Is it true that a laser treatment to remove a blemish can inversely cause the blemish to darken?" Many patients come to our clinic with these questions and confusion.

In conclusion, I can tell you that much of the phenomenon of spots temporarily appearing darker after laser irradiation is part of the normal process of the skin going through a process of regeneration.

However, from the patient's point of view, it is probably true that expectations can turn into anxiety.

In this article, we will discuss the difference between normal progress and changes that require attention, and our Bibi Clinic's approach to blemish treatment, sorting out the reasons why blemishes appear darker after laser.

Why are spots said to darken after spot removal laser?

There are several factors behind the appearance of darker spots after laser treatment. It is not necessarily a case of "the treatment not working", but can include cases that occur as part of a treatment reaction.

1. Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is occurring
   When laser irradiation causes inflammation of the skin, melanin temporarily increases as a reaction, and hyperpigmentation may occur. This is post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
   It is more likely to occur when the irradiation output is too high or when the skin's barrier function is originally impaired, and more careful treatment design is required for skin types that tend to be more active in melanin production.
2. Temporarily appears darker due to laser reaction
   Even when the pico laser is irradiated at the appropriate power, the spots may appear temporarily darker as the reacting melanin moves toward the epidermis.
   Although they may become thin scabs, most will flake off naturally with turnover and gradually settle down.
3. I've irritated my melasma.
   In the treatment of melasma, we are most nervous about the presence or absence of melasma. Since melasma is very delicate and easily aggravated by irritation, it is important to note that in some cases, intense laser stimulation without accurately identifying melasma and senile pigmentation may result in darkening of the color tone.
   Since there are cases where thin melasma is hidden that patients are not aware of, we perform imaging diagnosis using VISIA®. If melasma is suspected, we choose procedures such as Picotoning or Silpharm X, which are designed to minimize irritation.

Is this a failure? Or is this normal progress? What to look for

In order to determine whether the changes after treatment are normal or require attention, it is important to check the “time of change” and “subsequent progress.

Characteristics of temporary thickening that occurs as a normal process

If a blemish appears darker immediately after the procedure and within a few days, it is often a temporary change due to laser reaction. It will usually fade within 1-2 weeks and the scab-like appearance will naturally flake off. It is important to monitor the progress without forcibly touching it.

Patients who undergo picolaser treatment at our clinic are thoroughly briefed in advance on the normal course of events so that they can enjoy their downtime without anxiety.

Signs of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that require attention

If the darkening continues after a period (usually several days to several weeks) when the temporary redness and color change after the treatment settles down, or if the pigmentation spreads to the surrounding area of the irradiated area, there is a possibility of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

Although PIH often fades over time, in some cases it can be prolonged by repeated stimulation.

If you feel that there is a change that concerns you, please do not hesitate to consult with our clinic. We are able to communicate in Japanese, so Japanese residents in Bangkok can also communicate with us in detail and with nuance.

Laser is not the only way to treat blemishes - why we focus on combined treatments

There is no single cause of blemishes, but rather a complex relationship among skin type, living environment, and previous treatment history. For this reason, our clinic is designed to combine multiple procedures rather than complete with laser treatment alone.

Multifaceted approach centered on picolaser

The "Pico Laser" can be performed with consideration given to the thermal effects on the surrounding area due to its short irradiation time. Multiple modes of irradiation are used to approach skin conditions, including spot irradiation for pinpoint targeting and toning suitable for toning of the entire face and treatment of melasma.

However, simply destroying blemishes on the surface does not change the environment in which melanin continues to be produced deep within the skin, and there is a risk that the blemishes will recur. For this reason, we believe it is important to approach the root cause of the problem and provide thorough total support with a view to “creating a skin environment that prevents the recurrence of spots.

Why combine skin texture improvement with care from the inside out?

Laser treatment is only a procedure that works on existing spots. In order to take into consideration the risk of recurrence in the future, we view the treatment of spots in the following steps.

STEP①Ready skin foundation｜Improvement of skin texture with consideration for irritation

If melasma or uneven coloration is seen, it is important to improve skin texture while minimizing irritation.

We combine "Silpharm X" when necessary. Microneedling and radiofrequency are used to gently approach the deep skin areas involved in melanin production to improve overall skin condition in a way that does not rely too heavily on laser treatment.

For more information on ▷Sylpharm X treatment, please seethis way (direction close to the speaker or towards the speaker)

STEP②Support skin surface and recovery process｜Exfoliation and downtime care

After laser treatment, the skin is temporarily susceptible to irritation. Therefore, we incorporate relatively low-irritant peeling with "Lara Peel" to gently condition the surface of the skin by gently regulating dead skin cells. This is expected to lead the skin to a state where melanin-containing keratin is less likely to stagnate.

Exosomes" are also incorporated to support the skin's recovery process after treatment, and are positioned as part of care that takes into account how downtime is felt and the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. By creating an environment in which the skin can easily calm down after treatment, we are able to provide a treatment plan that is safe.

For more information on ▷Ralapeel treatment, please seethis way (direction close to the speaker or towards the speaker)
▷For more information on exosome treatment, please seethis way (direction close to the speaker or towards the speaker)

STEP③Regulate the skin environment from the inside｜Make it difficult for blemishes to take root

In addition to treatments from the outside, "white jade (glutathione) infusion" and "highly concentrated vitamin C infusion" are combined to improve the skin environment from inside the body.

These infusions are designed to maintain the overall condition of the skin by taking into consideration factors related to melanin production through antioxidant effects. By combining these treatments with external approaches, we aim to create a skin environment in which spots are less likely to persist.

▷Details of the white ball (glutathione) treatment arethis way (direction close to the speaker or towards the speaker)
▷Details of the High Concentration Vitamin C infusion procedure arethis way (direction close to the speaker or towards the speaker)

In this way, our treatment design not only erases existing blemishes, but also simultaneously considers the creation of skin that is resistant to the formation of blemishes. The treatments introduced here are just some of the typical procedures, and we offer a variety of other treatment menus. We will propose the best combination of treatments according to each individual's skin condition and goals.

Tailor-made treatment for each individual

During the initial consultation, in addition to image analysis using VISIA®, we will comprehensively confirm the type and distribution of blemishes, skin texture, current skin condition, as well as the living environment and previous treatment history.

We then consider the best approach, carefully sharing subjective perspectives such as how the patient actually feels about the changes, rather than relying solely on numerical values and images.

Which treatment should be prioritized, how to design laser output and treatment intervals, or whether a decision to refrain from treatment at this time is appropriate. We carefully assess each individual's condition and build a treatment plan from a long-term perspective, taking into account the environment of Bangkok, which has high UV radiation levels, and taking into account the burden on the skin.

Laser blemish removal for ideal skin

The phenomenon of darkening of a blemish with a blemish removal laser is not necessarily a failure. It is important to understand the difference between a normal course of treatment and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and to respond appropriately.

Bibi Clinic supports Bangkok residents in achieving beautiful skin with the same high level of technology as in Japan, detailed counseling in Japanese, and custom-made treatments for each individual. If you are interested in having your skin spots treated, but are afraid of failure, please contact us for a consultation.

▷Vivi Clinic's spot removal laser treatment isthis way (direction close to the speaker or towards the speaker)
▷To consult or make an appointment at the Bibi ClinicClick here