Skin pigmentation is a common dermal condition. In this, patches or spots of skin develop at different shade from the natural complexion. It can occur due to many reasons. The most common ones are age, sun damage, acne, chickenpox, inflammation and rashes. Many hormonal diseases also cause skin pigmentation. Hyperpigmentation refers to the skin developing blotches of darker colour whereas hypopigmentation occurs when the skin gets lighter. A large number of treatments exist for these conditions. The treatment recommended depends upon the condition you have.
There are both non-invasive, minimally invasive and invasive treatments for skin pigmentation. Chemical peeling uses chemicals to peel off the damaged skin. It is also known as chemexfoliation or dermapeeling. The main ingredient used is organic acid. As the acid penetrates the layers of the skin, it damages and disintegrates it. As a result, new skin will grow in its place. The depth of penetration depends on the number of applications and chemical concentration. This new skin will give the person a rejuvenated, spotless look. Like chemexfoliation, microdermabrasion is also non-invasive. In this, the doctor uses a small device with an abrasive head to remove the top layer of skin. This allows a new skin layer to form free of pigmentation.
Laser therapies include laser resurfacing, laser skin rejuvenation and intense pulsed light. These make use of light of high intensity to break down the excess melanin or the affected cells. This cures the condition and allows for new, healthy cells to grow.Microneedling is a method which uses a roller with fine needles to make pricks all over the skin. As a result, the cells in the skin layers get triggered. This induces the growth of new skin structural proteins like collagen and elastin. This firms the skin and removes all kinds of spots.
Preparation before the treatment
Consult a board-certified dermatologist before undergoing any of these procedures. Only a qualified expert will be able to tell you what procedure you need.Consult with the dermatologist about any allergies you may have. Chemical peeling uses different acids and if you are allergic to any, it can do a lot of harm. Make sure you have no allergic breakout or infection in or around the region you are getting treated. If you do, get it cured first before getting the procedure.
The procedures are usually done under local or general anaesthesia. For microneedling, stop using blood thinners a month before the procedure. If you are getting a combination of procedures, make sure you get the chemical peeling first. That way, the harsh chemical will not irritate the burns from the laser or pricks from the needling.
The most common after-effects of these treatments are redness, swelling and unnatural pigmentation. All these are temporary and goes away with time. While redness and swelling usually disappear in an hour or a day, the pigmentation may take weeks to go.
The doctor should keep the skin cool after the treatment with ice packs or cold gel. This will soothe the area and help the skin tighten. Use only water and mild soap to clean your face.
Use moisturizers to keep the skin nourished. But wait 24 hours before applying anything. Do not shave or use any harsh chemicals in the treated area. When going out in the sun, use a high SPF sunscreen. Try to keep yourself shaded with umbrellas, hats and sunglasses.Do not pick at crusts or scars that may form. Keep the treated area as sterile as possible. If you feel like an infection or allergy is breaking out, consult your doctor immediately. But try not to use systemic antibiotics.
The cost of chemical peeling in India varies with the intensity of treatment. A superficial peel costs ₹1000 to ₹5000. A medium peel costs ₹3000 to ₹7000 while a deep peel costs ₹5000 to ₹9000. Laser treatments in India cost upward of ₹65,000 and can go up to ₹1,20,000. The cost rises with more advanced treatments. Microdermabrasion and microneedling both are far more cost-effective. They cost ₹1000 to ₹2500.
The cost of chemical peeling in India varies with the intensity of treatment. A superficial peel costs ₹1000 to ₹5000. A medium peel costs ₹3000 to ₹7000 while a deep peel costs ₹5000 to ₹9000. Laser treatments in India cost upward of ₹65,000 and can go up to ₹1,20,000. The cost rises with more advanced treatments. Microdermabrasion and microneedling both are far more cost-effective. They cost ₹1000 to ₹2500.