2019 Facial Pigmentation Singapore Guide | Ask Dr Daniel Chang

What causes pigmentation?

Do you find yourself bothered by those pesky brown spots that appear to be growing more and more?

Pigmentation occurs when your body produces excess pigments. Scientifically, this results from hyperstimulation of your melanin producing cells, known as melanocytes. This causes aggregates of melanin sacks, known as melanosomes. These collections at different layers of your skin contribute to the umbrella term of skin pigmentation.

What can worsen pigmentation?

Pigmentation can be worsened by

1. Sun exposure
2. Inflammation – Hence picking a pimple tends to leave those unsightly marks *slaps forehead*
3. Hormonal changes – This is commonly seen post childbirth in women with melasma

Pigmentation can be divided into hereditary, acquired and both. In Singapore, these are the common conditions I see.

Hereditary: 1. Hori’s Nevus 2. Nevus of Ota 3. Becker’s Nevus

Acquired: 1. Freckles 2. Solar Lentigo 3. Post- inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Mixed: Melasma

Is there any cure for pigmentation?

Can all pigmentation be cured?

In general, ALL pigmentation can be treated. The word cure and removal tends to indicate all or nothing, and in my opinion, are common marketing gimmicks employed by non-medical beauty spas.

– Dr Daniel Chang

What is the best cream for pigmentation?

Every skin is different, every skin is unique. Hence there is no one size fits all approach. It is best to seek a formal face to face consultation with your specialist to understand your skin condition better.

I have dry and sensitive skin. Am i a good candidate for pigmentation treatment ?

Sending photographs of your pigmentation to your physician is not the best measure. Because we need to see your pigmentation in 3D, under lighting from various angles and palpate your pigmentation to give you the best medical advice.

What causes dark discoloration on cheeks?

If it is on both sides of your cheeks, in Singapore, clinically the top 3 most common are

1. Freckles
2. Melasma
3. Hori’s Nevus

What are the effective Solutions To Get Rid Of Dark Spots, Pigmentation and Scars?

1. Laser Light treatment – The clinical treatment protocol is dependent on the expertise of your physician
2. Lightening creams – hydroquinone based remains the gold standard with the best evidence. Of note, cysteamine is a product which I find has good results for melasma.
3. Sunblock

How does laser treatment for pigmentation work?

• Step 1: A consultation with your physician who diagnoses your clinical pigmentation condition and individualises a treatment plan

• Step 2: Medical grade FDA approved lasers target your pigmentation deeply, precisely and accurately in a way creams and peels cannot do. They warm up your pigmentation and shatter them into smaller bits.

• Step 3: These shattered pigments are then removed, leaving clean and clear, glowy and beautiful skin.

Is laser pigmentation treatment painful?

Most of my patients do not require numbing cream. They experience a warm tooth pick sensation. Those who apply numbing cream are fairly comfortable.

What are the side effects of laser pigmentation treatment? Is there any downtime?

I tell my patients to expect R.B.C. Most of my patients experience these side effectsover 3 days, and in some cases, 5 days. They are off to work the next day, so lasers in general do not contribute to any downtime.

– Dr Daniel Chang

1. Mild Redness – temporary
2. Mild Bronzing -temporary
3. Crusting of targeted spots
   

Is laser pigmentation removal permanent?

Majority of my patients are on laser maintainence. Our skin is dynamic, and sun exposure ever increasing. Patients see the benefit of lasers, and notice the difference especially after stopping treatment.

References:

1. 1.Diaz-Pérez J.L., Mitxelena J., Diaz-Ramón L., et al. Discromías. Medicine 1999; 136: 6425–6430Google Scholar
2. 2.Serrano S., Fernández-Vozmediano J.M. Hiperpigmentaciones por medicamentos. Monogr Dermatol 1996; 9: 45–55Google Scholar
3. 3.Armijo M., Ortega R.M. Discromías. In: Armijo M., Camacho F., editors. Dermatología. 3rd ed. Madrid: Aula Médica Ed., 1998: 353–380Google Scholar

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For more information: You may view our other Service page or Contact us here | So I hope this has been helpful. Have a bold and beautiful week ahead! – Dr Daniel Chang