These birthmarks are called benign pigmented lesions, even if it’s just a mole or freckles. Some birthmarks are more prominent pigmented lesions that can be bothersome, especially if on the face, neck, or other visible area.
Age spots are caused by excessive exposure to the sun and most adults eventually get them. Some women develop pigmented lesions (age spots) from the hormonal changes caused by pregnancy or birth control pills.
Prior to the development of laser technology, there wasn’t much you could do about pigmented lesions aside from bleaching or make-up. More recently, dermabrasion, cryosurgery, and other techniques have been tried, but they can leave scarring or a visible white, unpigmented area.
Lasers have revolutionized treatment so that many pigmented lesions including age spots can be virtually erased.
What can you expect? Removing age spots may take only one or two laser treatments, while other types of lesions or birthmarks can take more sessions. These 15 to 30-minute sessions are usually spaced several weeks apart.
Most patients do not require anaesthesia during the procedure and describe the laser treatment as feeling like “a series of light snaps with a rubber-band”. Downtime after treatment is minimal and often not necessary at all.
Laser treatment for hyperpigmentation is generally considered to be safe when performed by a trained and experienced professional. However, as with any medical procedure, there is a risk of side effects and complications, such as swelling, redness, and infection.
The number of laser treatment sessions needed to remove hyperpigmentation will depend on the severity of the hyperpigmentation, as well as the type of laser used. Some people may see significant improvement after just one treatment, while others may require several treatments to achieve the desired results.
Before undergoing laser treatment for hyperpigmentation, it is important to inform the treatment provider about any medications you are taking, as well as any allergies or skin conditions you have. It is also important to protect your skin from the sun before and after treatment, as exposure to UV rays can worsen hyperpigmentation.
Laser treatment for hyperpigmentation can be used on all skin types, but the specific type of laser used may vary depending on the patient’s skin type and the severity of the hyperpigmentation. For example, people with darker skin tones may be more prone to developing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin as a result of injury or inflammation) after laser treatment, so a different type of laser may be used to minimize the risk of this side effect.
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