Lasers For Dark Skin Hyperpigmentation – Get Your Confidence Back

Have you ever read an article about laser treatment and realized that it came with an asterisk? That asterisk is normally followed by the phrase “treatment not suitable for darker skin tones.” That caveat is now a thing of the past! If you have darker skin, it is now possible to be treated with laser for dark skin hyperpigmentation! 

What is Hyperpigmentation? 

Hyperpigmentation is a condition that affects millions of people, regardless of their skin tone. When an area of the skin experiences increased levels of melanin – a natural pigment that gives skin and hair its color – it causes the skin to appear darker. Hyperpigmentation can occur on any part of the body, but it most commonly affects the face, neck, and hands. Lots of different factors can contribute to hyperpigmentation, including normal aging, sun exposure, hormonal changes, injuries to the skin, and acne. 

A common form of this is melasma, which is when a woman develops several small, dark splotches on her skin during pregnancy. Of course, hyperpigmentation is not painful, nor does it pose any health risks. It can be unsightly, which leads many people to seek treatment for it. 

The Pico Laser For Dark Skin Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation occurs in people with darker skin tones too. Just because BIPOC naturally have more melanin that gives them their beautiful skin tone, it doesn’t mean that their skin is safe from hyperpigmentation. In fact, skin with more melanin is at greater risk for hyperpigmentation.  Factors like hormones, damage to the skin, sun damage, and aging all cause the dark splotches and spots to appear on the skin, regardless of the skin tone. 

The best way to treat hyperpigmentation in general is with lasers. For the longest time, people with darker skin tones had to turn to alternatives like chemical peels, RF Microneedling, and retinols because laser treatment was considered unsafe for their skin.  However, thanks to the new pico laser, it is completely safe for black people of all skin tones to undergo laser for dark skin hyperpigmentation. 

The Pico Laser is the newest laser on that market – and one that finally works for all skin tones! Most lasers use heat to reach deep into the skin; this mimics an injury and prompts the body to heal itself. This process also boosts the body’s collagen production, which improves the texture of the skin over time. The use of heat in laser treatments can damage darker skin and cause greater pigmentation problems to the skin.

The Pico Laser, on the other hand, uses short bursts of energy to correct skin defects and boost both your elastin and collagen levels. Because the bursts of energy are so short, the Pico Laser is one of the most gentle lasers on the market. 

Most patients come to Qazi Cosmetic Clinic to get laser for dark skin hyperpigmentation, but the pico laser can also treat a variety of other cosmetic conditions including: 

• General sun damage 
• Dark spots and melasma, no matter the cause
• Pigmented acne scars 
• Damaged skin from inflammation 
• Stretch marks 
• Wrinkles and lines 
• Tattoo removal

In addition to the face, this laser can also be used to treat almost any area of the body. Dr. Nadir Qazi most commonly sees patients who want to treat their arms, neck, back, chest, or legs. The best part about laser for dark skin hyperpigmentation is that the procedure is non-invasive, so you will be able to go about your day immediately after! 

5 Important Questions & Answers About Laser Treatment For Dark Skin

1. Which lasers should I avoid if I have a darker skin tone? 

Most other lasers were not designed with BIPOC in mind, so you should avoid any kind of laser treatment that is not 100% proven safe for dark skin. Steer clear of the CO2 laser and any kind of resurfacing laser that takes off layers of the skin. These can permanently damage black skin and worsen your hyperpigmentation. 

2. How do I know if I am too dark or too light for certain treatments? 

The best way to see if you are a good candidate for a procedure is to schedule a consultation at Qazi Cosmetic Clinic. When you meet with Dr. Qazi, he will be able to make a recommendation based on your complexion, your cosmetic concerns, and your goals. 

When you are considering certain cosmetic procedures, the second most important thing that you can do is to find a cosmetic physician who is experienced at working with all skin tones. Your beautiful dark skin is unique to you, so your cosmetic physician should customize the treatment to help you achieve your goals. When you work with Dr. Qazi, you will find that he has experience working on all skin tones and understands the best techniques to keep your melanin poppin’! 

3. How can I protect my skin against hyperpigmentation? 

Because hyperpigmentation can so easily occur in people with darker skin, it is extra important that you take care of your skin. Lasers for dark skin hyperpigmentation is the best way to treat it, but it is even easier if you avoid it in the first place. 

The biggest thing that you can do to protect your skin is to wear sunscreen outside. Sun exposure is a major cause of pigmentation because UV light stimulates pigment-producing cells to make more pigment. If you have acne or frequently get pimples with heads, it is very important that you refrain from popping them. It can be very tempting to pop pimples but doing so damages your skin and can lead to more pigmentation. Instead, you should maintain a consistent skin care routine and avoid touching your acne. 

Additionally, a common form of hyperpigmentation is melasma, which is usually a side effect of pregnancy or hormone changes. If you are pregnant, there might not be much that you can do. In most cases, the melasma will go away on its own after you deliver the baby. If you are not pregnant, then melasma can be treated by changing your birth control to a non-hormonal method. 

