Dark Spots: Effective Treatments

Nobody wants marks on their skin. Melasma, moles, liver spots, etc. are probably terms you've heard. Damage due to inflammation, UV exposure, and other environmental factors causes the cells to produce more pigment to protect themselves. This causes uneven pigmentation, which is a common problem that can affect any skin tone "but in different ways”. The lighter skin tones acquire freckles and sun spots, while the darker skin appears darkened or uneven.

Because the reasons for uneven pigmentation are so frequent and the demand for treatment is so high, there are numerous alternatives for treating brown spots and patches. However, you cannot treat all areas identically. It is advised to consult with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon before deciding on a course of action. Ingredients can be harsh and irritating, so get guidance on which to use and how to use them properly.

Treatments for Protection

Melanocytes, the pigmented cells in the skin, increase on exposure to sunlight. Sunlight can also damage the elastic fibers in the skin and cause loosening. 

Sunscreen

• Regularly using sunscreen is a must to reduce the darkening and tanning of the skin. When outdoors, sunscreen must be applied every 2 hours because it evaporates under sunlight. 
• Sunscreen is especially required when visiting environments with reflective surfaces, such as beaches, snowscapes, and high altitudes. 
• Do you go jogging in the morning? Please apply sunscreen before stepping out. 

Topical Creams

• In order to treat hyperpigmentation, hydroquinone, arbutin, curcumin, or low-potency steroid creams may be used. However, such creams can cause skin thinning and other side effects if they are continuously used for long durations. 
• Steroid absorption and dependency may also develop. To avoid this, such creams must be used only in low doses and for a limited duration, prescribed by your skin specialist or plastic surgeon. 

Chemical Peel

In case such creams do not work, a chemical peel may be considered. Glycolic peel followed by arginine peel will aid the removal of old pigmented skin layers. The use of chemical peels can reduce superficial pigmentations. 

Q-switched ND YAG Laser

• For more difficult cases, the next level of treatment available is a Q-switched ND YAG laser. This treatment must be performed only by qualified and trained doctors. Both lasers, as well as chemical peel treatments, require detailed protocols and safety measures. 1000-watt lasers and appropriately equipped clinics need to be used to treat pigmentation. 
• Laser treatments are often given at 3 to 4-week intervals, and several such sessions are required. Too many laser exposures have the potential to cause further darkening by virtue of the heat involved. Hence the adage, everything in moderation! 

Nano Fat Transplant 

• The latest modality of treatment for hyperpigmentation is nano fat transplant. The patient’s own fat tissue is aspirated into a syringe through a needle. 
• This fat is treated by successive passage through smaller and smaller filters to convert it into nanoparticle size. 
• There are viable st-e-m cells within the fat tissue. Such st-e-m cells, when injected into areas that need treatment for hyperpigmentation, induce a lightening of the skin. 
• Expert plastic surgeons sometimes inject such nano fat into a small region as a trial to see the effect and tolerance of such treatment for the patient. If it shows benefit, then the entire area is treated. 
• Treatment of stubborn dark spots is complicated, especially the treatment of melasma and post-burn pigmentation. Success in such cases can be variable. It is important to choose fully qualified doctors and to trust them. 

Read more: DARK SPOTS: CAUSES & TYPES

Understanding the cause of dark spots in your own case and a readiness to accept both the results and potential side effects of treatment are essential. While this treatment is going on, you may need to use concealing makeup techniques for long periods. You can get the best facial fat grafting surgery in Thane by Dr. Medha Bhave at Laser Cosmesis Clinic.

The expert advice is always better to take proper specialist opinion when black spots are of a small size and not to be afraid of surgery if advised. It is easier to cure without leaving a significant scar or deformity if it is operated in time. A stitch in time saves a life. To get more information about the dark spots you have or basically to identify the type of dark spot and its suitable treatment, consider consulting the best plastic surgeon in Thane, Mumbai, Dr. Medha Bhave, at Laser Cosmesis Clinic. Patience and courage will help you to win these long battles.