Hyperpigmentation

Plastic surgery

Hyperpigmentation develops either due to the increase in the number of pigment cells in the skin or due to their increased function, i.e., increased production of the pigment melanin. This surplus pigment may be deposited in the superficial skin layer, the epidermis, or in the deeper layer, the dermis, where it is quite inaccessible to the action of skin bleachers.

However, skin hyperpigmentation usually refers to changes due to a process called hypermelanosis, which occurs in the epidermis. The therapy for hypermelanosis includes hydroquinone, retinoic acid (a derivative of vitamin A acid), azelaic acid and vitamin C in concentrations from 5 to 20% for cosmetic use and up to 40% for professional use, chemical peels with fruit acids (trichloroacetic, phenol, or kojic acids), as well as hyperpigmentation removal with the use of cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen) or laser. Since the latter methods are more radical, they need to be performed by an experienced physician in order to avoid adverse effects in the form of depigmentation, scarring, and hyperpigmentation.