4. How many treatments will it take for me to get my desired results? 

The number of treatments will depend on how severe your cosmetic concerns are and how large of an area you want to treat. Some patients only have a few spots that they want gone, while others want to fix larger areas with extensive scarring and pigmentation. On average, it takes between 5 and 8 treatments to get your desired results. This is because the laser treatment is non-invasive and is designed to be gentle and subtle, not to completely change your appearance. People with darker skin also require more sessions on average because it is necessary to go slow and steady when administering lasers for dark skin hyperpigmentation. 

5. Will laser treatment hurt? Will I look okay afterwards?

A lot of beauty influencers talk about the amazing results that they got from their cosmetic procedure, but what they don’t always tell you is that the procedure itself isn’t that glamorous. Many patients come to Dr. Qazi and worry that they will end up looking like Deadpool after their laser treatment. Others are terrified that the procedure will hurt. 

You have nothing to worry about! The Pico Laser is very gentle compared to other lasers, so you can expect to feel a slight twinge and a little pressure. After the treatment, you won’t look like Deadpool; you will look like yourself, just with a little bit of redness or swelling. Immediately after your treatment, you are safe to drive yourself home or return to work or school. Your skin will be slightly irritated, but that is usually not very noticeable to other people. Any redness or swelling will go away in a few hours or a day at most. 

The best way to ensure that your skin will look amazing after lasers for dark skin hyperpigmentation is to avoid sunburns and makeup until you completely heal. Things like foundation, blush, bronzer, and fragrances with oils can hurt your skin’s healing process and make the results of your laser treatment less successful. You should also avoid touching your face for several days and be sure to wash it as gently as possible until you heal. 

What To Expect When You Get The Pico Laser for Dark Skin Hyperpigmentation

Pico Laser treatment is a relatively fast and painless procedure. The first step towards saying goodbye to your hyperpigmentation is to schedule a consultation. When you first meet with Dr. Qazi, you can explain your goals and concerns, then ask all your burning questions. He will then determine if you are a good candidate for laser treatment. 

When you come to Qazi Cosmetic Clinic for your procedure, you will have to fill out a few forms, then you will be taken to one of our comfortable treatment rooms. If you have any concerns about the procedure, be sure to tell a member of the treatment team. 

Depending on your pain threshold and the extent of the treatment area, Dr. Qazi may apply a topical numbing cream to your skin. The Pico Laser is so gentle that most patients don’t require numbing, but you can request it if you have concerns. 

Once you are ready to begin, Dr. Qazi will give you a pair of specialized glasses to protect your eyes. Then, all you have to do is sit back, relax, and let Dr. Qazi use the Pico Laser device to improve your skin. 

It is a common misconception that a laser treatment is going to be painful and uncomfortable. However, patients who have undergone lasers for dark skin hyperpigmentation rated the procedure as a 2 out of 10 on the pain scale. It is comparable to the sensation of getting Botox: just a slight pinch that goes away very quickly. 

Aftercare & Results

The single most important thing that you can do after the procedure is to not go to the beach and spend the day in the sun. Plan on staying inside or wearing a big sun hat outdoors for the first few days. If you don’t take good care of the treatment area in the first few days, you may harm your results and require even more sessions to achieve your look. 

It is also very important to avoid using harsh chemicals on the treatment area. This includes fragrances, makeup, scented lotions, and face masks. Dr. Qazi will give you the all clear when you are safe to return to your normal beauty routine. But, until then, it is best that you treat your skin very gently and avoid touching it too much.

Most patients need to undergo several sessions before they achieve their desired results. Hyperpigmentation is one of the most stubborn conditions to treat, so it takes time to make it go away completely. It is also very important that cosmetic physicians approach dark skin slowly and gently during laser treatment. Anything too harsh can risk damaging the skin and causing more pigmentation.  

The Benefits of Treating Your Hyperpigmentation With Lasers

In the world of cosmetic procedures, there are a lot of ways to achieve your goals. There is also a lot of overlap in the conditions that non-invasive procedures can treat. Other procedures might claim to treat hyperpigmentation, but the truth is that the most effective way to say goodbye to your dark splotches is with laser treatment. 

The pico laser is ideal for treating pigmentation because it is gentle enough not to damage the surrounding skin. It is also powerful enough to break up scar tissue and penetrate deep into the skin to achieve maximum results. 

When you get rid of your hyperpigmentation, you will  notice some immediate benefits: 

• You have an easier time doing your makeup. 
• There is no such thing as your “good side” and “bad side” for photos.
• Increase confidence that carries over to other areas of your life. 
• Overall more even skin tone. 
• A greater enjoyment of activities like dating and going out. 
• Increased desire to take selfies. 
• Beautiful, damage-free skin.
• Feeling like you “got your body back” after pregnancy. 

Learn More About Lasers For Dark Skin Hyperpigmentation 

Are you ready to kiss your hyperpigmentation goodbye? Contact Qazi Cosmetic Clinic to learn more about pico laser treatment and other procedures that were designed to treat your skin tone!