Hyperpigmentation Treatment (AGE SPOTS, SUN DAMAGE, PIGMENTATION, & MELASMA) in San Francisco Bay Area CA

Hyperpigmentation (brown spots), occurs when your body produces an excess amount of melanin, which is the pigment portion of your skin. It results in brown spots, age spots, freckles, or patches of darkened skin. This overproduction of melanin affects people of all skin colors and is most often seen on those areas of the body that are exposed to the sun (face, chest, and hands).

 Some common causes of hyperpigmentation include:

  • Sun exposure

  • Hormonal changes as a result of pregnancy, oral contraceptives,
    or hormone replacement therapies

  • Trauma to the skin cause by acne, burns, or surgical procedures

Treatments that we might recommend include:

Skin care products and creams:

We will determine at the time of your consultation if it is appropriate to use any of our products that are designed to slowly “bleach” hyperpigmented skin conditions. Hydroquinone 4%- is a prescription ingredient that works by inhibiting the production of melanin, the pigmented portion of skin. Hydroquinone 4% can be used alone, or in conjunction with other aiding products. 

Obagi Nu-Derm- 

The Obagi Nu-Derm system is a complete skin care product line that reduces brown pigmentation, and improves the support structures in skin such as collagen and elastin. It works to improve the skin’s ability to renew itself for improved texture, even color, and firmness. It’s comprehensive system was developed to address a variety of skin concerns, such as hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. This system consists of a series of products, including cleansers, toners, prescription-strength hydroquinone-based creams, and sunscreen, which are carefully formulated to work together in a step-by-step regimen. Obagi Nu-Derm aims to transform the skin by promoting cell turnover, stimulating collagen production, and reducing melanin production, ultimately resulting in a more youthful, clearer, and evenly toned complexion. It is commonly used to treat various skin conditions and is often prescribed and supervised by dermatologists to achieve optimal results.

Microdermabrasions and Peels:

A series of microdermabrasion treatments or glycolic peels can mildly improve pigmentation problems and uneven tones. It works by gently exfoliating the top layer of the skin, to improve color, texture, and pore size. Deeper peels like TCA or the Obagi Blue Peel penetrate to deeper levels of the skin to remove even more of the sun damage, age spots, and pigmentation problems.

TCA-

TCA, or trichloroacetic acid, is a chemical peeling solution commonly used in dermatology and aesthetic medicine to rejuvenate the skin's appearance. During a TCA peel, a controlled application of the acid is used to exfoliate the outer layers of the skin, which can help improve a range of skin issues, including fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, and uneven pigmentation. The depth and intensity of the peel can be customized to the patient's specific needs, making TCA a versatile and effective treatment option for achieving smoother, more youthful skin. Post-peel recovery may involve some downtime as the skin undergoes a controlled shedding process, but the end result is often a rejuvenated and more even complexion. TCA peels are typically administered by dermatologists or trained skincare professionals to ensure safe and optimal outcomes.


Obagi Blue Peel- 

The Obagi Blue Peel is a medium to deep chemical peel designed to address a variety of skin concerns and rejuvenate the skin's appearance. This peel is administered by qualified healthcare professionals and contains a blend of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and a blue base to ensure precise application. The Obagi Blue Peel is highly customizable, allowing healthcare providers to tailor the treatment depth to individual skin needs, making it effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, sun damage, acne scars, and uneven pigmentation. The peel works by removing damaged skin layers and stimulating collagen production, ultimately revealing smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin. While the treatment may involve some downtime and peeling, the results are often a revitalized and more radiant complexion, making it a popular choice for those seeking significant skin improvement under the guidance of a skincare professional.

Laser Treatments- 

Our lasers can treat a full range of pigmented lesions (from a few isolated freckles or brown spots to larger café-au-lait spots). We offer individual brown spot removal treatments, or for large areas like the entire face or chest we have ourPhoto Laser Facial Treatments.

Now Offering LaseMD Ultra™

LaseMD Ultra™ by Lutronic is an advanced fractional laser system used for non-ablative skin resurfacing and rejuvenation. This innovative technology is designed to address various skin concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation issues, sun damage, and uneven skin texture. LaseMD Ultra™ employs a fractional laser approach, which means it treats only a fraction of the skin at a time, leaving surrounding tissue untouched, resulting in faster healing and less downtime. This makes it a versatile and convenient option for individuals seeking to improve their skin's overall quality and appearance. The customizable settings allow for precise treatment tailored to each patient's specific needs, promoting collagen production and delivering long-lasting, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin. It is commonly used by dermatologists and skincare professionals to achieve effective skin rejuvenation with minimal discomfort and recovery time.

Watch Dr. Rajagopal perform a Photofacial treatment:

*Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person.

If you have any questions regarding treatments for brown spots, or wish to schedule a consultation, please call the San Francisco Plastic Surgery & Laser Center at 415-392-3333.