Hyperpigmentation Specialist

Helen Hsieh, MD -  - Gynecologist

Advanced Women Health

Helen Hsieh, MD

Gynecologist & Aesthetic Specialist located in Flushing, NY

Spending too much time in the sun is the main reason men and women get hyperpigmentation on their skin, and for women, the condition can be exacerbated by the hormonal changes of pregnancy and menopause. Fortunately, Dr. Helen Hsieh of Advanced Women Health in Flushing, New York, offers a way to permanently diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation. PicoSure® laser treatments can help you get rid of dark spots on your skin so you can reverse sun damage and the signs of aging. Learn more by calling the office to schedule an appointment or use the online booking system.

Hyperpigmentation Q & A

What is hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a common condition in which patches of your skin become darker than the areas around it. It’s caused by an excess of melanin — a brown pigment that produces your normal skin color — forming deposits in your skin. When too much of it gathers in one place, you see hyperpigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation affects skin color of every race. Age spots and sun damaged areas of skin are also considered to be areas of hyperpigmentation.

Is it possible to treat hyperpigmentation?

Yes. Dr. Hsieh recommends treating hyperpigmentation with the PicoSure® laser system. The PicoSure laser is an innovative, technologically advanced system that uses incredibly fast laser energy to easily break apart dark areas of pigment on your skin without damaging the surrounding tissue.

What are the advantages of PicoSure laser treatments?

PicoSure laser treatments provide significant advantages, including:

  • Fast, non-invasive, and safe in-office treatments
  • Requires little or no downtime
  • Minimal discomfort, if any
  • Effective, permanent hyperpigmentation correction
  • Uses less heat than traditional lasers for less risk of skin damage to surrounding tissue

What can I expect with PicoSure laser treatments?

Before your PicoSure laser treatment, it’s a good idea to stay out of the sun so as not to make your skin produce more melanin.

During your treatment, which typically takes 10 to 15 minutes, the laser may feel like rubber bands snapping against your skin. This sensation is temporary and most adults easily tolerate it for the duration of the treatment. If you are concerned about discomfort, ask Dr. Hsieh about a topical numbing cream ahead of time.

After a PicoSure treatment, you may experience slight redness and swelling for one to three hours, but the surface of your skin isn’t damaged or burned. The redness usually goes away on its own, and it’s safe to wear moisturizer, sunscreen, or makeup immediately following a treatment session.

You can return to your daily activities and expect to see a noticeable difference in your hyperpigmentation within 24 hours.

If you’re tired of living with hyperpigmentation as a result of years of sun exposure, Dr. Hsieh can help. Call or schedule an appointment online today.