Fade Dark Spots and Restore a Brighter, More Even Complexion.
Dark spots don’t all have the same cause, which means they shouldn’t all be treated the same way.
Hyperpigmentation is one of the most common skin concerns we see at Miami Beach Laser & Aesthetics. Whether your discoloration is caused by years of sun exposure, acne breakouts, hormonal changes, or the natural aging process, excess pigment can leave your skin looking uneven, dull, and older than it really is.
The good news is that hyperpigmentation is treatable.
At Miami Beach Laser & Aesthetics, Michelle takes the time to determine what’s causing your pigmentation before recommending treatment. Some forms of discoloration respond best to laser treatments, while others improve with chemical peels, medical-grade skincare, or a combination of therapies. By creating a personalized treatment plan, we can help restore a brighter, healthier-looking complexion.
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin produces excess melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. When too much melanin collects in one area, it creates patches or spots that appear darker than the surrounding skin.
Hyperpigmentation can affect every skin type and often becomes more noticeable over time without proper treatment and sun protection.
Common Causes of Hyperpigmentation:
There are several different types of pigmentation, and each has its own underlying cause.
Sun Damage
Years of UV exposure can lead to sun spots (also called age spots or solar lentigines), which commonly appear on the face, chest, shoulders, and hands.
Melasma
Melasma appears as larger patches of brown or gray-brown discoloration, most often on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, or chin. Hormonal changes, pregnancy, birth control, and sun exposure commonly contribute to melasma.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
After acne breakouts, injuries, or inflammation heal, they can leave behind dark marks that linger long after the skin has recovered.
Aging
As skin ages and experiences cumulative sun exposure, uneven pigmentation often becomes more noticeable.
Signs You May Benefit From Treatment:
You may be a candidate for treatment if you have:
- Brown spots
- Sun spots
- Uneven skin tone
- Acne marks that won’t fade
- Melasma
- Dull skin
- Blotchy pigmentation
- Dark spots that continue getting darker over time
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can hyperpigmentation be treated?
Many forms of hyperpigmentation can be significantly improved, but results depend on the cause and depth of the pigment. Some conditions, such as melasma, require ongoing maintenance because it has a tendency to return.
What causes dark spots?
Dark spots may develop from sun exposure, acne, hormonal changes, inflammation, aging, or genetics.
What is the best treatment for hyperpigmentation?
There isn’t one treatment that’s best for everyone. The most effective treatment depends on what’s causing the pigmentation. Michelle will evaluate your skin and recommend the treatment that’s most appropriate for your concerns.
How long does it take to see improvement?
Some patients notice improvement after one treatment, while others benefit from a series of treatments combined with a personalized skincare regimen. Your treatment plan will depend on the type and severity of your pigmentation.
Will my pigmentation come back?
Certain types of pigmentation, particularly melasma, can return if triggered by sunlight or hormonal changes. Daily sunscreen and proper skincare are essential for maintaining your results.
Is daily sunscreen necessary?
Absolutely. UV exposure is one of the leading causes of hyperpigmentation and can quickly reverse your results if your skin isn’t protected. Wearing sunscreen every day is one of the best things you can do to prevent future discoloration.
Recommended Treatments for Hyperpigmentation:
Cutera excel V+
If your pigmentation is caused by sun damage or age spots, Cutera excel V+ can precisely target unwanted pigment while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed. It’s also an excellent option for patients who have both redness and pigmentation.
NeoStrata® ProSystem Retinol Peel
This physician-strength retinol peel accelerates skin cell turnover to improve uneven pigmentation, dullness, fine lines, and overall skin texture.
Replenix MD Perfect 10 Chemical Peel
A customizable medical-grade peel that helps brighten the complexion, improve mild pigmentation, refine skin texture, and restore a healthy glow.
Medical-Grade Skincare
Professional skincare is essential for both treating pigmentation and helping prevent it from returning. Michelle may recommend products that lighten the skin (i.e. hydroquinone), support healthy cell turnover (i.e. retinol), and protect against future UV damage (i.e. sunscreen).
