Pigment Issues

Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Phoenix and Scottdale

pigment issues procedure

Skin’s overall pigmentation, or coloring, is caused by our skin’s production of melanin. The more melanin produced, the darker the pigment of your skin, or vice versa. Some skin conditions occur because the body produces either too much melanin (hyperpigmentation) or too little (hypopigmentation).

Common Pigment Issues

Birthmarks

Most birthmarks are non-cancerous skin discolorations that appear at birth or a few weeks following birth. If you or a loved one has any of the birthmarks described below, we recommend an office examination to ensure the birth mark does not pose a health risk.

Pigmented Birthmarks

Ranging in color from white to tan to blue, some pigmented birthmarks have higher chance of becoming a melanoma due to the high number of melonocytes. Pigmented birthmarks include Mongolian spots, cafe-au-lait spots and typical moles.

Before and After Photos

Hemangioma

Hemangiomas are caused by clusters of red or purplish blood vessels on or under the skin and can be flat or elevated. If located near a vital structure such as the nose, mouth or eyes, they can cause problems with daily functions because the hemangioma grows. For this reason, we recommend oral and topical treatment and surgical or laser removal.

Port-Wine Stain

Abnormal development of blood vessels (capillaries) cause flat, colored marks (pink, red or purple) known as port-wine stains. A port-wine stain is often treated for cosmetic reasons (you do not like it) or if it is located on the eyelids.

Before and After Photos

Melasma

Melasma is a very common skin disorder characterized by patches of dark skin that appear on areas of the face exposed to the sun. It is often referred to as hormonal pigmentation or the mask of pregnancy because it is induced by hormones found during pregnancy and with certain birth control pills, paired with UVA exposure. Melasma responds to topical fading agents as well as laser treatment with PicoSure. Recurrence can be reduced by daily use of medical grade sunscreen. Here is information about VI Peel

Sun Pigmentation

Age spots (also known as sun spots, brown spots or liver spots) are brown discolorations that appear on the surface of the skin in areas such as the face, neck, hands, arms and shoulders. The age spots commonly occur as the result of UVA exposure to the sun or using commercial tanning beds.

Your skin’s overall pigmentation, or coloring, is caused by our s production of melanin. The more melanin produced, the darker the pigment of your skin. In time, however, melanin can form clumps that do not fade away like a tan does. These clumps appear as small brown spots on the surface of the skin.

Recommended treatments for sun pigmentation are IPL Photofacial, Active FX Laser Treatment, PicoSure Laser Treatment, VI Peels, Chemical Peels, daily product regimens and medical grade topical treatments.

Vitiligo

Patients with vitiligo have white patches on the skin due to the melanocytes being destroyed by the body. The preferred method of treatment for vitiligo is the XTRAC Lasers high safety and effectiveness. Contact us today for a XTRAC Laser consultation for vitiligo.