Spotless skin is considered a sign of good health and beauty. Unfortunately, many of us find ourselves with pigmented blemishes, such as birthmarks or dark patches called melasma, that prevent us from having a clear complexion. Although these conditions are normal and naturally occurring, they often appear in locations that are too prominent and difficult to conceal, or they may be significantly larger than we feel comfortable with.

Dermal lightening is a cosmetic treatment used to lighten abnormally darkened skin caused by aging, sun damage and other conditions that induce hyperpigmentation.

This treatment works by reducing the concentration or production of melanin, which is the pigment that gives the skin its natural tone. The result of this procedure is a reduction in pigmentation and a more even skin tone, as well as general skin resurfacing and rejuvenation.

At Broward ENT & Aesthetics, we strive to offer the latest and most advanced techniques in dermal lightening. Our laser treatments are ideal for patients looking to eliminate pigmentation or dark patches in targeted areas. Set up a time to visit Broward ENT & Aesthetics to learn more about our lightening treatments. Under the guidance of board-certified otolaryngologist and ENT surgeon Dr. Wilson DuMornay, our team will help you select the most effective treatments for your skin goals.

How is Skin Lightening Achieved?

When less-effective lightening creams fail, patients often turn to laser skin lightening treatments. During a dermal lightening procedure, a laser is directed at unwanted blemishes or dark patches of skin. The laser energy treats pigmentation in one of two ways. In one scenario, the laser removes the outer layers of skin until the pigmented cells are gone. Laser lightening also works by damaging the cells that produce melanin.

The results of dermal lightening vary among patients. For some, the benefits are dramatic and long-lasting. For others, the effects may be gradual or temporary. Skin lightening treatments may be performed over the course of multiple sessions, which increases the chances of the procedure being effective. It’s important to speak to your laser provider to discuss your expectations and determine whether your desired results can realistically be achieved during this treatment.

What to Expect During Treatment

Prior to your treatment, you will speak to your provider about your skin goals. Your provider may perform a test on a small area of skin to ensure you do not have an adverse reaction. This is for your safety and to reduce the potential risk of complications following the procedure.

On the day of your appointment, a local anesthetic cream may be used on your skin as a numbing agent to reduce the sensation of prickling or stinging during treatment. You may be given special goggles to wear to protect your eyes from the laser used during the procedure.

Once you are prepared for treatment, the hand-held laser applicator will be pressed against your skin while the lightening treatment is performed. You may feel a “snapping” sensation, though most patients find it to be tolerable. You should alert your provider if you’re experiencing significant pain.

Sessions to take anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour. There is no required downtime following a dermal lightening procedure. Once the laser treatment is complete, you may return home and resume your regular activities.

Posttreatment Instructions

Your skin may be swollen and red in the days following your treatment. If you prefer, you may decide to take a few days off from work or social activities while your skin’s appearance improves. For one to two weeks after dermal lightening, it’s normal to experience bruising or crusting. Your skin should begin to fade to a lighter color once the healing is complete.

To help expedite your skin’s healing, you may:

  • Apply petroleum jelly or aloe vera to soothe the area
  • Use a cool compress or towel on the skin to reduce swelling
  • Refrain from picking at scabbing or crusting
  • Apply sunscreen to the treated area to protect it from the effects of the sun

As you recover, you are permitted to take pain medication to alleviate any discomfort that may occur. Your skin may be sensitive to sunlight for up to six months after your treatment, so continue to make smart choices about sun exposure even after you are fully healed.

Possible Risk Factors

Dermal lightening is generally a safe procedure from which serious side effects are uncommon. As with any cosmetic treatment, however, complications can occur. These include:

  • Skin infection
  • Scarring of the treatment area
  • Skin that becomes lighter or darker than intended

Should you notice any of these symptoms, please contact our office right away so our team can determine the proper course of action. Your provider will discuss these possibilities with you before you decide to move forward with a dermal lightening treatment.

Contact Broward ENT & Aesthetics

Dermal lightening treatments at Broward ENT & Aesthetics can help reduce the appearance of birthmarks, melasma and other types of pigmentation and give an overall revitalized appearance to your skin. We will provide you with the guidance you need to make educated decisions about your treatment so you can confidently reach your skin goals.

From our founder Dr. Wilson DuMornay, to our expert staff of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, to the services we offer, we always have our patients’ best interests in mind. We take the time to listen to your individual needs, create custom-tailored treatment plans and only use the latest technology — no exceptions. To learn more about dermal lightening in Fort Lauderdale, contact us online or call us at (954) 533-9822 to schedule a consultation.

Schedule a consultation today!