Pigmentation

What is Botox?

Botox, or botulinum toxin, is an injectable treatment that is primarily targeted to treat wrinkles, fine lines and creases on the face. It can also be used as a non-permanent facial contouring treatment to slim down your profile. Botox is more widely known as an effective anti-aging product for improving the appearance of your skin. Botox is able to treat signs of advanced aging as it promotes collagen production and skin elasticity. In Singapore, Botox is used to temporarily give patients a younger and tighter look.

What is Pigmentation?

Our skin is made up of three layers – the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. Cells called melanocytes which are present in the epidermis, are responsible for the production of melanin. Melanin is what gives our skin its colour or pigmentation. Lighter skin tones translate to less melanin, while darker skin tones translate to more melanin.

Pigmentation changes when the amount of melanin produced is altered by genetics, certain diseases or conditions, and the sun. There are two types of melanin:

Eumelanin: dark brown or black in colour and protects your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun, thus protecting you from skin cancer.
Pheomelanin: yellow or red in colour and provides very little protection from UV-rays. Those with higher levels of pheomelanin are more prone to skin cancer.

What causes Skin Discolouration Pigmentation?

Pigmentation and melanin production is affected by a variety of factors such as genetics, skin damage or injury, the sun, and some medication conditions. These can cause either increase or decrease melanin production, resulting in darker or lighter pigmentation.

There are 2 types of skin pigmentation conditions, these are:

Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation occurs when there is increased melanin resulting in darker pigmentation. Some individuals have patches of hyperpigmentation in certain areas. Examples and causes of hyperpigmentation include:
- Melasma/chloasma: flat brown patches usually caused by pregnancy due to the high levels of oestrogen and progesterone.
- Birthmarks: flat brown patches with irregular edges and are usually present at birth.
- Freckles: small brown spots that occur due to genetics or sun exposure. There are two types of freckles – solar lentigines (also known as sunspots, age spots, or liver spots) and ephelides.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): brown or blue-grey patches produced as a result of inflammation.

Hypopigmentation
Hypopigmentation occurs when there is decrease melanin production, resulting in lighter pigmentation. Some individuals have patches of hypopigmentation in certain areas. Examples and causes of hypopigmentation include:
- Albinism: an inherited genetic condition where there is a low production of melanin.
- Vitiligo: light patches of skin appear on the skin when melanocytes disappear.
- Pityriasis alba: raised and slightly inflamed patches of skin that may lose pigmentation over time.
- Pityriasis versicolor: fungal infection that tend to appear lighter on individuals with darker skin tones.

How is Pigmentation Discolouration diagnosed in Singapore?

After a physical examination, the following tests may be conduct for a more accurate diagnosis:

Electrodiagnostic testing: small electrodes are attached to your head in order to detect signals between your brain and eyes. This is used to detect albinism.
Wood’s lamp: a special UV light is used to examine your skin more closely. This is used to identify vitiligo.
Skin biopsy: a sample of your skin may be taken for a biopsy to detect for fungal infections.

What are the treatment options for Pigmentation Discolouration in Singapore?

The treatment of pigmentation depends on its location (e.g., dermal vs epidermal) and type (e.g., age spots, melasma, etc). The basic rule where prevention is better than cure applies, this means that sun block is a must.

For pigmentation treatment options in Singapore, there are a variety of topical treatments available. Lasers and other energy based procedures can also help improve pigmentation but typically require a few sessions. Often topical AND energy-based treatments are commenced at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many sessions will I need to correct my pigmentation?

The number of sessions will vary depending on the severity of your pigmentation. Come in for a consultation today with Dr Janna and let him transform your skin!

Can lasers be used on people with a darker skin tone?

Laser technology has advanced in recent years and is now safe for use on people with a darker skin tone. However, a detailed and personalised laser treatment plan must be carefully planned and administered by a trained specialist for the best results.

How soon will I see results after treatment?

Pigmentation lasers offer immediate results for mild cases of pigmentation while severe cases of pigmentation that require invasive treatment can take up to 1 month for results to be visible.

Is pigmentation removal via laser permanent?

Usually laser removal of pigmentation is permanent. Severe cases of pigmentation cannot be 100% removed, results show approximately 70-90% lightening of pigmentation. However, once pigmentation is removed it is usually permanent unless proper skincare is not observed. Always wear sunscreen with at least SPV 30, avoid smoking, live a healthy lifestyle, and stay out of the sun as much as possible.

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