There are many products and services meant to treat hyperpigmentation, from dark spots and post-acne marks to freckles and birthmarks. Light-based interventions like laser facials are amongst the most effective.
In this guide, we explain how laser treatments for hyperpigmentation work.
We cover all of your questions about removing hyperpigmentation with laser, including safety, costs, and what you should know if you have a deeper skin tone.
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is the term for spots or diffused areas with extra melanin. Different types of hyperpigmentation include age or sun spots (i.e., solar lentigines), freckles, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and melasma.
Melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which live at the base of the epidermis. Once produced, the melanin then spreads into nearby cells via organelles called melanosomes.
Pigmentation usually shows up as a response to inflammation and skin trauma, especially from sun exposure.
When the skin is exposed to any type of damage, part of its healing process can include producing more melanin in the affected area.
Hyperpigmentation is also influenced by age, genetics, and hormones. Certain medications and health conditions can contribute to its formation.
Melasma, for example, is often referred to as a “pregnancy mask” because it’s stimulated by estrogen and progesterone hormones.
People of all backgrounds can experience hyperpigmentation, but it’s generally more common in those with deeper skin tones (Fitzpatrick type III and above).
Can Lasers Treat Hyperpigmentation?
Lasers treat hyperpigmentation by targeting the melanin in the skin. Melanin is a chromophore, which means that it can absorb light at specific wavelengths and transform it into heat.
With laser hyperpigmentation treatments, the wavelength and other settings are specifically calibrated to target areas with excess melanin. Once absorbed, the heat breaks down the melanin within the cells, causing the pigmentation to disperse.
Lasers can also target melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, helping to modulate their activity and potentially prevent future pigmentation from forming.
Some lasers also provide an ablative effect, which means that they remove layers of the epidermis (the outermost part of the skin). This intense exfoliating effect removes pigmented skin, so it can work fast to clear away pigmentation.
However, ablative lasers are much more intense than non-ablative ones, so there is a greater risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation. For this reason, most ablative lasers are not recommended for those with deeper skin tones.
Laser Treatments for Hyperpigmentation in Dark Skin
For many clients with deeper skin tones, even mild inflammation can lead to new discoloration. You need to be careful when treating it, whether it’s with professional treatments or at-home skincare.
They have longer wavelengths, like the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser we use at SEV
They have rapid pulses that limit how long the light is in contact with the skin
These two settings allow laser treatments to pinpoint areas in the skin where there is more melanin without making pigmentation worse.
It’s important to choose a provider who understands your skin’s unique needs, and can explain to you what precautions they take to treat clients with deeper skin tones safely and effectively.
Can Laser Worsen Hyperpigmentation?
When trying to remove hyperpigmentation with laser, there’s a balancing game. Lasers can disperse the pigmentation, but they can also trigger an inflammatory response that worsens it or causes new pigmentation to form.
The risks are greater with more intensive or ablative lasers, while lasers with milder intensities and more rapid pulse durations are generally safer.
That’s why it’s important to choose an experienced provider who can tailor the treatment to your skin, and who’ll be honest with you if they think a treatment may pose a risk.
For example, we currently don’t treat clients with melasma at SEV, as it can be harder to achieve that balance of safety and efficacy with our current tools.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
How long it’ll take to see results depends on a few factors, including the severity of your hyperpigmentation and the type of treatment you choose.
With the Nd:YAG laser we use at SEV, clients can start to see a reduction in discoloration within 3-5 treatments every 2-4 weeks, although it may take more for complete or near-complete clearance. That said, success also depends on using sun protection consistently. Using gentle at-home skincare products with brightening ingredients may also help, as long as they don’t increase skin sensitivity.
Before and After Laser Facial for Hyperpigmentation
Before and after images courtesy of our device manufacturer. Results may vary.
How Much Does Hyperpigmentation Laser Treatment Cost?
Prices vary widely depending on the type of laser treatment you choose and the area you’re treating. A single Laser Facial treatment at SEV starts at just $199 per session, with added savings through our package and plan options.
Other laser treatments for hyperpigmentation tend to be pricier: Most treatments start at $300-$500, with intensive treatments costing upwards of $1500 per session.
Is Laser Treatment for Hyperpigmentation Safe?
When carried out by an experienced provider, laser treatments for hyperpigmentation are quite safe. The laser devices used to treat pigmentation undergo robust clinical testing and FDA approval, with clear guidance for safe treatment parameters.
With gentle, non-ablative lasers, typical side effects include short-lasting redness, swelling, and mild warmth.
More intensive lasers may lead to more long-lasting redness and discomfort. Risks include burning, which may lead to blistering, scarring, or lasting pigmentation changes.
To mitigate the risk, select your provider carefully and follow all treatment instructions, especially when it comes to avoiding sun exposure before and after your treatment.
Does Laser Hair Removal Help with Hyperpigmentation?
That said, the wrong treatment settings or improper technique can lead to skin damage that may cause or worsen hyperpigmentation.
To avoid skin damage, practice great sun protection while undergoing laser hair removal, and choose an experienced provider that uses high-quality laser technology tailored to your skin tone.
Treating Hyperpigmentation at SEV Laser
At SEV, our Laser Facial is a non-ablative, Nd:YAG laser treatment that effectively targets hyperpigmentation in all skin tones. Our providers are highly trained to follow best practices and calibrate settings to increase efficacy.
The laser facial is a gentle and affordable treatment for hyperpigmentation, with no downtime or pain.
As with anything, taking the first step can be the toughest — so we’d like to make it easier: Get your first Laser Facial treatment at SEV for free when you book with code HELLOGLOW.
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