Removal of pigment spots on the face, neckline and hands
Human skin has different nuances – brown, yellow, red and blue, due to the three pigments in it: melanin, carotene and hemoglobin. Skin illnesses where the main clinical symptom is increased synthesis and pigment accumulation are called hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation most often is located on the face, back of the arms, shoulders and neckline, and can be divided into localized and/or diffuse, but according to their origin they may be:
– congenital – for example, freckles
– lentigo – the so-called age spots, small, rounded, clearly defined, light to dark brown spots with a size of 1mm to 1cm in diameter. These may be single or multiple
– acquired – melasma, sunspots, drug-induced pigmentation
What is laser therapy for pigment spots LIKE?
• Progress in laser technology over the last three decades has provided to dermatology non-ablative laser systems (Nd: Yag, IPL, etc.) as an excellent alternative for visible elimination of pigmentation spots.
• IPL® phototherapy has established itself as an extremely effective system for treating hyperpigmentation and age-related skin changes, with excellent clinical and histological results.
• During the treatment, the light energy entering the tissues is absorbed by specific substances called “chromophores” (melanin in the skin). It is transformed into heat and leads to selective destruction of the target pathological cells.
Which areas can be treated?
With this technology, hyperpigmentation changes on the face, neck, neckline, and hands can be treated.
What is the treatment like?
The duration is different, depending on the area of the body to be treated. The face needs about 20 to 30 minutes. The treatment does not require the use of analgesic medication.
How does the patient feel after the treatment?
• After manipulation, the patient feels light burning, pinching and redness. Some pigment spots (with stronger shades) darken, and within 3 to 4 days, fine crusts form, which are left to fall by themselves.
• It is important and absolutely mandatory for the patient to use high SPF 50 photoprotective creams at least 2 months after the end of the last treatment.
• It is recommended that treatments be combined with bleaching creams throughout the course of therapy at the discretion of your dermatologist.
How many treatments are necessary?
The number of treatments is determined depending on the type and colour of the pigment spots. Typically, the therapeutic effect (pigment fading) is achieved gradually, within 2 to 4 treatments, with more or less treatments needed in some patients. The interval between treatments is 3 to 4 weeks.
Which is the most suitable time for the treatment?
It is desirable that this type of therapies take place during the seasons in which our skin is not exposed to direct sunlight. These are: autumn, winter and early spring.
What are the contraindications to the treatment?
• pregnancy
• the presence of open wounds
• the presence of a tan from recent exposure to sun or solarium
• patients who are going to have sun exposure within 30 days of the last treatment
• active herpes and other skin infections in the area of the treated area
• malignant skin formations
• a tendency to keloid formation
in case of systemic intake of drugs that increase the sensitivity of the skin to the rays, etc.