Pigmentation is when clusters of melanin form in the skin. Melanin is a pigment that is produced by cells in our bodies known as the melanocytes. It can also be described as being ‘the color of skin.’
The formation of these pigmented spots can happen for many reasons, including genetics, hormones, age, injuries to the skin, and sun exposure. The most common places for them to show up are the hands and feet, face and neck.
If the spots make you feel frustrated, it’s a good idea to consider pigmentation removal. Singapore might be the perfect place for you to do it considering that there are tons of dermatologists waiting to help.
The Different Types of Pigmentation that can Occur on the Skin
There are many different types of darkness that exist on the skin. Each of them is caused by a separate factor. Here are just some of them:
- Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): When an injury occurs to the skin, it is followed up with natural healing processes, which cause pigments to form to protect it. This method is similar to how scars form after being cut or burned. The difference here is that PIH will fade over time, whereas a scar generally remains constant unless treatment is sought out for its removal.
- Age Spots: These are more commonly known as liver spots. They are caused by the skin cells being exposed to too many of the sun’s harmful UV rays, which cause them to produce melanin at an abnormally fast rate. This is why they typically form on areas of the body that receive a lot of direct sunlight, such as hands, arms, and face.
- Melasma: This is one of the most common forms of pigmentation and will affect many people living in sunny climates such as Australia and the United States. It occurs due to hormones or genes that make you more sensitive to sunlight than its actual exposure. Hormones released during pregnancy are known for causing melasma to appear on pregnant women’s faces, abdomen and chest areas.
- Lentigos: These occur when melanocytes (cells found in the basal layer of the epidermis) form clusters at a rapid rate within a certain area, resulting in an increased concentration of melanin being produced. They can be mistaken for moles, but they are not fixed to the skin, unlike them. Lentigos are also known as sunspots or liver spots.
- Cafe Au Lait Spots: Quite rare, these are flat, discolored areas on the body which are caused by an excess of melanocytes in one area. They are usually less than 6mm in diameter and lighter in color compared to surrounding skin due to lack of melanin production. Like lentigos, they can be mistaken for moles, but unlike them, they may grow with age and generally don’t have a well-defined shape or border.
Methods are Available for Pigmentation Removal in Singapore plus the Benefits and Drawbacks of each Method of Removal
The methods commonly used for pigmentation removal in Singapore include chemical peels, laser treatment, and dermabrasion. We discuss each of them below.
- Chemical Peel: A chemical solution is applied to the skin, which causes it to exfoliate itself, resulting in a brighter appearance as new cells replace those that have been lost. This method has been gaining popularity over recent years due to its ability to be used on people with darker skin tones. It is much less invasive compared to other procedures such as laser treatment or dermabrasion and can also be a relatively affordable option for those on a budget. The benefits of using this procedure to remove pigmentation include reduced risk of scarring, quick recovery time (usually only one session), and minimal discomfort for the patient. On the other hand, there are a number of disadvantages associated with this treatment, including pain during the procedure, the increased time required to perform it, and the risk of infection and scarring if performed incorrectly.
- Laser Treatment: This is a more advanced method used for pigmentation removal in Singapore as opposed to chemical peels. A laser is used to remove specific areas of pigment which have been targeted by a solution that has been applied beforehand by the doctor or nurse performing the treatment. The benefits associated with using a laser include reduced risk of scarring and discomfort compared to dermabrasion and chemical peels, quick recovery time (usually only requiring one session), and ability to treat certain types of pigment such as or brown spots on light skin tones.
- Dermabrasion: This is an older treatment that involves removing layers of skin using an electrical machine with a rotating wheel fitted with rough edges covered in diamond dust. The benefits associated with using dermabrasion include quick recovery times (usually only requiring one session). However, the downsides associated with this procedure include increased risk of scarring, additional procedures may be required, which increases cost, painful experience for the patient, and recovery time which can take up to two weeks.
Which Method is best for you, Based on your Individual Needs and Preferences
Usually, if you have developed a build-up of melanin in a small area, it is a good idea to seek out treatments with a lower risk of scarring or additional procedures. This generally means the most suitable treatment for you would be chemical peels, as they have been found to produce effective results with minimal pain and recovery time.
If, however, you have developed pigmentation on a large surface area, it may be beneficial for you to look into laser treatment, as this has been found to be the most effective option in these cases. In addition, if you have light skin tones and are looking for an affordable option that will not result in severe scarring, then chemical peels may also be a good choice for you.
On the other hand, dermabrasion has been found to produce better results for those with darker skin tones and may also be a suitable option if you are looking for less discomfort during the treatment procedure. Your dermatologist or nurse will be able to advise you further on which treatment (if any) would be the best option for you.
The Bottom Line
Pigmentation can be removed, and the good news is that there are several options for pigmentation removal in Singapore that can be employed for this purpose. These include chemical peels, dermabrasion, and laser treatment, with each option having various benefits and disadvantages associated with it.
Depending upon your individual needs, preferences, and skin tone, one of these options may be more suitable for you than the others. For more information about pigmentation removal in Singapore or further clarification on which treatments would be ideal for you, be sure to connect with us. To book an appointment, call +658129 9778
Veritas Clinic Singapore – FUE Hair Transplant | Acne Scar Removal | Tattoo Removal
13 Stamford Rd, B2-35 Capitol Singapore, Singapore 178905
+65 8129 9789
https://veritas.com.sg/
