1. What are pigmented lesions?
2. Can pigmented lesions be treated by laser?
3. Why doesn't the laser remove my
normal skin pigmentation also?
4. Is the process painful?
5. How many treatment sessions will
it take to remove the pigmented lesion?
6. Can the excess pigmentation come back?
7. What type of post-treatment care is necessary?
1. What are pigmented lesions?
Just about everyone has a few obvious brown spots on their skin. Freckles, "age spots", "liver spots", and various birthmarks are just a few of the commonly known marks generally referred to as pigmented lesions. Although most brown spots are easily ignored, many are quite conspicuous and can detract from your skin's natural beauty. Melanin is what gives our skin its color. Dark or light complexioned, we all have varying amounts of melanin. Pigmented lesions are dark in color simply because melanin is abnormally concentrated in one area of the skin. High concentrations of melanin can be due to various factors. Some types are present at birth, but most occur with age or as a result of overexposure to the sun's damaging rays.
2. Can pigmented lesions be treated by laser?
Pigmented lesions can be successfully lightened or removed with modern laser technology. Your physician will identify your specific type of lesion and discuss the removal success rate associated with it. Important: The laser cannot be used for the removal of lesions that are cancerous or suspected of being cancerous. If there is any doubt, your physician will discuss the appropriate treatment methods with you.
3. Why doesn't the laser remove my normal skin pigmentation also?
The laser light of the Q-Switched, Frequency Doubled Nd:YAG laser was designed for its properties that selectively target dark concentrations of melanin. If after the abnormal concentrations of melanin were removed, and treatment continued on abnormal skin, some whitening could occur. However, your body's natural regenerative system would replace the normal melanin after a period of time, returning the skin to its natural state.
During the treatment you will feel a tingling sensation. After the treatment the area will feel warm. Typically, within a day or so, any discomfort disappears. The area may remain reddened for two to four weeks. After the redness clears, the skin is returned to its natural smooth coloring and texture.
5. How many treatment sessions will it take to remove the pigmented lesion?
At least 80% of all common pigmented lesions are removed with one treatment. If a lesion covers a large area, your physician may want to treat the area in several stages, to avoid unnecessary discomfort.
6. Can the excess pigmentation come back?
Common pigmented lesions do not return. Some birthmarks may return after a period of several months to a year. However, the procedure can be repeated with similar results.
7. What type of post-treatment care is necessary?
An antibacterial ointment will be initially applied to the area. A shower can be taken the next day, but avoid scrubbing the treated area. Since most common pigmented lesions are caused by exposure to ultraviolet sun rays, it is imperative that you always wear sunscreen. Failure to wear sunscreen will allow further sun damage to occur and result in new pigmented lesions. Your physician will recommend the appropriate level of sunscreen protection for your specific skin type.
For additional information, call our Patient Care Coordinator at (650) 325-1511, or send email to mdmg@mdmg.com.