LASER Pigment Reduction
What is MEDICAL LASER PIGMENT REDUCTION?
At Whitsunday Cosmedic Skin Clinic, LASER Pigment Reduction is achieved with the use of our Candela GentleLASE Class 4 Medical Grade Alexandrite 755nm LASER. The GentleLASE is the most advanced, FDA & TGA approved laser in the world for providing safe and effective treatment. Laser pigmentation reduction works by using an intense burst of light to target the pigmented lesions causing the selective healing of the upper dermis. The pigment can be precisely targeted without causing any damage to surrounding tissue or overlying dermis. After each laser treatment, a gentle wound healing response leads to new collagen formation and a clinical improvement to the treated area over time. The pigmentation/sun spot will gradually lighten and fade, slowly disappearing. Initially the treated area may seem darker and flaking is common.
GentleLASE Pro® from Syneron-Candela, USA is the premier laser for removing hair, pigmented lesions, veins and wrinkles. Our clinic is the first in the Whitsundays region who can offer you this advanced technology in laser products. GentleLASE Pro® treats all skin types quickly, comfortably and effectively.
The Candela laser is designed to treat superficial brown blemishes and is also effective in removing other brown marks like café au lait patches, Nevus of Ito, Nevus of Ota, freckles and flat pigmented moles. A few kinds of pigmentation (in particular melasma) do not improve in response to any form of laser treatment.
Melanin is what gives our skin its color. Pigmented lesions are dark in color simply because melanin is abnormally concentrated in one area of the skin. High concentrations of melanin can be due to various factors. Some types are present at birth, but most occur with age or as a result of overexposure to the sun’s damaging rays.
Lentigines or age spots are premature ageing brown marks, which appear on the backs of hands and the face. Sunburn freckles are the result of sun damage and occur on the back, upper chest and shoulders. Most are harmless but all are ageing and may be unattractive. Cafe au lait, Nevus of Ota, Mongolian spots and other flat pigmented birthmarks are localized areas of increased pigmentation in the skin, which are present at birth. Although most brown spots are easily ignored, many are quite conspicuous and can detract from your skin’s natural beauty.
What to expect from the treatment?
Most clients report a 70% or greater improvement over the duration of their course of treatments for pigmentation removal. Superficial pigment (i.e. sun spots freckles etc.) are the easiest to treat. A satisfactory result is usually seen within 2 – 3 treatments. Pigment that is deep or dermal can take up to 6 treatments or more and a strict skin care regime must be followed. Superficial pigment that is treated is unlikely to reappear if the area is protected at all times from UV exposure. Dermal pigment can arise at any time due to hormone changes, medications, medical conditions etc.
- Downtime: Laser pigmentation reduction treatment has minimal downtime. The treatment area can be easily covered with make up (mineral make up is recommended) immediately after if required. Short term darkening of freckles/pigmented spots can occur immediately after treatment and gradually exfoliates with the skins natural process. Some very small spots can last about a week.
- Preparation: The area to be treated cannot have had unprotected sun exposure for at least 2 weeks before treatment and sun protection should be maintained as part of daily skincare routine in order to achieve longevity with results.
- Approximate Cost: From $49 (for spot treatment) up to $349 for full coverage of larger areas.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.