Can laser cause skin to darken?

Pigment changes. Laser hair removal might darken or lighten the affected skin. These changes might be temporary or permanent. Skin lightening primarily affects those who don’t avoid sun exposure before or after treatment and those who have darker skin.

Why is my skin darker after laser treatment?

When treating brown spots (also known as hyperpigmentation) or melasma (larger areas of brown discoloration) you may see an immediate darkening of some skin around the treatment area. This is common and nothing to worry about. The temporary darkening occurs if there is brown pigment in the upper layers of your skin.

How long does pigmentation take to fade after laser?

Spots should fade between 4 – 6 weeks after laser pigmentation removal treatment. They may appear worse immediately after treatment but should gradually fade away as you body removes the pigmentation via its lymphatic system.

Can laser make pigmentation worse?

Lasers are not the first line therapy for melasma due to the high-risk hyperpigmentation reappearing after laser treatment. In some cases, laser can make melasma worse. Consultation with a dermatologist is highly recommended prior to embarking on any laser therapy for this chronic condition.

What hyperpigmentation looks like?

Hyperpigmentation appears as darkened patches or spots on the skin that make skin look uneven. The spots are known as age spots or sun spots and hyperpigmentation is also at the heart of skin conditions such as melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Can lasers cause discoloration?

Slight discoloration After laser hair removal treatments, your skin may appear slightly discolored. This is a temporary side effect and usually goes away on its own within a week or so. If you have any severe pain, in addition to discoloration, you should call your laser treatment provider right away, or see a doctor.

What does skin look like after laser treatment?

The skin will be raw, oozing and may even blister. A yellow liquid may ooze from treated areas to form a crust. Do not scratch or pick at crusts because this can cause scarring. Usually, about five days to a week after laser skin resurfacing, your skin will become dry and peel.

How many laser sessions does it take to remove hyperpigmentation?

The melanin is effectively absorbed by the body, reducing the visibility of the dark patches of skin. The treatment is quick and effective, and most patients only need a course of 3 to 6 sessions, at intervals of 4 to 6 weeks.

What happens after laser treatment for pigmentation?

Immediately post treatment you can expect to see some mild redness. You may also see some of your pigmentation spots (freckles) turn darker. This is normal and the pigment naturally shed off the skins surface within seven to 14 days depending on your skin cell turnover.

Is laser treatment effective for hyperpigmentation?

“Lasers are not always the most effective at eliminating hyperpigmentation, but there are certain conditions where lasers are incredibly effective. Light- and laser-based therapies include broad-band light (BBL), Q-switched lasers, Nd:Yag lasers, picosecond lasers, and fractionated resurfacing lasers.

Which laser treatment is best for hyperpigmentation?

IPL therapy is a type of non-ablative (fractional) laser treatment. Also known as a photofacial, IPL therapy stimulates collagen growth within the dermis. It usually requires multiple sessions. IPL is used for overall pigmentation issues, but flat spots especially respond to this treatment.

Why am I suddenly getting darker?

The change in color happens when there is overproduction of melanin, the pigment normally found in the skin, forming deposits that darken the skin color. Darkened skin can develop in people of all races. Melasma is increased skin pigmentation that usually occurs on sun-exposed surfaces of darkly complected individuals.