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Hyperpigmentation & Discoloration

In New York City, NY

Brighter Even Skin

Hyperpigmentation & Discoloration

Everyone has a one-of-a-kind skin appearance, with various markings, pigments, and tones making us unique. As we age and go through the natural stages of life, our skin changes in several ways. One of the most common changes is the development of hyperpigmentation and discoloration. Hyperpigmentation appears as patches or spots of skin that are darker than the surrounding skin. Discoloration is any change in color outside the natural skin tone and may include lighter or darker tones. While these spots can be completely harmless, many people opt to remove or reduce them to achieve a more even, uniform complexion and boost their confidence.

At Dr. Robert Anolik’s practice in New York City, he can help treat your hyperpigmentation and discoloration so that you can feel more comfortable and happy in your own skin.

Doctor consulting with female patient about facial aesthetics treatment in medical office

What is Hyperpigmentation & Discoloration?

Hyperpigmentation is a typically harmless skin condition in which patches or spots become darker than the surrounding skin. Discoloration is a change in color outside of one’s own natural skin tone and may include lighter and darker appearances. Hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin produces excess melanin, the natural pigment responsible for everything from your skin to your hair to your eye color.

People of any skin tone can develop hyperpigmentation, and it can occur at any age. People can develop hyperpigmentation for a variety of reasons, including excessive UV exposure (sun or age spots), melasma, hormonal changes, and skin injury or inflammation, such as acne breakouts, eczema, or burns.

Hyperpigmentation/ Discoloration Treatments We Offer

During your consultation with Dr. Robert Anolik, you will discuss the different hyperpigmentation and discoloration treatments. Dr. Anolik will help you choose the treatment that’s best for your personal goals, comfort level, and skin condition.

Lasers for pigmentation are specifically designed to target and shatter excess melanin without damaging the surrounding tissue. This treatment option is highly precise and optimal for sunspots. 

What Are Some of the Signs of Hyperpigmentation/Discoloration

It’s important to distinguish between dark spots on your skin that are a cause for concern and those that are simply areas with too much melanin. Asymmetric darker skin spots with irregular borders, color irregularity (darker and lighter areas in the same location), large diameter, and changing appearance are often signs of medical concern and should be evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist. On the other hand, common features of benign hyperpigmentation are:

  • Sunspots: Scattered small, flat, dark or tan spots that appear relatively similar to each other and appear on sun-exposed skin, such as the face, neck, chest, and back of hands.
  • Melasma: Larger, blotchy patches of brown or grayish skin with distinct borders on the upper lip, cheeks, and forehead. These are commonly triggered in women by hormonal changes during pregnancy or the use of birth control pills.
  • Post-inflammatory pigmentation: Spots or patches of discolored skin that emerge from an injury or inflammatory condition, including cuts, burns, eczema, or acne breakouts.

In general, the most common cause of hyperpigmentation is sun. Some other causes of hyperpigmentation include:

  • Genetics
  • Tobacco smoke
  • Surface skin injury
  • Diabetes

Steps to Consider For Optimal Recovery

Recovery from hyperpigmentation treatment at Dr. Anolik’s New York City practice depends on which treatment you get and the severity of the discoloration. PRP has very minimal downtime, and laser treatments, especially laser skin resurfacing, require slightly more downtime. 

  • Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to protect healing skin.
  • Wear clothing and hats that can protect against UV light 
  • Do not engage in activities that cause sweating or friction within the first couple of days after treatment
  • Let side effects like swelling, redness, and bruising naturally improve
  • Follow all specific instructions from Dr. Anolik and our other team members
first step

How to Begin Your Hyperpigmentation/ Discoloration Treatment Journey

The first thing you must do to treat your hyperpigmentation is schedule a consultation with our Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Robert Anolik, at his New York City clinic. Here, you can expect an informed conversation where you can ask any questions that come up. You and Dr. Anolik will:

  • Discuss your skin concerns, goals, and experience with hyperpigmentation
  • Review your medical history and any prior treatment
  • Engage in a comprehensive assessment of your skin to check for discoloration, uneven texture and tone, and any other skin concerns you may have.
  • Talk through the different treatment options and what to expect from each.
  • Develop a treatment plan and prepare for your first session

What to Expect During Your Hyperpigmentation/ Discoloration Treatment Journey

At Anolik Dermatology in New York City, we aim to make our patients feel comfortable and supported throughout their entire treatment experience. Dr. Anolik’s craftsmanship and attention to detail ensure quality results, regardless of where you have hyperpigmentation. Your hyperpigmentation experience will vary slightly, depending on which treatment you get, but here are some things you might encounter:

  • A topical anesthetic is used to numb the areas of discoloration
  • Laser devices may have cooling technologies to reduce discomfort
  • Protective goggles will be supplied to protect your eyes from damage
  • The treatment will last anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on how many areas are being treated
  • For a few hours to the rest of the day, your treated areas will be slightly red, swollen, and sensitive
  • You can resume most regular activities within a couple of hours
Medical professional in suit consulting with patient while holding blue medical gloves in clinical setting

How Much Does a Hyperpigmentation/ Discoloration Treatment Cost in New York City, NY?

The cost of hyperpigmentation and discoloration treatment in New York City can vary widely from patient to patient, as many factors influence the overall cost. For instance, the type of treatment performed, the number of sessions needed, the number of areas that have hyperpigmentation, and the severity of the hyperpigmentation influence the price.

When you come in for a consultation at Anolik Dermatology in New York City, you will go over the cost and can discuss financing options.

Why Choose Dr. Anolik?

Dr. Robert Anolik is one of the top dermatologists in New York, with a reputation for providing injectable and laser treatments for an array of cosmetic skin concerns. He is Board-certified, ensuring that he has completed rigorous training, education, and practice, and upholds an elite standard of safety and high-quality results.

He graduated cum laude from Princeton University and magna cum laude from Thomas Jefferson University, where he was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha. He completed his dermatology residency at NYU and fellowship training in laser and cosmetic surgery at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, gaining experience in providing patients with sophisticated, science-driven treatments designed to rejuvenate their youthful skin tone and achieve a clearer, brighter complexion.

Dr. Anolik was recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and has been featured on New York Magazine’s “Best Doctors” list. His work has also been featured in major publications, including ELLE, Town & Country, Vogue, Allure, and The New York Times, underscoring his elite influence and standing as one of the top cosmetic dermatologists in New York City.

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Schedule Your Consultation

If you want to achieve an even skin tone and a clearer complexion free of hyperpigmentation, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Anolik at his New York City office, where he will assess your skin and determine your candidacy.

Schedule a Consultation