Pigmentation of the skin is a very common problem particularly on areas exposed to the sun. Excess pigment can give a much more aged appearance to the skin than wrinkles and lines. Medical Lasers can be a very effective treatment option in removing unwanted pigment.
Lasers are a second line treatment for pigmentation and should only be considered after simple cheaper topical treatments have been tried first. The many years of experience we have had in treating pigmentation, have made us aware of when is the best time to consider the use of lasers to reduce and remove unwanted pigmentation.
We know that there is no one ‘best pigment laser’ that suits everyone with every pigment problem. As a long established clinic with a range of Pigment Laser options, we can choose the most appropriate laser to get the best result, and this is the key determinant of successful laser treatment of pigment.
Pigment is due to melanin in the skin. Pigment lasers target excess melanin and aim to shatter the pigment into smaller particles which the body’s natural scavenger system can then remove.
The lasers we have at Collins Cosmetic Clinic that we can use to treat pigment include the:
It is important to weigh up a number of factors in selecting the best laser option to treat pigment. These include the cause of the pigment (sun damage or hormonal), pattern of distribution (localised or generalised), skin type (particularly if Asian or dark skin types), darkness of the pigment and depth of the pigment below the surface of the skin (superficial, deep or a mixture).
Pigment lasers can remove excess pigment quickly and safely resulting in significant improvement in the appearance of your skin.
A special prescription cream may be necessary before any laser treatment. Skin preparation is particularly important when treating hormonal pigmentation (Melasma). Without proper preparation there is a potential risk of laser treatment of your hormonal pigmentation actually making the pigmentation worse, what is called PIH (Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation).
Sun exposure also needs to be avoided before laser treatment of pigmentation and if there is any tan, laser treatment may need to be deferred.
Immediately after laser treatment of pigmentation a cold pack and a special soothing cream are applied.
Pigment areas typically darken in the short term after laser treatment and look worse for a variable period but typically last for 1-2 weeks on the face and can be longer on the limbs. Often the treated areas can be slightly raised like a cat scratch and it is very important that trauma is avoided. The use of a topical cream such as Centella, Vitamin E or Aloe Vera applied twice a day until the skin has cleared is recommended.
Before and after images are presented purely as a reference point of the results that can be achieved. Everyone is unique and outcomes will vary and realistic expectations need to be discussed on a case by case basis.
Got questions? Or ready to book in? Contact our experienced and friendly team to start your journey to healthy skin with us.