What is Laser Pigmentation Treatment?

There are many factors associated with pigmentation. Your pigmentation may be traced to several factors ranging from excess melanin production to sun damage, acne scars, and hormonal fluctuations. Living with pigmentation can be frustrating, especially if it comes with some form of stigma or makes you vulnerable to bullying. Pigmentation disorders are common skin conditions, though, so you shouldn’t feel lonely in this struggle. There are several options when it comes to pigmentation treatment, and laser treatment is one of the options that are most likely to be recommended. Check the lasers commonly used and how it works here: https://edwinlimclinic.sg/aesthetic-treatments/laser/pigmentation-laser/.

Can Laser remove pigmentation?

Laser pigmentation treatment is one of the pigmentation treatment options that stand out in terms of the effectiveness at clearing pigmentation. It achieves this through beams of light targeted on the affected skin areas to treat pigmentation.  In this treatment, your dermatologist may recommend either ablative or non-ablative lasers. Your skin type will most likely influence the choice of the type of laser to use on your skin.  For instance, the ablative laser may be recommended for you if you have fair skin. The difference between ablative and non-ablative lasers is in how they work.  In pigmentation treatments involving ablative lasers, the treatment will involve removing layers of your skin. The non-ablative laser treatments, on the other hand, help diminish pigmentation appearance by stimulating collagen growth. If you’re considering laser treatments for your pigmentation, you will need a consultation visit to your dermatologist to examine your skin and look for any contraindications which may put you at risk of complications after treatment. If your dermatologist gives you the green light to proceed with laser pigmentation treatment, here are some of the core guidelines you will need to follow when preparing for the treatment. Sun Exposure: You will need to significantly limit sun exposure to the affected area for around four weeks before your treatment. Importantly, you will also need to avoid UV tanning beds during this 4-week preparation period.  Besides sun exposure, you will also be advised to discontinue any self-tanning skincare products 14 days before the scheduled treatment date. You will also have any residual self-tanner removed before your treatment. Sunblock: Besides limiting sun exposure, you will also be advised to use a broad-spectrum sunblock. It should have an SPF of 30 and beyond, and you will need to use it daily when both indoors and outdoors. Photosensitive Skin Care Products: It is also prudent to avoid any skincare products known to cause photosensitivity on the pigmented areas before your treatment. When cleaning those areas, you can always use gentle cleansers and lotion. Cleaning: On your treatment date, you will be requested to visit the clinic after freshly bathing or showering. Importantly, you will need to avoid applying any lotion, creams, fragrances or oils on the pigmented areas of your skin. If the target treatment area has excessive hair, you can shave it before your treatment.

What Happens During Laser Pigmentation Treatment

When getting the laser pigmentation treatment, your provider will give you special protective eyewear for the treatment. This is to protect your eyes from laser energy which may be harmful to your eyesight. You can expect this treatment to be complete within just 15 minutes. This may, however, change depending on the size of the treatment area. During the treatment, you may experience some level of discomfort, which is manageable. Depending on your pain threshold, you may be given painkillers to take before treatment to minimize discomfort though this is almost always unnecessary.

What Happens After Laser Pigmentation Treatment

There is a myriad of changes and effects that will happen after your treatment. The post-treatment effects are usually mild and should not bother you unless they appear to be out of the ordinary. Here are some of the important things you can expect after your laser pigmentation treatment.

• Discomfort

This is usually mild, and most patients find it manageable. If you find it unsettling, you can use ice packs or cold compresses to suppress the pain. You may also use pain relievers to reduce the discomfort.

• Scabbing

It is rare for scabbing to occur after laser pigmentation treatment, but it is natural to get them still. It is advisable that you don’t pick on the scabs, scratch, rub them or aggressively wash the treated area.  Such activities may increase the risks of scarring in the treatment area. Importantly, if you experience blistering on the treated area, you should avoid draining the blisters; the best thing you can do in this case is to let them dry and heal naturally.

• Redness and Swelling

You may also experience swelling, reddening and flaking in the treatment area. These post-treatment effects are also natural. You may also notice a white-gray discoloration of the skin on the treated area. This effect may appear immediately after treatment and last for a few minutes or days following the procedure. You may also observe darkening, fading, or no change immediately after your laser pigmentation treatment. You shouldn’t fret at these changes and give your skin time to recover and the pigmentation to disappear. You may need to give your body between 4 and 6 weeks to process the pigment effectively. Depending on the type of pigment you were dealing with or the severity of your condition, you may need multiple treatments to get the best results you desire from this treatment.

Laser Pigmentation Treatment Post Treatment Care

There are a few essential things your skin doctor will want you to observe to get the best from your treatment. Real quick, here are three post-treatment care guidelines you shouldn’t overlook following laser pigmentation treatment.

• Do not exposure the laser-treated areas to the sun for the entire course of your treatment. It would help if you wear sunblock throughout the day to avoid any risk. You will also need to avoid hot baths or showers and tanning beds etc.
• Use gentle soap in cleaning the treated area. After cleaning, be sure to pat it dry and keep it moist until it’s fully healed.
• Avoid intense activities or physical exercises for 24-48 hours after your treatment. If you engage in rigorous sports, for example, football, you may need to discontinue your engagement for around ten days.

Take Away

Laser pigmentation treatment is one of the best skin discoloration remedy. Nonetheless, every patient has unique skins and it may not be ideal for you depending on factors like medical history of diseases like skin cancer. If you’re considering laser, drop us an email now to schedule your consultation and determine if it’s the best for you.