Hyperpigmentation
Dark patches have several causes, and some look alike. Diagnosis matters, because the wrong treatment can make pigment worse.
About hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is an excess of melanin in the skin. Common causes include sun damage, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after acne or injury, and melasma, which is driven by hormones and light.
These can look nearly identical across a room but behave very differently. Some respond well to lasers, while others can rebound after heat-based treatment. That is why the concern is diagnosed before it is treated.
- Brown or grey-brown patches on the face
- Dark marks left after acne, a rash or a scrape
- Uneven tone that is worse after sun exposure
- Spots that have appeared over years of sun
Any pigmented spot that is new, changing, bleeding or looks different from your other spots should be checked by a physician before any cosmetic treatment.
Consultation, treatment and follow-up
Assessment
A physician examines the skin, asks about history and triggers, and confirms what the concern actually is before any treatment is suggested.
A plan and a cost
Options are explained with realistic expectations and limits. Where treatment is cosmetic, the full cost is quoted before anything is booked.
Follow-up
Progress is reviewed at an interval suited to the condition, and the plan is adjusted if the skin does not respond as expected.
Where treatment is cosmetic, cost depends on the treatment, the area and the number of sessions, so it is quoted at consultation once a plan exists. Results vary between individuals.
Related treatments and conditions
Hyperpigmentation: frequently asked questions
Why does pigment come back?
Sun exposure, heat, hormones and inflammation can all re-trigger pigment. Ongoing sun protection is part of every pigment plan.
Is laser safe for darker skin with pigment?
It can be, with the right device and settings. Some lasers carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in darker skin, so the platform is chosen for your skin type.
Book a consultation at Fountain
A physician examines the area you're concerned about, explains which treatments can help and what they cost, and tells you when treatment isn't worth it.