Pigmentation
Procedure time
60 mins
Full recovery
2-4 weeks
Anaesthetic
none
Results duration
permanent
Results
3-6 treatments
Risks
low
- What is pigmentation?
- Key Facts
- How does the treatment work?
- How is the treatment carried out?
- Am I suitable for treatment?
- How does the treatment feel?
- What should I expect after the treatment?
- Are there any side effects to treatments for pigmentation?
- How many treatments are necessary?
What is pigmentation?
Our skin gets its colour from a pigment called melanin, which is made by our melanocyte cells. Pigmented lesions such as sunspots, age spots and freckles can be triggered by excessive sun exposure, age, hereditary factors or hormones. Pigmentation can occur on the face, hands, arms, shoulders and chest. You may notice your pigmentation becomes more apparent in the summer months; this is your skin’s response to an increase in sun exposure. Discolouration and sun damage are a key sign of ageing, with an increase in pigmented lesions you will experience uneven skin tone and a lack of radiance. This non-invasive treatment uses laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) to break down the targeted cells, while stimulating collagen and elastin production. Pigmented lesions such as sunspots, age spots, and freckles can be successfully cleared creating a more flawless, youthful, and glowing appearance.
Key Facts
Melanin defines your skin tone
Pigmentation is a treatable condition
When it comes to sun protection, consistency is the key
With advanced age, skin starts losing its natural even tone, overexposure to the sun does the maximum damage – wear a daily SPF.
How does the treatment work?
Light is released in short pulses that are readily absorbed by the high concentration of
melanin found within pigmented lesions. The rapid absorption of light energy heats the
melanin and causes the destruction of the melanin-rich cells.
How is the treatment carried out?
The light applicator is placed on the skin and a short pulse of light is released. The applicator is then moved to the neighbouring area and the process is repeated until the entire area is treated. With Q-Switched Laser treatments due to the power of the Laser energy delivered into the skin, a small amount of pinpoint bleeding may occur during the treatment, and a dressing may be applied after the treatment to protect the skin while it heals. During treatment protective eye wear will be provided.
Am I suitable for treatment?
Most people are suitable for treatment except for very dark skinned or tanned individuals. However, large, dark, mottled or raised pigmentation cannot be treated and may need to be checked by a dermatologist. Large, dark moles should not be treated, nor should lesions covering a large part of the body. The pigmented marks that respond the best are super cial lesions such as those caused by sun damage (sun spots) and freckles.
How does the treatment feel?
Most patients describe the discomfort as mild and tolerable and no anaesthesia is required.
What should I expect after the treatment?
The treated area may feel warm and sensitive for the first few days post treatment. The lesions may darken and may appear more obvious before they fade and ‘flake’ away. Sometimes an initial whitening of the area is seen which quickly fades and the pigment gradually fades over the following few weeks.
Are there any side effects to treatments for pigmentation?
The skin that surrounds the pigmented lesion may become red immediately after treatment. Most people experience no other side effects and the redness usually disappears within hours to a few days. Very rarely a small blister may form or the skin may become temporarily lighter or darker.
How many treatments are necessary?
The number of treatments will depend on the type and size of the pigmented lesion but typically 1 to 3 sessions are required at 4 to 6 week intervals.