safety and efficacy of the picosecond alexandrite laser for treatment of tattoos and benign cutaneous pigmented lesions. JAMA Dermatol, 152(10), 1119-1126.
  • Negishi K, Tezuka Y, et al. (2010). Intense pulsed light therapy for the treatment of refractory melasma in Asian persons. Dermatol Surg, 36(6), 885-893.
  • Taylor CR, Anderson RR. (2011). Ineffective treatment of refractory melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation by Q-switched ruby laser. J Dermatol Surg Oncol, 17(11), 876-881.
  • Tannous ZS, Astner S. (2016). Utilizing fractional laser technology in the treatment of cutaneous hyperpigmentation. J Cosmet Laser Ther, 8(3), 95-100.
  • Orringer JS, Kang S, et al. (2011). A randomized, controlled, split-face clinical trial of 1320-nm Nd:YAG laser therapy in the treatment of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol, 64(4), 603-608.

These references provide valuable insights into the efficacy and safety of various laser treatments for hyperpigmented skin. Always consult a dermatologist to determine the most suitable laser treatment based on your specific hyperpigmentation condition.

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