Hyperpigmentation is a broad term for areas of skin that become darker than the surrounding complexion due to excess melanin. It can appear as sun spots, freckles, post-acne marks, melasma, or uneven patches of pigmentation—and because these conditions don’t all behave the same way, they shouldn’t all be treated the same way.
At The Kaga Institute, Dr. Mira Kaga and her team offer advanced laser and light-based treatments for hyperpigmentation. Your treatment is selected based on the type and depth of pigmentation, your skin tone, and what caused the discoloration in the first place.
How can The Kaga Institute help me treat hyperpigmentation?
At Dr. Kaga’s concierge practice,, we provide the most advanced aesthetics technology:
- XEO®
- Enlighten® PICO Genesis™
What Causes Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation develops when the skin produces excess melanin. Common triggers include cumulative sun exposure, hormonal changes, acne and inflammation, skin injuries, certain medications, and genetics.
Different causes can produce very different types of pigmentation. Age spots and sun spots, for example, may respond well to treatments that aren’t necessarily appropriate for melasma. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation following acne also requires careful treatment to avoid creating additional inflammation.
That’s why identifying the pigmentation pattern is an important first step.
How Can The Kaga Institute Treat Hyperpigmentation?
Depending on your skin and the type of discoloration being treated, Dr. Kaga’s team may recommend XEO®-based treatments, enlighten® PICO Genesis™, or another treatment approach.
XEO®
XEO® is a versatile aesthetic platform that allows treatments to be customized for different pigmentation and skin concerns.
Depending on the technology and settings selected, treatment can target unwanted brown pigmentation, sun damage, freckles, and uneven tone. Rather than applying the same laser parameters to every patient, treatment is adjusted according to your skin type and the characteristics of the pigment being addressed.
enlighten® PICO Genesis™
enlighten® PICO Genesis™ uses picosecond and nanosecond laser technology to target unwanted pigmentation while minimizing unnecessary damage to surrounding tissue.
The laser energy breaks pigment into smaller particles that can then be gradually cleared by the body. PICO Genesis may be used to improve concerns such as sun damage, unwanted pigmentation, and uneven skin tone and texture, while also supporting overall skin revitalization.
Treatment recommendations and the number of sessions needed vary according to the type and severity of pigmentation.
What About Melasma?
Melasma deserves special consideration because it isn’t simply another type of dark spot. Hormones, genetics, UV exposure, and heat can all contribute, and aggressive treatment can sometimes make the condition more difficult to manage.
For patients with melasma, Dr. Kaga’s team will evaluate the pigmentation carefully before recommending laser or other aesthetic treatment. Sun protection and an appropriate home skincare regimen are also important parts of long-term management.
Can Hyperpigmentation Come Back?
Yes. Professional treatment can significantly improve existing pigmentation, but it can’t eliminate the factors that cause your skin to produce pigment. New sun exposure, hormonal changes, inflammation, and acne can all trigger new discoloration. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen and an appropriate skincare routine are therefore essential for maintaining results and helping prevent new spots from developing.
Hyperpigmentation Treatments in Marlboro & East Brunswick, NJ
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kaga and her team at The Kaga Institute in Marlboro or East Brunswick, New Jersey. We’ll evaluate your skin and develop a treatment plan tailored to your pigmentation, skin type, and goals. Get in touch by requesting an appointment online or giving us a call at 848-8-DRKAGA (848-837-5242).
