Q-switched YAG laser for hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation means an area is darker than the surrounding skin. It may follow inflammation, injury, hormonal change, medication, or repeated ultraviolet exposure, and different causes respond differently. The clinician examines the pattern, location, duration, and surface of the colour change before selecting treatment. Q-switched pulses may target pigment, but inflammation from the procedure can itself trigger darker marks, especially in some skin tones. A changing, irregular, bleeding, or symptomatic patch needs medical assessment rather than cosmetic treatment.

Tell the clinician about pregnancy, recent tanning, eczema or acne, medicines, and products that irritate your skin. Ask whether a topical plan should come before or after laser. After a session, cleanse gently, do not scratch or peel, and use the recommended moisturizer and broad-spectrum sunscreen. Limit direct sun and heat while the area settles. If the cause continues, such as inflammation or hormonal stimulation, treating the trigger may be as important as treating the colour itself.

Contact the clinic for increasing pain, spreading redness, blisters, pus, fever, or a wound that is not healing. Arrange review if darkening becomes more pronounced, pale areas appear, or the patch changes in shape or texture. Seek urgent help for facial swelling with breathing difficulty or a rapidly spreading reaction.

What is the likely cause of my hyperpigmentation? Could a peel, topical treatment, IPL, or picosecond laser be more suitable? How will you reduce the chance of post-treatment darkening? What is the plan if the patch returns?