Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra Treatment Vancouver
Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN) is a harmless skin condition that causes small, dark bumps on the face, neck, and upper body. It’s most common in people with darker skin tones, like those of African, Asian, or Hispanic backgrounds. While DPN is not dangerous, many people choose to remove the bumps for cosmetic reasons.
At Shine MD, we offer safe and effective treatments for DPN in Vancouver. Our skin experts use the latest methods to remove these bumps with minimal discomfort and great results.
What Causes Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra?
The exact cause of DPN is unknown, but it tends to run in families. The bumps are caused by extra cells growing in the top layer of the skin. They often appear as you get older.
What Does DPN Look Like
- Small, dark brown, or black bumps on the face, neck, chest, or back.
- The bumps are usually 1–5 mm in size.
- They don’t hurt or itch.
- The number of bumps may increase over time.
Access to DPN Treatment at Shine MD
If you have DPN and would like the lesions removed, you can contact our clinic and request a physician appointment for either consultation or removal. DPN treatment is a cosmetic treatment and is not a benefit under the Medical Services Plan. Pricing starts at $500 and depends on the extent of DPN and the amount of time that will be required for the treatment.
If you choose to do a consultation first, you will be assessed by a physician and the procedure will be reviewed with you in person. Consultation fee applies. If you prefer to forego consultation and book in for treatment directly, our patient care coordinators will review your photos with the physician and book you for treatment accordingly. On treatment day, you will have the opportunity to review the procedure with your physician prior to undergoing treatment.
What Happens During Treatment?
- Injectable Anaesthetic: Your skin will be cleaned and prepped. The treatment area will be treated with an injectable anesthetic. After this step, you will not feel the procedure. The physician will use a needle or a cannula to inject the numbing, depending on the distribution of your treatment. If you are very nervous about your treatment, Ativan and gas are available to help calm your nerves. If you plan to take Ativan on treatment day, please arrange for transportation home.
- Procedure: The treatment is performed by a physician with Ellman Electrocautery.
- Recovery: Skin changes related to healing will be present for up to seven days. You will be given post-care instructions to guide you. You will use a gentle cleanser and Aquaphor Vivier Scar Repair Gel to promote healing. We will recommend that you avoid the sun for up to four weeks following the treatment. You may still be outside, however we recommend a hat and sunscreen to minimize intense sun on the treated area. While there are no physical limits to what you can do after your treatment, some patients may want to avoid social activity for the first week while their skin is healing. Moderate exercise is allowed.
- Post-Treatment Pigmentation: Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) is likely to occur in skin of color. This is a common side effect of DPN treatment. It is impossible to predict who will get PIH and to what extent. PIH can be treated with topical skin treatments and with lasers such as Pico Sure Pro. PIH can be minimized with adequate sunscreen, sun protection, and sun avoidance in the weeks post-treatment.
- Post-Treatment Redness: Post Inflammatory Erythema (PIE) is common in lighter skin types and can turn into PIH in some skin types. This is also an easily treatable side effect and can be treated with Broad Band Light or Aerolase laser.
Recovery from DPN Treatment
Recovery after Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN) treatment is simple and straightforward. At Shine MD, we provide clear aftercare instructions to ensure your skin heals quickly and smoothly. Here’s what you can expect:
- Minimal Downtime: Most patients can return to their normal activities within a few days after the treatment.
- Short Healing Time: Your skin will typically heal within 1–2 weeks, depending on the treatment method. Some pigmentation and redness are likely in the treated areas, depending on your skin type. This is treatable with skincare and additional laser treatments.
- Easy Aftercare: We’ll give you simple instructions on how to care for your skin after treatment. This may include using gentle skincare products and avoiding direct sunlight.
- Sun Protection: Applying sunscreen after the healing process is complete is a key step to protecting your skin and preventing pigmentation changes during the healing process.
Our team is here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions during your recovery, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Choosing Shine MD for Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra Treatment
When it comes to treating Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN), Shine MD in Vancouver stands out as a trusted choice for safe, effective, and personalized care.
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Before & After Gallery
Want to see real patient results from our innovative skin treatments? View our impressive before and after images in our photo gallery.
*Individual results may vary.