Pigmentation Issues? Q&A On How to Choose a Treatment

 

What causes pigmentation?

Cumulative ultra-violet radiation exposure (sun exposure) with resulting pigment deposition.  Hormonal effects (ie. Birth control pills, pregnancy, hormone replacement therapy, post-menopausal effects, and medications.  Genetics also plays a role.

What type of procedures will fix this problem and what are their differences?

Advanced Fluorescent Technology (AFT) is directed at pigmentation at a deeper level in the skin.  The skin reacts by the pigment darkening, scabs over and peels off.

Chemical Peel - Chemical peeling is generally more superficial unless doing a deeper level of peel.  The skin is exfoliated in a chemical peel and therefore if the pigment is closer to the stratum corneum (the top layer of skin) it will peel off.  A series of peels will be required.

 

What skin types are best for which?

Lighter skin is best for AFT because the light is directed at the melanin in the skin.  Most skin types can tolerate chemicals peels as there are many levels of peels to choose from.

Which is quicker to show results?

The AFT will probably show the quickest results as it goes deeper than a superficial chemical peel.

Which has more dramatic results?

The results will be dependent upon how much hyper-pigmentation there is and how deep it is.  When doing chemical peels, we are exfoliating the skin so not only is the pigmentation improved, but the overall appearance of the skin is improved.  If there is only a small amount of hyper-pigmentation and is targeted by the AFT, there should be a marked difference.

Which has longer lasting results?

No matter which technique is used, the patient should avoid sun exposure and diligent with using a broad spectrum sun protection of SPF 20 or higher.  Hyper-pigmentation can return when skin is exposed to the sun.

 

Are chemical peels harder on the skin?

Chemical peels should be done by a trained professional after a careful evaluation of the skin. Chemicals can be harsh if not done properly. 

Are there side effects?

Side effects from chemical peeling are redness, mild irritation and peeling.  These conditions are not long lasting if the patient has been properly instructed in post-peel skin care.  The area that is treated by the AFT usually turns brown, crusts over and peels.  Again, post treatment care is vital to quickening the healing process.

How long is the “down time”?

Down time ranges from no down time for superficial peels to 7-10 days for the deepest peels.   For AFT, the darkening and eventual exfoliation of the hyper-pigmented areas may take from 1-3 weeks, but there is no residual discomfort once the procedure is done. 

 

Can there be scarring?

The risk of scarring with either procedure is remote.

I’ve heard that some doctors use a hydroquinone treatment in conjunction with the AFT; is this true? How does it affect results? 

Hydroquinone can be used after the treatments are complete to fade any residual hyper-pigmentation.   Immediately prior to AFT treatments the use of hydroquinone should be avoided to maximize the effectiveness of the AFT.

 

To learn more about how Sōna can help, call 1-866-GET-SONA.

Each Sōna MedSpa franchise location is independently owned and operated. Services vary by location.

---