Pigmentation Removal Sydney NSW
What types of lasers are used for clearing pigmentation?
The main lasers used for benign brown pigmentation removal are our Q- switched Ruby and Nd:YAG lasers. They are very good at selectively targeting deeper skin pigmentation.
Other options for removing certain sun damage pigmentation or more superficial pigmentation are our IPL, BBL and fractional lasers.
What type of pigmentations can be removed?
Simple freckles, larger brown sunspots and flat brown birthmarks are the most commonly treated pigmentations.
Many moles are not suitable for laser treatment. Especially large moles, irregular pigmentation or recent changes in colour/size. These need a biopsy to ensure they are not melanomas. If our doctors are not sure about a pigmented lesion they may refer you for a skin biopsy before proceeding with laser treatment.
Does laser treatment remove the risk of cancer?
The answer is not so clear but it is best to assume it will not remove the risk of cancer later on. This is because we do not have any confirmation that the laser has removed all the pigment cells. An excision of the lesion can be sent to pathology to check for complete removal.
Is there any down-time after laser treatment?
Treatment of a few smaller pigmentation spots will heal relatively quickly and with minimal crusting. On the face, any darker crusting of treated areas usually peels off after 5-7 days. Make-up can often be used to cover the areas. Treatment of larger areas will be associated with noticeable swelling and redness of the treated area, which may take 7 to 10 days to heal.
How many times will the pigmentation need treatment?
Simple superficial pigmentations, like freckles, will generally only require 1 treatment. Deeper-seated pigmentation marks may need two or more repeat treatments to get the best results. The interval between treatments is 6 -8 weeks.
