Laser Solution
for Pigmentation
What is Pigmentation?
Pigmentation is caused by an excessive amount of melanin found in specific cells on the body’s skin. These cells usually carry a higher level of “melanocytes”, which produce the melanin that causes individual areas of skin to become discoloured. Numerous factors can cause the appearance of pigmentation. The most common is excessive sun exposure and hereditary factors, but they can also be caused by hormonal changes such as pregnancy and the use of the contraceptive pill.
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Pigmentation is a skin discolouration that appears as a brown or pinkish marks on the face and body that are darker than your natural skin colour. Almost everyone has some form of pigmentation, whether it be freckles, sun spots, birthmarks or moles.
By using a highly calibrated laser system, we can use high-energy laser light to improve areas of skin pigmentation and discolouration. The laser light passes into the skin at a particular wavelength.
It eliminates pigmentation in the skin and works with your body’s lymphatic system.
Before the treatment
Prior to commencing treatment, we will organise a patch test to ensure your treatment is effective. Once we see how your skin reacts to treatment, we can begin the treatment plan or we can suggest alternative treatments.
Do not wax the area, do not use fake tan and do not have sun exposure on the area for 2 weeks prior to treatment, in order to protect your skin. Avoid sun exposure, and particularly getting any sun burn for 4 to 6 weeks prior to your treatment.
After the treatment
After your laser treatment you might experience the following:
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Erythema (redness), edema (swelling), scabbing, flaking, irritation or blistering in the treatment area will most likely occur. This may persist for several days. A white-gray discoloration of the treatment area may appear immediately following treatment and last for a few minutes to a few days.
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The pigmentation in the area of the skin treated may darken, lighten, fade or even appear to have no change immediately post treatment. Laser pigmentation removal works by eliminating pigment in the surface of the skin through the body’s lymphatic system. On average, it takes 4-6 weeks for your body to process the pigment. Multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired results.
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Avoid sun exposure to the treatment area throughout the course of your laser treatments. If sun exposure is necessary, keep the treatment area covered with a non-adherent bandage. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, and do not use UV tanning beds at all for four weeks after treatment.
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Once per day use a gentle soap to cleanse the treatment area and pat dry. To keep the treatment area moist, apply aloe vera gel for 3-5 days post treatment, or until the treatment area is healed.
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If scabbing occurs, it is very important not to pick, shave, rub, scratch or aggressively wash the area to prevent possible scarring. If blistering occurs, do not drain blisters. Allow them to dry and heal on their own. Care should be taken to prevent trauma to the treated area for the first 7 to 10 days following treatment.
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Physical exercise (aerobics, sport activities) should be discontinued for 1 to 2 days after treatment. Rough physical activities (playing football, netball, rugby) should be discontinued for 10 days post treatment.
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We will arrange your next treatment and assessment.
Frequent Questions
Will laser pigmentation removal work for my skin type?
During your laser pigmentation removal consultation, both your pigmentation and skin type will be determined by your laser technician to determine which laser and treatment duration would be best for both your type of pigmentation, as well as your unique skin type. Our extensively trained laser technicians understand that each patient and their skin type requires individualised care and attention to receive the best results for their specific treatment.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments will depend on how large the pigmentation is, what type of pigmentation is being treated, and the depth of the pigmentation. Some pigmented lesions will require several treatments for optimal results. However, some pigmentation issues can be resolved during a single treatment.
Can all pigmentation be treated and does the procedure hurts?
We can safely treat any benign hyperpigmentation, including freckles, sun spots, age spots, and café-au -ait birthmarks. The degree of discomfort varies with each person depending on the depth of the pigmentation, the location on the body and the type of pigmentation being removed. Cooling packs are always provided to enhance comfort.
How often can treatments be performed?
The frequency of your pigmentation removal appointments will be based on clinical judgment. During your complimentary consultation, a customised treatment plan will be developed to determine the recommended number of treatments and the intervals at which they should be performed. For most clients this ranges between 4 to 6 weeks.