Hyperpigmentation
Benign Pigmented Lesion

A common skin concern that countless people deal with is uneven skin tone. Benign pigmented lesions are a common cosmetic concern for many patients with a history of moderate sun exposure or photodamage. Hyperpigmentation is a condition where the skin is darker, this can occur in small patches or cover much larger areas of the body. These include freckles, birthmarks, sun damage, age spots & sun spots. We can help to treat hyperpigmentation on your face & body.

At SkinPod Laser Clinic we use state-of-the-art technology, Candela Pro Plus to perform the treatment.

 

Ephelides (a-fel-lee-deez)

• Also known as freckles

• Small brown macules that appear on sun-exposed areas usually during the summer months.

 

 

Lentigines (len-TIJ-ih-neez)

Larger flat brown spots on the face and hands arising in middle age also result from sun damage exposure. Commonly known as age spots or liver spots, the correct term for a single lesion is Solar Lentigo (plural lentigines). It is important to distinguish the harmless solar lentigo which does not turn cancerous from an early malignant melanoma (skin cancer).

 

 

Café Au Lait Spots

Typically light tan to pale brown patches that are seen at birth or soon after.

 

 

Seborrheic Keratosis (seb-o-REE-ik ker-uh-TOE-sis)

People tend to get more of them as they get older. Seborrheic keratoses are usually brown, black or light tan. The growths (lesions) look waxy or scaly and slightly raised.

 

 

 

 

How it works

Melanin / Pigment is highly absorbed by the Alexandrite 755 nm wavelength. Melanin is the pigment/colour that is the target object for this laser. With a 755 nm wavelength, benign pigmented lesions can be treated. This is the epidermal pigment that sits in the top layer of the skin. The light energy which comes from the laser converts to heat, once it’s been attracted to the melanin. Which causes the pigment to shatter, this will result in a micro crust on the surface of the pigment and flake away.

Laser for pigmented lesions works to safely and effectively reduce the appearance of freckles, pigmentation, and post-trauma pigmentation including acne scars and age spots. The laser targets only the pigment in the skin, without damaging the surrounding skin. It is normal for the targeted area to gradually darken by 2/3 shades within the first few days, during this time you will develop a small micro crust which will resolve typically within 1-2 weeks. Gradual fading over 4 – 6 weeks.

 

Preparation

– Consultation required to discuss and assess the area of concern.

– Avoid direct sun exposure/sun beds & tanning products (including fake tan and tanning moisturisers) for at least 2- 4 weeks before treatment.

– Avoid any other Laser, IPL, and Skin Needling/Cosmetic Grade Peels 2 weeks before treatment.

– Avoid electrolysis, facial waxing, and depilatory use 2 weeks before treatment.

– Avoid prescription topical Vitamin A or Hydroquinone 1 week before treatment.

Note: it is normal to get mild discolouration of pigment before it heals after just a few days. The targeted area should gradually darken and may begin to micro crust. The micro crust will resolve typically within 1-2 weeks.

 

Aftercare

– Avoid direct sun exposure for 4 weeks.

– Always wear SPF50+

– For 24 hours post-treatment, excessive sweating, swimming or saunas, very hot showers and tight restrictive clothing.

– Exfoliation should be avoided for at least one week.

– Avoid using any active or high-intensity skincare products for the first 5 days