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Pigmentation & Sun Spot Removal
Pigmentation can cause areas of the skin to appear darker or uneven in colour. Sun spots and age spots are common forms of pigmentation that can develop over time, particularly on areas of skin exposed to the sun.
Laser treatment can help reduce the appearance of unwanted pigmentation by targeting pigment within the skin. At Alpha Hospital Group, your skin will be assessed before treatment to determine whether laser treatment is appropriate for your individual concerns.
Conditions Treated
- Pigmentation
- Sun Spots
- Age Spots
- Uneven Skin Tone
- Sun Damage
The problem
Pigmentation occurs when areas of the skin produce more melanin than the surrounding skin, resulting in darker patches or spots.
Sun spots and age spots are commonly associated with cumulative sun exposure and often appear on areas such as the face, hands, chest and shoulders.
Pigmentation can vary in colour, size and depth. Continued exposure to UV light can contribute to existing pigmentation becoming more noticeable and can lead to new areas developing.
Not every pigmented mark is suitable for cosmetic laser treatment. Any new, changing, irregular or concerning lesion should be medically assessed before treatment.
The treatment
Before treatment, your practitioner will assess your skin and discuss your pigmentation and concerns. This helps determine whether laser treatment is suitable for you.
The laser is directed at the areas of unwanted pigmentation. Controlled laser energy is absorbed by the pigment within the skin, helping to break it down. The body then naturally clears the treated pigment over time.
The treated area may initially appear darker following treatment before gradually fading. You may also experience some temporary redness, warmth or sensitivity. Your practitioner will provide personalised aftercare advice and guidance on protecting your skin following treatment.
Benefits
- Can reduce the appearance of pigmentation
- Can target sun spots and age spots
- Can improve the appearance of uneven skin tone
- Non-surgical treatment
- Treatment tailored to your individual skin
- Minimal disruption to your day
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
Sun spots are areas of darker pigmentation that develop as a result of cumulative sun exposure. They are commonly found on areas of skin that receive regular exposure to the sun, such as the face, hands, chest and shoulders.
Age spots are areas of increased pigmentation that commonly develop over time, particularly on sun-exposed areas of the skin. They are also known as solar lentigines.
Laser treatment can significantly reduce the appearance of suitable sun spots by targeting the pigment within the skin. Results vary between individuals and some people may require more than one treatment.
Laser treatment can help reduce the appearance of certain types of pigmentation by targeting excess pigment within the skin. Your practitioner will assess your pigmentation to determine whether laser treatment is appropriate.
Most people find treatment manageable. You may experience a warm or snapping sensation as the laser is applied to the skin. Your practitioner will explain what to expect before treatment.
The number of treatments varies depending on the type and extent of pigmentation, your skin type and how your skin responds to treatment. Your practitioner will recommend a suitable treatment plan following your assessment.
You may experience temporary redness, warmth or sensitivity following treatment. The treated pigmentation may also appear darker initially before gradually fading. Your practitioner will provide aftercare advice and explain what to expect while your skin recovers.
The treated pigmentation may initially become darker before gradually fading as the body clears the treated pigment. The timeframe varies depending on the individual and the pigmentation being treated.
Laser treatment can reduce the appearance of existing pigmentation, but it cannot prevent new pigmentation from developing. Continued sun exposure can contribute to further pigmentation, so protecting your skin from UV exposure is important.
Recently tanned or sun-exposed skin may not be suitable for laser treatment. Your practitioner will assess your skin and advise you on when it is appropriate to proceed.
Your practitioner will advise you when it is appropriate to apply makeup following treatment, depending on how your skin responds after treatment.
Laser treatment may be suitable for some people with sensitive skin, but this will depend on your individual skin and circumstances. Your practitioner will assess your skin before treatment.
Laser treatment is not suitable for everyone. Your practitioner will assess your skin, medical history, medications and the pigmentation being treated before recommending treatment. Any new, changing or concerning pigmented lesion should be medically assessed before cosmetic treatment.