Medical Laser therapy against pigment spots and hyperpigmentation
Medical Laser therapy against pigment spots and hyperpigmentation
Q-switched pigment laser for dark acne spots and pigment spots
Dark pigment spots can remain after acne. that fade only slowly. Especially on skin who easily produce pigment, can these discolorations remain visible for a long time. Some other pigment spots are also located deeper in the skin than you can see on the outside.
At Medikadermis I work with the Q-switched Nd:YAG 1064 nm pigment laser of the Lumenis M22. This laser emits very short, powerful light pulses emitted with which selected pigment structures treated specifically can become.
The 1064 nm wavelength penetrates relatively deep by and is absorbed less strongly by melanin in the epidermis than various shorter wavelengths. Therefore, this laser can at certain pigment problems are also interesting for a darker skin type.
The combination of a relatively deep penetrating wavelength and very short Light pulses make this laser interesting. for the targeted treatment of selected pigmentations. Even when IPL is unsuitable due to skin type I can judge whether it is less suitable. whether treatment with 1064 nm is possible.
Not every dark spot is suitable for laser treatment. Especially with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after acne it is important to to prevent new pigment formation.
Can the pigment laser treat dark spots after acne?
After an inflamed pimple, the skin can produce extra melanin. When the inflammation has disappeared, sometimes remains a brown, grey-brown or darker spot behind.
We call this post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). The discoloration can happen on its own. gradually fade, but Sometimes that takes months. or even longer.
For selected pigment spots can the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser be a treatment option. In doing so, I first assess the position of the pigment, the skin type and the chance on new pigment formation.
Because PIH specifically after an inflammation arises, a laser is not automatically my first choice. Sometimes I prefer to start with suitable skincare, sun protection or a other, milder treatment.
Read more about red and brown spots after acne .
What makes the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser different?
The Q-switched Nd:YAG module of the Lumenis M22 works with a wavelength of 1064 nm. The energy is released in very short pulses of a few nanoseconds.
As a result, among other things, a photoacoustic effect: pigment structures can by the short energy pulse be fragmented.
The smaller pigment particles can subsequently in the period after the treatment gradually be processed by the body.
That is a different method than IPL, where a broader light spectrum is used and heat generation plays an important role.
Why is 1064 nm interesting for deeper-seated pigment?
Pigment is not always located at the same depth. Some pigment spots are located especially in the epidermis, while other pigmentations also deeper in the dermis can be present.
The wavelength of 1064 nm penetrates relatively deep. As a result, the Q-switched can Nd:YAG laser at selected deeper pigmentations be interesting.
Deeper penetration means however not that every pigment spot better with this laser is being treated. The diagnosis, pigment depth and properties of The pigmentation remains the determining factor.
Why might this laser be interesting for darker skin?
With a darker skin type is located naturally more melanin in the epidermis. For light and laser treatments can this normal skin pigment also absorb energy.
The 1064 nm wavelength becomes relatively less strong by epidermal melanin absorbed than various shorter wavelengths.
Therefore, I can at certain pigment problems and a darker skin type rather a Q-switched Nd:YAG treatment then consider IPL.
That does not mean that the treatment is without risk. With this laser, too, actually more or less pigment and other skin reactions occur. A thorough skin analysis therefore remains necessary.
Which pigment spots can be treated with a laser?
Depending on the skin condition Can I get the Q-switched pigment laser? consider, among other things, for:
- Selected dark residual spots after acne.
- Certain forms of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Separate, clearly defined pigment spots.
- Certain sunspots and age spots.
- Selected deeper pigmentations.
- Certain pigmentation problems in darker skin types.
Not every dark skin abnormality is a harmless pigment spot. In the event of an unclear, changing or unusual spot can first assessment by a doctor or a dermatologist may be needed.
When should I choose IPL instead of the pigment laser?
On lighter, non-tanned skin with many superficial pigment spots spread over a larger area IPL can be an interesting choice.
IPL uses selected light wavelengths and can thereby treat a larger skin surface area. When also superficial redness is present, that can be taken into account in the choice for IPL.
The Q-switched pigment laser is particularly interesting when the targeted action of the very short laser pulses, the relatively deep penetration whether skin type is relevant.
Both technologies are available at Medicadermis. During an introduction I assess which treatment fits best.
What if you still have active acne or real acne scars?
When there are still regular new inflammations develop, I'll first check how we the active acne can to deal with.
New inflammations can after all, dark again cause residual stains.
Depending on the type of acne the treatment plan may consist from acne therapy, cleansing, peelings or IPL with the specific acne filter.
Look at treating acne at Medicadermis .
And what if you have pits left over?
A deepened acne scar is a change of the skin structure and not exclusively a pigmentation problem.
For that, I can, for example, SkinPen microneedling, a medical TCA treatment or consider ResurFX.
Read more about treating acne scars .
What can you expect after the pigment laser?
The skin can immediately after the treatment temporarily to be red, warm, or sensitive. The treated pigment can initially be darker or become more clearly visible.
After that, the skin gets time to recover. The reaction differs per type of pigment, skin type and treatment intensity.
Good UV protection is important. You will receive personal aftercare advice about skincare, sun protection and when active skin products can be used again
How many treatments are needed?
That depends on the type pigment, the depth, your skin type and the reaction to the treatment.
Sometimes there are multiple treatments needed. I assess during the trajectory always again how the skin reacts.
When should I not treat pigment with the laser?
Treating a pigment spot I not automatically because he is dark. In the event of an unclear, changing or deviating skin abnormality can first assessment by a doctor or a dermatologist may be needed.
Also active skin infections, certain medication, recent sun exposure and a highly irritated skin can be a reason to postpone the treatment.
At PIH there is extra Caution needed. A new one that is too strong stimulus can again cause pigment formation.
Melasma also asks to a separate assessment and is not automatically suitable for pigment laser treatment.
Which treatment size should I choose: XS, S, M, or L?
The treatment size is based on the total skin surface area. that needs to be treated. The images give an impression. of the different sizes. The final choice depends depend on the location and distribution of your pigment spots.
XS
Extra small – up to 5 × 5 cm
A single pigment spot or a few dark residual spots within a small area.
S
Small – up to 10 × 10 cm
Multiple pigment spots within a smaller part of the cheek, chin, or jawline.
M
Medium – up to 14 × 14 cm
A larger treatment area with multiple pigment spots, for example a significant part of one cheek.
L
Large – up to 17 × 17 cm
An extensive treatment area with multiple pigment spots, for example virtually a full cheek.
Are you unsure about the right size? During a free introductory meeting, I assess which pigment spots are suitable for laser treatment and which surface was actually treated must be.
The current price appears when you selects the desired product variant.
Are your dark acne spots suitable for the pigment laser?
Not every brown spot asks for the same treatment. I am looking at the cause of the pigment, the suspected depth, your skin type and the chance of new pigment formation.
After that, we will discuss or the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, IPL or another approach is suitable for your skin.
Not available
Personal guidance disclaimer
A Fair Use Policy applies to personal guidance, including video calling, whereby medicademis reserves the right to limit the number of contact moments at its own discretion in the event of excessive demand for support (i.e., a structurally higher number of contact requests than the average for our other clients), and to communicate this unilaterally before proceeding to do so. Naturally, this reservation does not apply should complications unexpectedly arise after the treatment.