Pigmentation

Although completely harmless and very common, pigmentation and hyperpigmentation can be annoying from a cosmetic point of view.

The condition is caused when there is too much of the pigment, melanin, on the surface of the skin turning some areas or patches of skin darker in colour. It can affect people of all races.

Age/sun spots, also known as lentigines, are harmless, flat, brown discolorations of the skin which usually occur on the back of the hands, neck and face once we hit the other side 40.

These spots are caused by too much sun exposure and not using enough sun protection and can give away a person's age. They are usually harmless and do not require treatment unless they change colour, size or become raised and crusty.

How is it treated?

Here at the Royal Tunbridge Wells Skin & Laser Clinic, we offer various solutions (Laser, IPL, Chemical Peels, prescription bleaching creams) to remove unwanted facial and body pigmentation.

After assessing your skin, we will come up with a treatment plan tailored exactly to your skin’s needs, depending on the nature and depth of the pigments. There is no single individual method of removing all different pigments; in fact, in many cases, a combination of the following treatments is necessary:

Laser treatment or Intense Pulsed Light

Quick and painless, this is the most effective means of removing discolourations on the skin. There is no need for any needles or anaesthesia, the spots rarely return and the risk of scarring is very minimal.

Obagi Nuderm

A fantastic product line suitable for all levels of pigmentation. Obagi is a medically prescribed product that can only be prescribed though a health care professional such as doctor or plastic surgeon.

What can I expect from the treatment?

There are no quick fixes and people usually come to us having been disappointed elsewhere. The most important thing about pigmentation is that the patient follows all instructions and takes a long-term view to the process of skin lightening. With good team work between the client and the clinic, strong improvements will be seen.