Hyperpigmentation in Los Altos, CA

Serving the residents of San Jose, Palo Alto and the surrounding communities of California, Mittelman Plastic Surgery offers safe and effective treatments for hyperpigmentation and related skin conditions that can benefit from laser resurfacing. Led by board-certified facial plastic surgeon Harry Mittelman, MD, the office of Mittelman Plastic Surgery is conveniently located in Los Altos.

What Is Hyperpigmentation?

Every human has pigmentation in the form of a substance known as melanin that is produced by melanocyte cells. An imbalance of melanin can result in hyperpigmented skin or skin with too much color, including freckles and so-called age spots. Some forms of hyperpigmentation are from excessive exposure to the sun while other cases can be the result of pregnancy, the administration of certain pharmaceuticals or physical trauma to the skin. Individuals with hyperpigmentation often suffer from skin that looks sallow, yellowed, aged or unevenly colored.

Cases of hyperpigmentation can be classified by their etiology:

• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
• Melasma (butterfly marks)
• Freckles (lentigines)
• Actinic keratosis (sun spots)

Due to the complex nature of why hyperpigmentation occurs, treatment for this condition varies. A misappropriation of melanin in the skin can affect both the deep layers of the skin and/or the surface of the skin. Before treatment can begin, it is essential that the skin is assessed to diagnose the cause of the hyperpigmentation.

What Are the Main Causes of Hyperpigmentation?

Ultraviolet Light

A large percentage of hyperpigmentation cases are caused by excessive exposure to the sun, in particular, damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. Over time, the damage inflicted by ultraviolet rays can lead to lasting trauma in the deeper layers of the skin, resulting in colored lesions classified as sun spots, freckles, age spots and liver spots.

Medications/Hormones

Some cases of hyperpigmentation result from fluctuations in hormones, particularly during the course of pregnancy. Other individuals develop hyperpigmentation as a secondary effect of thyroid problems. Another potential cause of hyperpigmentation is hormone imbalances due to the consumption of birth control pills and/or hormone therapy. Medical professionals categorize this type of hyperpigmentation as melasma, usually identifiable due to a butterfly-shaped dark spot on the skin, predominantly seen on the cheeks, the forehead and/or the upper lips.

Physical Damage

A number of medical conditions can lead to trauma of the skin itself, a type of hyperpigmentation called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Some illnesses which have the potential to cause this condition include psoriasis, burns, medications applied to the skin and acne. Generally, the body will be able to heal from a case of PIH as new, healthier skin is produced but some individuals can develop a case of PIH, which is permanent.

What Treatment is Available for Hyperpigmentation?

IPL® Photofacial

From an acronym that stands for Intense Pulsed Light (IPL®), this form of treatment is ideal for individuals who suffer from dyschromia, a medical term that refers to abnormal patterns of melanin in the skin that results in “patches” or stippling patterns. IPL® Photofacial shines a very powerful and hyper-focused light on the affected area of the skin in order to absorb excess melanin. IPL® Photofacial also works to remove excess redness while cleaning and refreshing surface-level capillaries, leaving the skin looking rejuvenated and free of blemishes.

How Much Does Hyperpigmentation Treatment Cost In San Jose, CA?

The cost of hyperpigmentation treatment varies based upon the extent of your procedure and your current skin condition. Feel free to discuss financing options with us in order to make your treatment more affordable.

Harry Mittelman, MD, is recognized as a pioneer in facial plastic surgery. As a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, specializing in both surgical and non-surgical or non-invasive cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery procedures, Dr. Mittelman provides his patients with exceptional skills and results that last. For more information on treatment for hyperpigmentation or to schedule a private consultation at Dr. Mittelman’s office, please contact us today.We serve the entire Southbay and Bay Area including Los Altos, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Redwood City, Mountain View, San Mateo, San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale and the surrounding areas.