Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) can result when the skin is exposed to:
- Heat e.g Plasma pens, Laser
- Light e.g IPL, BBL
- Chemical agents e.g TCA chemical peel solution
PIH occurs when patients are treated WITHOUT being properly pre-treated, or having received inadequate post-treatment care, or when settings are incorrect for the patients skin type.
- PIH is especially common in darker skin types but can even happen in the lightest of skins.
- PIH can be permanent, difficult and expensive to treat, with lasting social and emotional consequences for the patient.
- It is important that when these treatments are performed, it is under the guidance and supervision of a medical doctor. Medical professionals are able to best choose treatments that are most appropriate for your skin type, skin concern and set of risks. Doctors can also manage any complications.
- Ask yourself: Will the person performing the treatment be able to manage any potential complications? If not it’s a red flag!
- The skill in these treatments is not always in being able to do them (many plasma and laser devices SEEM so easy to perform. Watching doctors give injections on Social Media looks simple). But how many hours of work and practise does it take an expert (pro mountain biker, ballerina, pianist) to make a skill seem effortless?
- There is a reason there are specialist medical professionals to look after your Aesthetic Treatments… respect their skill. Take their advice.
Click to find an AAMSSA registered Aesthetic Doctor in your area: https://aestheticdoctors.co.za/find-a-doctor/