Nd:YAG laser and hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation means an area looks darker because pigment production or distribution has changed. Causes include sun exposure, inflammation, hormonal patterns, medicines, and marks after injury; they do not all respond to the same laser. A clinician should inspect the colour, border, location, duration, and any scale or symptoms before choosing Nd:YAG. Treating an uncertain lesion can delay the right diagnosis or provoke further pigment change.

Use broad sun protection and avoid picking or irritating the area while it is being assessed. Tell the clinician about recent tanning, eczema, acne, medicines, pregnancy, previous peels, and a history of dark marks after procedures. Depending on the cause, options may include a Chemical Peel, Skin Brightening Treatment, IPL Photofacial, Picosecond Laser Treatment, or prescribed Hydroquinone Treatment. These choices should follow diagnosis rather than a product comparison.

Seek assessment for a patch that is new, changing, bleeding, crusting, itchy, painful, or different from nearby marks. After treatment, report blistering, worsening pain, infection, or darkening that continues after expected irritation has settled. Urgent help is needed for facial swelling with breathing difficulty. Do not apply laser to a changing lesion without a clinician's examination.

Ask what type of pigment is suspected, whether the area needs examination with magnification, what improvement is realistic, and how recurrence will be prevented. Ask about test treatment, sun protection, the risk of lighter or darker marks, and when follow-up should occur.