Pigment Reduction

Pigmented Lesions and the effect of the lasers / GentleLase PRO

A wide range of pigmented lesions or dark spots occur due to genetic factors, prolonged sun exposure and several medical conditions in addition to a number of medications.

The common lesions include;

 Pigmented nevus: They have a range of sizes and colors. Dermal and compound nevi are very common, especially in those who are from certain ethnicities such as Asian or Caucasian people. They may require several treatments and there is variety of options to remove them.

Freckles: they are usually inherited and are common in fair skin types, but may not appear until childhood or even later. They can be managed by a number of lasers, skin peel and other medical treatments. But their recurrence rate is very high and they do not disappear completely.

Congenital Pigmented Lesions: They have different sizes and colors and usually are resistant to any kind of treatment, but they may be less invisible after several treatments by the laser or other surgical procedures. Congenital Lesions require to be observed by dermatologists for they have a small risk of malignancy especially when they are very large.

Senile Lentigo/ Seborrheic Keratosis: These common lesions are benign in adulthood and persist as dark spots. There is a range of treatment options such as cryotherapy, electro-cuttery and laser to remove them. These pigmented lesions may require several sessions to disappear.

Who performs the Laser Pigment Reduction?

Sometimes suspicious dark spots look similar to the benign lesions. Therefore, it is important to differentiate benign lesions from malignancy by considering the specific characteristics each may have. At Banu Beauty Medical Laser Clinic our qualified doctors and experts perform the Laser Pigment Removal on benign spots to ensure that given criteria for suspicious activity have been taken into consideration to be certain your safe treatment.

HOW DOES  LASER WORK? 

Pigmented lesions contain melanin, which is the main target or in other word the “ Chromophore” to absorb the laser beam. This is why the laser heats up the dark spot without damaging surrounding area.

 

Prior to Your Treatment

  • Consult with your doctor to find out the different treatments options and to determine if you are a good candidate for the laser treatment.
  • Avoid sun bathing for several weeks before your treatment, because the skin needs to have its natural color such that the pigment lesion absorbs the laser beam properly.
  • There should be no infection in the treatment site.
  • Consult with your doctor if you are required to stop certain medications such as hormones or any medication or medical conditions that may interfere with the treatment result.

 

During Your Treatment

You may feel a hot sensation or needle prick like sensation but it is very brief. The good news is that the laser treatment is very quick and usually takes a few minutes. However you can apply anesthetic cream such as EMLA prior to your treatment if you are not allergic to it.

 

After Your Treatment

  • The scabs usually flake off after one week.
  • Do not pluck them and let them fall off by themselves
  • Avoid sun exposure until your skin completely heals and continue applying sunscreen for several months after laser.
  • You may require applying cooling bags after treatment for a few hours
  • You may require repair or antiseptic creams after laser
  • Do not swim or use hot tubs until your skin completely heals

 

Please visit Banu Beauty at your follow up appointment

Please contact the clinic if you have any questions or concerns

FAQ

IS THE PIGMENTATION REMOVAL PERMANENT?

If SPF sunscreen is not used regularly when going into the sun, the pigmentation in the treated area may return over time.  If this happens, further laser treatment can be performed. 

HOW LONG DOES THE LASER PIGMENTATION REMOVAL TREATMENT TAKE?

The time taken for the treatment will depend on the size, type and number of pigmented lesions that need to be treated.  Usually treatment can be done in one or two sessions. 

DOES THE LASER PIGMENTATION REMOVAL TREATMENT HURT?

The laser has a cool glide surface which helps to cool the skin before the laser is fired.  This helps reduce the pain felt as well as helping to protect the surrounding skin from heat injury. 

The pain felt is often described as being similar to a rubber band being flipped against the skin.  Most people are able to tolerate the treatment with ease. 

After the laser pigmentation removal treatment, the skin may feel red and hot a bit like a sunburn.  Ice packs may be used after the treatment to help reduce any inflammation and redness. 

HOW WILL MY SKIN REACT TO LASER PIGMENTATION REMOVAL TREATMENT?

Everyone’s skin is different and will react differently to the laser pigmentation  treatment.  After the treatment, pigmentation will look darker and worse than before.  Do not fret. After a few days, a crust will begin to form and the dead skin cells will flake off over a two-week period. 

WHAT  CAN I EXPECT AFTER THE TREATMENT?

Most clients are very happy with the results and can notice significant improvements, even after only one pigmentation treatment.  Often a second treatment is needed to clear the pigment to the desired level. 

WHAT AREAS CAN BE TREATED?

Pigmentation treatment may be performed on any area of the body.  The usual areas are the areas that have been exposed to the sun, such as the décolletage, hands and face. 

ARE ANY MEDICATIONS I TAKE CONTRAINDICATED?

At your first appointment at Banu Beauty Laser clinic, it is important that you mention to our specialist all of the medications that you are currently taking. 

Medications that are contraindicated to having laser treatment include: 

  • Roaccutane 
  • Retin-A 

Both of these medications can affect the integrity of the skin. Please stop taking Roaccutane six months before your pigmentation treatment and Retin A two to four weeks before your treatment. Blood thinners may also affect your risk of bruising. 

HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED?

Usually between two to six treatments will be required depending on the type of pigmentation, its colour, depth and area. 

CAN I GO INTO THE SUN BEFORE MY TREATMENT?

Before your pigmentation treatment, it is very important not to expose your skin to the sun or any tanning treatments.  This will cause your skin to darken and affect the ability of the laser to work on the pigmented lesions.  The laser light will be absorbed by the darker surrounding tissue instead.  Always wear appropriate sunscrean when you go out into the sun, both before and after your treatment.  The pigmentation may return if you expose yourself to the sun after your treatment.