Lasers And Pigmentation: What You Need To Know
Lasers are powerful equipment that are used widely in medical and aesthetic treatments. Many aesthetic procedures rely on lasers to yield optimum results. Due to its energy-charged laser beams, one common side effect of a laser treatment is pigmentation. This complication happens when the skin reacts to the heat generated by the device and triggers the production of excess melanin. However, not all types of laser leave the skin damaged. In fact, laser treatments are also used for pigmentation removal in Singapore.
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What is pigmentation?
Pigmentation develops in the skin when there is an excessive production of melanin resulting in dark spots on its surface. It is most common in older adults due to ageing, but it can form at any age especially in areas of the skin that are usually exposed to UV rays or the sun.
What type of laser is best used for pigmentation removal?
While certain lasers are effective in pigmentation removal, a laser equipment that can banish all kinds of pigmentation problems does not exist yet.
There are many types of pigmentary disorders and some exhibit symptoms that are similar to each other. Using a laser for pigmentation removal requires an expert to know what type of laser can efficiently remove pigmentation and they must have the right skill in operating the equipment properly. Otherwise, additional damage can be done to the skin.
Lasers used for pigmentation removal work by targeting melanin in the skin. This area of melanin where the laser beam is focused on absorbs the heat up until it reaches a point where the pigmentation is damaged to extremely tiny pieces. These fragments of pigmentation are absorbed by the body and naturally released as waste. As the body begins to heal the treatment area, it produces collagen in the skin, which improves the skin’s elasticity and health improving its appearance on the surface. Lasers used for pigmentation removal have specific settings that allow them to aim solely on the pigmentation and leave the surrounding skin undamaged.
There are different types of laser used for pigmentation removal. Each design is equipped with specialised energy levels and wavelengths to target specific pigmentations while being able to treat various types of skin. The most common types of lasers used for pigmentation removal are:
- Fraxel lasers
- PicoSure lasers
- Q-switched lasers
Fraxel lasers use fractional laser technology for skin resurfacing. This type of laser produces fractional beams that accurately target a certain portion of the skin. This ability enables control of the damage of the energy-charged beams to only affect the parts that it is directed to and leave the tissues around the treatment area free from harm. Fraxel lasers are best used for treating age spots, sunspots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
PicoSure lasers deal with pigmentation problems by forming ultrashort pico-second pulses that reach the depth of the skin and shatter pigments into very small particles while avoiding the surrounding skin from getting burned. The damaged pigments are then discarded by the body and new skin resurfaces as the body heals. PicoSure is a reliable laser for addressing pigmentation flaws like age spots, freckles, hyperpigmentation, and melasma.
Q-switched lasers treat uneven skin pigments by delivering short pulses of light that permeates the skin and breaks down melanin into fine particles. The heat from the laser also stimulates intensive collagen production to brighten, resurface, and tone the skin. Q-switched lasers can remove pigmentation that develop naturally such as age spots, freckles, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and sunspots. It can also remove artificial pigmentation from tattoo inks.
How many laser treatment sessions are needed for pigmentation removal?
The number of sessions to get rid of pigmentation permanently with the use of a laser differs based on the severity of your skin condition. In general, sessions can range between two to six in an interval of three to four weeks to achieve optimum results.
Improvements may be noticeable after a few sessions for some, but there are those who may take a longer time in getting results. This should not be a reason for getting frustrated. The outcome of pigmentation removal using laser technology also depends on the consistency of the treatment and how you take care of your skin following each laser treatment session.
What happens during a session of laser treatment for pigmentation removal?
Laser pigmentation removal is a straight-forward and non-invasive procedure. The time you need to carve out for a session will not take up an entire day. Depending on the size and severity of the area being treated, your session can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.
To start the procedure, your aesthetic provider will clean the skin thoroughly. You will experience a sensation similar to a rubber band snapping on the skin when the laser begins to work its magic on your face. A blower or cooling device is directed to the skin in order to lessen the pricking sensation which can be uncomfortable for some.
How do you prepare your skin for a laser pigmentation removal?
Taking measures to prepare your skin for laser pigmentation removal can greatly help keep it safe from further damage. Here are some tips for preparation:
- Avoid using topical skincare products that are acid-based or those with harsh ingredients
- Keep away from the sun or any product or procedures that expose your skin to UV rays
- Do not get any aesthetic procedure done prior to your laser treatment
- Do not thread or wax the treatment area
How do you care for your skin after a laser pigmentation removal?
The skin will be extra sensitive after each laser treatment. It is important that it is given extra care. Follow these tips to help your skin heal:
- Avoid rubbing, scratching, or touching the treatment areas.
- Gently apply cold compress on the skin to reduce swelling or tenderness and minimise redness.
- Protect your skin by wearing sunscreen with SPF50 as well as clothing or accessories that shield the treatment area from the sun.
- Skip using make up on the parts treated by laser for at least 72 hours to fend off infection.
- Stay indoors or in shaded places as much as possible.
- Use cleansers that are free from any harsh ingredients when washing the face.
Edwin Lim Medical Aesthetic Clinic – Dr Edwin Lim
#02-12/13, Changi City Point
5 Changi Business Park Central 1,
Singapore 486038
By appointment only:
#05-51, Lucky Plaza
304 Orchard Road
Singapore 238863
+65 690042218
+65 96372218 (Whatsapp)
