Background

Just about everyone has a few obvious brown spots on their skin. Freckles, age spots, liver spots, and various birthmarks are just a few of the commonly known marks, generally referred to as pigmented lesions. Although most brown spots are easily ignored, many are quite conspicuous and can detract from your skin’s natural beauty.

A few scattered freckles on the face might be considered cute, but when years of sun damage begin to add up, the results are anything but. Most pigmented lesions can be directly attributed to overexposure of the sun's damageing ultraviolet rays. Preventative measures should always be taken by using sunblock 30+ and avoiding the midmorning and midday sun. This won't correct any damage already done, but it can help keep pigment problems from getting any worse.

Melanin is what gives our skin its color. Dark or light complexioned, we all have varying amounts of melanin. Pigmented lesions are dark in colour 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 damageing rays.

Pigmented lesions can be successfully lightened or removed with modern laser technology. A laser removes pigmented lesions with the energy of light. A laser is designed to produce one or more specific light wavelength, which are absorbed by the pigment. Pigmented lesions are either lightened or removed when the laser light passes through the skin and is absorbed by abnormal concentrations of melanin. The rapid absorption of light energy causes the melanin to destruct to a point where the melanin concentration is reduced, leaving the treated skin looking uniform in colour and texture.

FAQs

What is Pigmentation?
Pigmentation is skin discolorations, appear as a blotchy, brownish pigmentation on the face and body. It is especially common in women aged 30 to 50.


What causes pigmentation?
Sun exposure is the major cause of pigmentation.  When exposure occurs following the use of deodorant soaps, scented toiletries, and various cosmetics, this can also produce more severe pigmentation. This is called a phototoxic reaction and is due to ultraviolet radiation being absorbed by the chemical substance (perfume, cologne and other types of fragrance) on the skin. This pigmentation often extends down to the sun-exposed areas of the neck and may be more pronounced on the right side of the forehead, face and neck due to sun exposure whilst driving a car.

Repeated pregnancies can cause and intensify pigmentation.


What types of pigmented lesions will the laser remove?
The laser is most commonly used for removing brown age spots, ‘liver spots’, freckles and many brown birthmarks. At your consultation we will identify your specific type of lesion and discuss the removal success rate associated with it.


How does it work?
The light of the laser is selectively absorbed by blood and pigment. It passes harmlessly through the skin and gently heats the vessel to destroy it.


What results can I expect?
Treatments will result in improving the texture/tone of the skin and improvement of pigmented imperfections. Textural improvements are often accompanied by improvements in skin elasticity.
How many treatments are required?

At least 50% of all common pigmented lesions are removed with one treatment.  Whilst impressive results are obtained after a single session for darker pigmented lesions, additional sessions may be required. Lighter pigmented lesions may require multiple treatments.


Is it safe?
Complications are rare, although crusting of the treated pigment is to be expected. Skin lightening or darkening may occur, especially if tanned skin is exposed to laser. It is advisable to wear sunblock during the month before and after laser treatment.


Is it permanent?
Yes. Treated pigmented lesions should not re-appear. Laser treatments, however, do not prevent the formation of new lesions.

Common pigmented lesions do not return. Some birthmarks may return after a period of several months to a year. However, the procedure can be repeated with similar results.

Why doesn't the laser remove my normal skin pigmentation also?
The laser light was designed for its properties that selectively target dark concentrations of melanin.


Is the laser treatment painful?
The laser emits light in very short bursts called pulses. The impact of the energy from the powerful pulse of light is similar to the snap of a thin rubberband.

If you have a low pain threshold, you can elect to use topical aesthetic cream, which greatly diminishes the potential for discomfort.  One common type of aesthetic cream is called EMLA. It is most effective when applied about 45 minutes prior to the procedure.

Is cosmetic treatment with the GentleLASE system an alternative to plastic surgery?
More than eighty percent of cosmetic treatments are non-surgical. With surgical treatments such as facelifts quickly becoming a thing of the past, new non-invasive alternatives to achieve younger, smoother skin is now just a laser treatment away.

 
What type of post-treatment care is necessary?
A shower can be taken the next day, but avoid scrubbing the treated area. Since most common pigmented lesions are caused by exposure to ultraviolet sun rays, it is imperative that you avoid prolonged sun exposure during the healing process.

Results are seen within 2 to 30 days, depending on the lesion and exact type of laser use.


Can I still wear make-up?
Yes, you can re-apply make-up immediately after the procedure.

Photos

Pigmentation Before	Pigmentation After

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