Skin colour disorders are one of the most common challenges a dermatologist is called to solve. Patients seek advice on how to improve their brown spots, the ''red face'' (which includes rosacea, spider veins, cherry angiomas that may be located in this area) as well as the dark circles under the eyes.
Hyperpigmentation (dark patches) - Melasma
These are probably the most difficult pigmentation problems which mainly concerns women. That involves the appearance of brown diffuse patches mainly on the face and rarely on the upper limbs and back.
What causes them?
Sun exposure (UVA-UVB radiation), hormonal disorders, pregnancy, the use of birth control pills or other photosensitizing drugs (e.g. isotretinoin, cortisone) are causes for their appearance. There is often a hereditary predisposition.
How can I treat hyperpigmentation/melasma?
Treating the dark patches is not easy. Usually a combination of different techniques is required. We use peelings and various Lasers and IPL systems in combination with whitening creams. We also apply mesotherapy along with special whitening agents. What we achieve is the improvement but not complete disappearance of the pigmentation.
When we refer to brown spots, freckles and melasma do we mean the same thing?
No. Brown spots are localized, clearly brown lesions that usually appear on the face, on the dorsal surface of the upper limbs, on the back. They are acquired, that is, they appear after years of sun exposure, while a hereditary predisposition may coexist.
Freckles, on the other hand, are hereditary spots. They appear on people with light complexion and blond or red hair.
How are the brown spots treated?
I. With special IPL and Laser systems: Treatment success rates are quite high and depend on how “dark” the lesions are. In general, the darker the lesions, the faster they respond to treatment.
II. Mesotherapy.
III. Special Peeling.
What do my spots/freckles look like after the Laser treatment?
They darken more after the end of the session which takes about 10 days. The colour gradually fades and the final result is visible in about 4 weeks. If the colour persists, a second session can be repeated.
What should I be careful of after the end of the treatment?
After the end of the treatment, sun exposure should be avoided and the use of sunscreen throughout the year should be normal routine otherwise the disolouration will probably return.
Can it be combined with other treatments?
It is combined with other anti-aging treatments such as laser for the spider veins on the face, muscle relaxants, hyaluronic acid fillers, mesotherapy, peeling, microdermabration.
Related Treatments
Spider veins on the face
Spider veins are small dilated blood vessels, visible on the face or legs. They do not create any symptom but cause discomfort for aesthetic reasons.
What is the cause of spider veins on the face?
The appearance of spider veins is mainly due to hereditary factors as well as exposure to the sun and intake of some medications (e.g. corticosteroids) or hormones (e.g. estrogens).
How are they treated?
With the use of special laser systems which, depending on the wavelength, can treat the fine capillary vessels as well as the larger, more resistant ones found mainly on the legs. We should mention that these lasers can treat other vascular lesions as well like cherry angiomas (cherry red papules), rosacea etc.
Is the treatment of spider veins painful?
Most patients describe an irritation like small stings or "like being beaten by a rubber band". Usually any intolerance is improved with the use of cold pads. Patients can go to their daily routine right after the treatment.
What does my skin look like afterwards?
The blood vessels turn into an intense red or purple exactly after treatment. This colour fades slowly. The duration of complete recovery depends mainly on the size of the blood vessel (it is longer for larger blood vessels) and the treated area (faster on the face). It usually lasts 5-10 days.
What should I be careful of after the treatment?
Avoiding sun exposure and the use of sunscreen are considered necessary. For these reasons, the treatments should be conducted during the winter months. It is also best to avoid warm showers and the use of sauna.
How many sessions are needed?
It depends on the size of the blood vessels. Usually 1-3 sessions spaced no less than 1 ½ months apart.
When are the results visible?
The results start gradually to show after a few days. The final results are obvious after 4-6 weeks.
Are there possible side effects?
Sometimes, small scabs may appear on the treating area, which go away completely with the use of special therapeutic creams within 10 to 15 days.
Dark circles
What are dark circles?
Dark circles are the black hollows under the eyes. The special anatomical features of the skin in this area are responsible for their formation. Here the skin is thinner (more transparent) and the vascular network that is below it, seems more intense and gives off a “purple” colour. Over the years, there is pigmentation (brown colour) due to exposure to sun radiation, as well as an increase in depth of the line, which is the border of the lower eyelid and the cheek .The result is a tired and “aged” look.
What are the causes of the dark circles?
• Genetics. There are inherited factors leading to the appearance of dark circles in young age due to the special anatomy of the eyes or the skin colour.
• Smoking.
• Insomnia.
• Atopic dermatitis.
• Fluid retention (a symptom of many medical conditions which needs to be investigated by blood tests).
Which are the treatments for dark circles?
In order to treat dark circles, these techniques are usually used:
1. Use of hyaluronic acid fillers, which fill the line between the lower eyelid and the cheek. This treatment is popular in people aged 35-45 and it is applied by using a special cannula. The whole procedure is usually completed in 20-30 minutes.
2. In order to restore the pigmentation, special discoloration peelings are used as well as special lasers and IPL systems which are applied in sessions. No special preparation is needed neither is the use of an anaesthetic cream.
3. When we want to treat the thin blood vessels of the area we use special Nd-Yag laser systems and IPL also in repetitive sessions. No special preparation is needed neither is the use of an anaesthetic cream.
4. Mesotherapy, with special substances, is also a popular treatment option, having very good results and being repeated every 10-15 days. To undergo it, the use of an anaesthetic cream is needed.
5. When the fine lines and the loosening of the skin is the main concern, we use CO2 fractional laser. Its application is conducted with the use of an anaesthetic cream.
6. Finally, the use of RF (radiofrequency) and Drainage in the area around the eyes helps with swelling and skin loosening. It is repeated every week for 8-10 sessions whereas no special preparation is needed.
The techniques above work uniquely or in combination depending on the severity of the problem. The doctor will recommend the best protocol for you.
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