Pigment Removal
Sun spots, liver spots, freckles and other unwanted pigmentation are often associated with skin ageing and over exposure to the sun or sunbeds. From the age of about 40 the skin is less able to regenerate from sun exposure and age spots start to appear. Generally these age spots pose no health risk, however they can be unsightly and create a patchy, less youthful appearance. Freckling and age spots are successfully lightened or removed with Laser or Intense Pulse Light.
Birthmarks and other deeper, larger areas of pigmentation can be successfully treated with a Q-Switched Laser system. All of these treatments are non-invasive, suitable for both the face and body and will result in a more even skin tone.
How do Intense Pulsed Light and Lasers work?
Intense Pulsed Light systems release short pulses of filtered light that is readily absorbed by the high concentration of melanin found within freckles, sun spots or liver spots. The rapid absorption of light energy heats the melanin and causes the destruction of melanin-rich cells.
How is the treatment carried out?
With Intense Pulsed Light treatments a layer of chilled gel is applied to the treatment area. The light applicator is placed on the skin and a short pulse of light is released. The applicator is then moved to the neighbouring area and the process is repeated until the entire area is treated. The chilled gel is removed and the area cooled. No gel is required for the Q-Switched Laser treatments, however, due to the power of the Laser energy delivered into the skin, a small amount of pinpoint bleeding may occur during the treatment, and a dressing may be applied after the treatment to protect the skin while it heals. During treatment protective eyewear will be provided.
What should I expect after the treatment?
The treatment area may feel warm and sensitive for the first few days post treatment. With Intense Pulsed Light treatments the lesions will darken and may appear more obvious before they fade and ‘flake’ away. With Laser treatment an initial whitening of the area is seen which quickly fades and the pigment gradually fades over the following few weeks.
Are there any side effects?
The skin that surrounds the pigmented lesion may become red immediately after treatment. Most people experience no other side effects and the redness usually disappears without hours to a few days. Very rarely a small blister may form or the skin may become temporarily lighter or darker.
How many treatments are necessary?
The number of treatments will depend on the type and size of the pigmented lesion but typically 1 to 3 sessions are required at 4 to 6 week intervals.
To help prevent new pigmentation forming we strongly advise the use of a good sunscreen such as PRIORI Daily Defense SPF30
Most people are suitable for treatment except for very dark skinned or tanned individuals. However, large, dark, mottled or raised pigmentation cannot be treated and may need to be checked by a dermatologist.
Large, dark moles should not be treated, nor should lesions covering a large part of the body. The pigmented marks that respond the best are superficial lesions such as those caused by sun damage (sun spots) and freckles.