Pigment Lasers
Which skin conditions can be treated with pigment lasers and what types of lasers are used?
Pigment lasers
I use Q-switched (532nm and 1064nm) lasers to treat a variety of skin conditions. Some common indications for pigment laser treatment include:
- Age spots (solar lentigines)
- Freckles
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
- Café-au-lait spots
- Nevus of Ota
- Hori's nevus
- Becker's nevus
- Melasma
Age spots and freckles can also be treated with Intense Pulsed Light.
Benefits of Pigment Laser Treatment
- Pigment lasers offer precise targeting of pigmented lesions, minimizing damage to surrounding tissue and reducing the risk of scarring.
- Pigment laser treatments are non-surgical and less invasive compared to other treatment options, such as cryotherapy, chemical peels or electrocautery.
- Most pigment laser treatments can be completed within half an hour, depending on the size and complexity of the area being treated.
- Patients can typically return to their normal activities soon after treatment, with only minor side effects, such as temporary redness or swelling.
- Pigment laser treatments often provide long-lasting improvement in the appearance of pigmentation issues.
Risks and Side Effects
As with any medical procedure, pigment laser treatments do carry some risks and potential side effects:
- Pain or discomfort: Some patients may experience mild pain or discomfort during the treatment, which can be managed with topical anesthetics or cooling devices.
- Redness and swelling: Temporary redness and swelling may occur after treatment but typically resolve within a few days.
- Pigment changes: Pigment laser treatments may cause temporary or permanent changes in skin pigmentation, particularly in individuals with darker skin tones. Hypopigmentation (lightening) or hyperpigmentation (darkening) can occur in some cases.
Due to the potential for complications it is always advisable to attend for a small test patch of treatment prior to treating a larger area.
Useful information
Consent Form Pigment Laser
Questions about pigment lasers
What is pigment laser treatment?
Pigment laser treatment targets pigment, such as melanin – the natural pigment responsible for skin coloration, within the skin. The treatment is effective for conditions such as sun spots, age spots and certain birth marks. It can be helpful in some cases for post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma.
How does pigment laser treatment work?
The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser emits short pulses of light at specific wavelengths that target the pigment, such as melanin, in the skin. The pigments absorb the laser energy, causing them to break down into smaller particles, which are then naturally removed by white blood cells.
Is pigment laser treatment painful?
Some patients may experience mild to moderate discomfort during the treatment, often described as a sensation similar to a rubber band being snapped against the skin. Topical anesthetics can be used to minimize discomfort during the procedure, however this is rarely necessary.
How many treatments are needed for optimal results?
The number of treatments required varies depending on the nature of the lesion being treated and the individual's response to the treatment. On average, most patients require a test patch and 1-2 treatment sessions, spaced 4-8 weeks apart, to achieve optimal results.
What should I expect during the recovery period?
Immediately after the treatment the skin may appear whitish grey. Occasionally there will be bruising, blistering or crusting. temporary redness, swelling, and mild crusting in the treated area. These side effects usually resolve within a few days to a week. It is essential to avoid sunlight exposure and to use a sunblock cream for several months after treatment and not to attend for treatment with a suntan due to the increased risk of complications.
Are there any risks or side effects associated with pigment laser treatment?
Risks include temporary or permanent changes in skin pigmentation, scarring, blistering, or, in rare cases, infection. Dr Lynch will discuss these risks with you in detail prior to treatment and will perform a test patch on a smaller area first to assess the response to treatment and any side effects.
How long do the results of pigment laser treatment last?
Often the results can be long-lasting or permanent but top up treatments may be required.
Is pigment laser treatment suitable for all skin types?
Pigment laser treatment can be used in all skin types, however it is safer in lighter skin types and the risks are greater in pigmented skin types since the natural pigmentation can be damaged by the laser light or inflammation from the laser can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. For this reason greater caution is required when treating pigmented skin types.
Can pigment laser treatment be combined with other treatments?
Yes, pigment laser treatment can be combined with other treatments such as pulsed dye laser and non-ablative fractional resurfacing.
How much does pigment laser treatment cost?
The cost of pigment laser treatment varies depending on factors such as the size of the treatment area and the number of sessions required and you will be provided with a quotation following your initial consultation. A guide to prices is available
here.
