Glossary

Hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin)

The treated area of skin remaining lighter than the surrounding skin. It is among the less common risks after laser, IPL, tattoo removal and peels. In darker skin it is more noticeable because of the contrast with the surrounding skin, and it may improve more slowly.

Articles that mention this term

Safety CentreProblems after Tattoo Removal: Blisters, Skin Lightening, Scarring and Paradoxical Darkening — What Can Be Done?Blisters, crusts, skin lightening, scarring, ink darkening and allergy after tattoo removal: what is normal, when to see a physician, what can be done.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardSafety CentreProblems after Fractional Laser: Dark Spots, Cold Sores, Acne, ScarsProlonged redness, dark spots, cold sores, infection and scars after fractional laser: telling normal healing apart, home care and urgent signs.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardSafety CentreLaser, IPL and Chemical Peels on Olive and Darker Skin: Pigmentation Risk, Choice of Device and Safety PrecautionsAre laser, IPL and peels safe on olive and darker skin? Risk of darkening and lightening, tanned skin, wavelength choice, test pulses and sun protection.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardSafety CentreProblems after a Chemical Peel: Prolonged Redness, Dark Spots, Infection and Scarring — What to Do?Problems after a chemical peel: prolonged redness, dark spots, cold sores, infection, scarring. Telling normal healing apart, home care and urgent signs.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardTreatment GuidesChemical Peels: What They Are, Who They Suit and What Recovery InvolvesThe differences between superficial, medium and deep chemical peels, recovery times, risk of pigment spots, who needs caution and aftercare advice.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardSafety CentreBurns and Pigmentation Changes after Laser and IPL: Darkening, Lightening and Scarring — Prevention and What to DoWhy do burns and dark spots occur after laser and IPL, how long do they last? Blisters, darkening, lightening, scars, eye risk: what is normal, what to do.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardSafety CentreProblems after Laser Hair Removal: Increased Hair Growth, Folliculitis, Pigmentation, Eye Safety — What Can Be Done?Increased hair growth, folliculitis, pigmentation, cold sores and eye injury after laser hair removal: what is normal, what is urgent, how to reduce risk.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board

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