Pigmentation Treatments
Skin pigmentation disorders can be defined as conditions that cause the skin to appear darker or lighter than normal or discoloured or blotchy. There are two major forms of skin pigmentation disorders; hypopigmentation and hyerpigmentation.
What causes abnormal skin pigmentation?
Skin pigmentation disorders occur when the body produces either too little or too much melanin - a pigment that gives skin, eye and hair colour. Hypopigmentation is caused by a lack of melanin in the body and can lead to conditions such as albinism. Albinism is an inherited condition and presents itself in various forms, but individuals with this condition generally have pale hair, eyes and skin.
In case of hyperpigmentation, there is an excessive production of melanin, which causes the skin to become darker than usual. This condition can be caused by various factors such as drug reactions, poor nutrition or too much sunbathing. Scars and wounds can also develop darker patches of skin.
How does laser treatment work?
Laser treatment consists of intense light that is projected in a series of short pulses. This light is then successfully absorbed by melanin contained within freckles or sun spots (lentigines). As these pigmented lesions become heated after absorbing the light, the lesions begin to disintegrate, causing minimal damage to the surrounding skin. Post treatment, these affected areas become darker and begin to form crust which will gradually fall off over a period of time.
Who is eligible for skin pigmentation treatment?
Except for tanned or dark skinned individuals almost anyone can be treated for skin pigmentation disorders. However, large, dark moles and some pigmented lesions that cover a large part of the body should not be treated at all. Superficial lesions caused by sun damage (sun spots) and freckles are the most responsive type of pigmented marks to laser based treatments.
What are the side effects?
Considering the visible light is very safe, there is no need for special precautions apart from wearing glasses to protect your eyes from the brightness. The skin of some treated individuals will turn red immediately after this laser treatment, but this redness disappears in a matter of few days. Very rarely will you have cases of blistering, hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.
Preparing for skin pigmentation treatment
Patients should avoid getting a tan and not use any kind of fake tan six weeks before and during the entire treatment period in order to prevent excessive discomfort due to light absorption in the epidermis. The skin will become very sensitive to UV light, so strong sunlight should be particularly avoided for two to three weeks post-treatment.
Businesses in Melbourne treating skin pigmentation via laser
The Victorian Cosmetic Institute (Templestowe)
Manningham Medical Centre
Level 6, 200 High Street
Lower Templestowe
Victoria 3107
(03) 8850 0655
The Victorian Cosmetic Institute (Berwick)
Suite 2, 72 Gloucester Avenue
Berwick
Victoria 3806
(03) 9707 0888
The Ashley Centre
4 Burke Road
Malvern East
Victoria 3145 Australia
Tel (+61 3) 9569 3511