Using Laser for Dyschromia Treatment

Dyschromia is a medical condition that causes discolored patches on the skin. There are two different forms of dyschromia: hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. Hyperpigmentation causes extremely dark patches on the skin. Hypopigmentation will cause patches lighter than your normal skin tone. While there are multiple causes of dyschromia, it most commonly forms on people who have spent a lot of time in the sun and received several serious sunburns. The prolonged exposure to the sun causes abnormalities in the skin cells, which can potentially lead to discolored patches.

The discolored skin patches caused by dyschromia are usually completely harmless, but most people do not want to go through life with uneven skin. Dyschromia does not cause any other symptoms besides the discolored skin patches. Treating the abnormal cells causing the skin patches is the only way to cure dyschromia. One of the most effective dyschromia treatment methods is laser skin resurfacing.

There are several different laser treatments that can be used for dyschromia. Intense pulsed light dyschromia treatment uses quick and powerful pulses of light that get absorbed by the skin. The light absorption causes the skin tissues to generate heat, which destroys the abnormal cells causing the discolored skin patches. Once these abnormal cells are removed from the body, your skin tone will be much more even.

Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing can also be used for dyschromia treatment. The special laser used in this treatment process will make several microscopic puncture holes on your discolored skin patches. These small holes will cause the skin to tighten and produce more collagen. Once the body is naturally producing more collagen, your skin patches will start to disappear over time.

In order to get the best results possible, you will likely have to undergo a series of sessions of laser treatments. These treatments are usually scheduled two or three weeks apart. The total number of sessions required to remove your dyschromia will ultimately depend on your individual case.

You will be able to go home immediately following your laser treatment. However, you will need to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight for a few weeks after using lasers to treat your dyschromia. Too much sun exposure can severely irritate the skin.

Laser procedures are a safe and effective form of dyschromia treatment. Schedule a consultation at Metro Dermatology to learn more information about how our laser treatments can improve your condition. We have offices in Elmhurst, Flushing, Englewood and the Bronx. Contact us today to book your appointment.