Laser pigmentation removal
Laser treatment for pigmentation is one of the most effective methods for eliminating dark spots on the skin. This method, based on the use of light waves of a certain length, allows targeted action on cells containing excess melanin. There is no damage to surrounding tissues. Go through the procedure at the K+31 clinic
specialists
equipment
treatment
Indications for laser treatment of hyperpigmentation
Laser for removing age spots is recommended in a number of clinical situations when standard methods are less effective. The main indications include:
- Age changes. As we age, the skin loses its ability to regenerate. This leads to the appearance of lentigo - dark spots. They form especially often in open areas of the skin.
- Improper nutrition. Lack of vitamins and minerals contributes to the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
- Taking certain medications. Some drugs (antibiotics and hormonal agents) increase skin pigmentation.
- Diseases of the endocrine system and gastrointestinal tract. Disturbances in the functioning of these systems lead to changes in pigmentation.
- Exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Excessive exposure to the sun or visiting a solarium causes increased pigmentation.
- Mechanical and chemical damage to the skin. Skin trauma (cuts, burns, and exposure to harsh chemicals) causes post-traumatic hyperpigmentation.
Laser treatment can eliminate various types of spots (in particular, freckles, lentigines, chloasma, moles and nevi).
The procedure for laser removal of age spots can be performed at any age. It is important to take into account that under 18 years of age it is prescribed only in exceptional cases. The best time for laser treatment is the cold season (October-May). This is due to the fact that exposure to ultraviolet radiation after the procedure can provoke the reappearance or intensification of hyperpigmentation, and in the fall and spring the sun is quite weak.
More about the procedure
Effect
The results of laser removal of spots on the face are usually noticeable immediately. The number of sessions required varies depending on the depth and darkness of the pigmentation, but on average 1 to 6 treatments are required at 3-week intervals. As a result of the pigment spot removal procedure, the skin looks cleaner and more uniform. Not only pigment spots disappear, but also other defects (acne, scars and post-acne).
To prevent the reappearance of age spots, it is important to protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation. To do this, it is recommended to use creams with a high level of SPF protection (from 30 to 50) and avoid direct sunlight during the most active hours (from 12 to 16 hours). It is also necessary to promptly diagnose and treat possible internal problems - for example, disruptions in the endocrine system: such pathologies contribute to the appearance of pigmentation.
A laser for pigment spots can be effectively combined with other procedures - for example, peelings, plasma lifting, filler injection, mesotherapy, elos technologies, biorevitalization and fractional rejuvenation. These procedures help improve the condition of the skin, strengthen the results of laser treatment and prolong its effect. The optimal break between procedures is 2 weeks - this helps prevent skin overload.
Features of the procedure
Laser pigmentation removal requires careful preparation and precise execution of each stage. A month before the session, patients are advised to avoid sunbathing and use sunscreen when going outside. This is necessary to reduce the risk of increased pigmentation after laser exposure.
2 weeks before the procedure, you should refrain from visiting the pool, bath or sauna, and also avoid scrubbing, chemical peeling and applying makeup. It is also important to stop taking certain medications that can affect the skin's sensitivity to laser radiation.
Next, an initial consultation with a specialist is carried out. In this case, the doctor assesses the condition of the skin, determines the phototype and identifies possible contraindications. This helps to select the optimal laser parameters and develop an individual treatment plan.
The procedure begins with cleansing the skin of makeup and applying an antiseptic. If necessary, a local anesthetic is applied to sensitive areas of the skin.
Moles and other sensitive areas are protected with a special cream. During laser treatment, the client wears safety glasses. The cosmetologist carefully directs the laser beam to pigment spots and treats the necessary areas. At the same time, a person feels a slight tingling and warmth in the areas affected by the laser. At the end of the procedure, the specialist cools the skin and applies an anti-inflammatory balm.
Immediately after laser pigmentation removal, swelling and redness appear. These are normal skin reactions and usually go away within a few days. An important point is the formation of crusts at the sites of removed pigment spots. You should not remove them yourself as they will fall off naturally.
To protect the skin during the recovery period, it is recommended to use sunscreen. After the procedure, you should also avoid hot baths, saunas and baths and use gentle skin care products without alcohol.
Side effects
The main side effects of using a laser for pigmentation are redness and swelling of the skin. They are usually temporary and go away within a few days after the procedure. Additional negative reactions:
- Painful sensations. During and after the procedure, patients may experience a slight tingling or burning sensation. These sensations usually pass quickly.
- Skin exfoliation. Laser exposure causes exfoliation in the treatment area. This is a normal skin reaction to treatment.
- Temporary change in pigmentation. In rare cases, the procedure may result in either lightening (hypopigmentation) or darkening (hyperpigmentation) of the skin. These changes are usually temporary.
- Scar formation. This is a very rare side effect. It occurs if laser treatment was carried out on sensitive areas of the skin.
In exceptional cases, allergic reactions (itching or urticaria) occur to the components of creams or other products used during the procedure. They disappear after taking an antihistamine.
Other injection cosmetology services
Appointment to the doctor
Mechanism of action of laser treatment
Pigmentation spots on the skin occur when melanocytes - cells that produce melanin and protect the skin from UV rays - cluster in certain areas of the epidermis.
The laser targeting these spots uses the principle of photothermolysis. Melanocytes absorb the energy of laser radiation, as a result of which they heat up and are destroyed. This process leads to the gradual exfoliation and disappearance of dark spots.
Advantages of laser pigment spot removal:
Usually, after removing age spots on the face, the dark spots first turn red and then gradually peel off. Patients can see noticeable improvement after the first treatment. However, several sessions are required to achieve optimal results.