Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition that causes darker patches to appear on the surface of the skin. These patches are sometimes also known as liver spots, age spots, or sun spots. The colour of the pigmented skin may appear to be brown, black, grey, red, or pink, which is the result of an excess of pigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation can appear on any area of the body, although it is more common on the face, neck, chest, and hands, because these areas are most frequently exposed to sunlight, and one of the causes is sun damage. Other causes include age, genetics, hormonal changes, and injuries such as acne scars or burns.
They are not regarded as a medically serious problem, although any darker areas should be monitored for any changes in shape, size, or colour, as occasionally this may be a sign of disease. However, although largely physically harmless, hyperpigmentation can cause an individual to feel more self-conscious and less confident in their appearance.
Fortunately, there are safe and effective treatments that can be carried out at a cosmetic skin clinic to successfully address the problem. It’s not recommended to use skin lightening products at home, because this can result in permanent damage to the skin. Here’s a look at the application of mesotherapy for the purpose of treating hyperpigmentation.
What is mesotherapy?
Mesotherapy is a French technique of skin rejuvenation, first developed by doctor Michel Pistor in 1952 as a method of pain relief. Its use has expanded over the years to encompass fat removal, anti-ageing, and more recently, hyperpigmentation.
It involves injecting multiple vitamins, enzymes, amino acids and antioxidants into the skin to lighten the skin tone, improve the texture, and protect the skin from future damage. The cocktail of vitamins and antioxidants works to block the pathways of the melanin that causes the pigmentation, while lightening and evening out the existing areas of damage.
What to expect from the procedure
Before the procedure takes place, the clinic will arrange a consultation to discuss your needs and expectations, and to assess your skin type and the extent of the condition. They may also discuss your medical history to ensure that you are a suitable candidate for treatment, and flag up any issues that may need addressing first.
During the procedure
Your skin will be cleaned and a topical gel applied to reduce any discomfort. The practitioner will then inject the mesodermal layer of your skin with multiple small microneedles or a single needle, depending on the specific type of treatment.
After the procedure
Afterwards you may experience mild swelling, bruising, or redness of the skin. This will usually subside within a few days. You should avoid touching your skin or showering for 12 hours following the procedure, and use a high factor SPF.
