Pigmentation spots
Treating pigmentation spots
Everyone knows them—summer freckles or a beautifully bronzed skin after a sunny holiday. People who spend a lot of time outdoors are frequently exposed to UV radiation. Over time, this UV exposure can lead to dark spots and an uneven complexion. As we age, these skin discolorations become more visible. At Huidkliniek Parkstad, we are trained and specialized in treating pigmentation issues, such as age spots or liver spots, in a professional manner. Book a consultation and we’ll discuss the possibilities together.
What are pigmentation spots?
A special cell in our body produces pigment: the melanocyte. Everyone has the same number of pigment cells, but some people produce more pigment than others. Pigment is responsible for the color of your hair, skin, and eyes. A pigment cell can be triggered by various factors to produce (excess) pigment. The sun is not the only culprit—any condition that causes inflammation in the skin, such as acne or a burn, as well as hormones or medications, can also lead to excess pigment production.
Treating age spots
Age spots or liver spots are marks that appear on your face or elsewhere on your body as you get older. They are equally common in men and women. Age spots are harmless and will never become malignant. However, it’s good to know that some forms of skin cancer can closely resemble age spots. At Huidkliniek Parkstad, we are trained and experienced in identifying suspicious spots. If necessary, we will always refer you to a specialist.
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation, or an excess of skin pigment, is a common skin discoloration in which patches of skin become darker than the surrounding area. This increase occurs when a triggering factor causes an overproduction of pigment, which then accumulates in the skin. There are many different types of pigmentation spots, such as classic age spots (also called wisdom spots or liver spots), café-au-lait spots, melasma, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after acne.
Treating pigmentation spots
Pigmentation issues require a unique approach, both before and after treatment. During the initial consultation, our skin specialist will first determine what type of pigmentation is present. At Huidkliniek Parkstad, pigmentation is treated “all-round,” tailored to your personal needs, the type of pigmentation, and the cause. Only this way can we achieve maximum results.
A treatment plan generally consists of multiple sessions, such as treatments with our medical laser or plasma device, or the use of specific acids. Which treatment (or combination of treatments) is most suitable for your skin will be discussed during the consultation.
Depending on the severity of the pigmentation issue, it is not possible to determine in advance how many treatments will be needed. However, if our advice is followed consistently, you can transition relatively quickly from the active treatment phase to the maintenance phase. In this phase, you’ll maintain your skin yourself—based on our personal advice and instructions—and will only return for occasional touch-ups if new pigmentation appears.
