PIGMENTATION LASER: ADVANCED LASER TREATMENT FOR CLEARER SKIN

Understanding Pigmentation And Hyperpigmentation

Skin pigmentation is the natural coloring of the skin, determined by the amount and type of melanin produced by specialized cells called melanocytes, essentially the more melanin present, the darker the skin tone will be, while less melanin results in lighter skin tones. The causes can be due to direct exposure to sun, hormonal changes, aging and medical conditions. Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition that causes darkening of the skin. Some skin types develop stubborn pigmentation more easily due to genetics, which can influence the amount of melanin produced, making certain skin tones naturally more prone to hyperpigmentation, particularly darker skin tones with higher melanin levels that react more strongly to triggers like sun exposure and inflammation, this is the reason why some people are darker often more susceptible to noticeable pigmentation issues.

What Is Pigmentation Laser Treatment?

The hyper-pigmentation laser treatment works by using concentrated beams of light to target and break down excess melanin deposits in the skin, causing the pigmented areas to fade and resulting in a more even skin tone. There are types of treatment ablative and non-ablative. The laser therapy targets by using beam lights, breaking it down into smaller particcles that are then naturally eliminated by the body, resulting in a more even skin tone and reduced appearance of dark spots. Laser treatments, chemical peels and topical treatments are all effective ways to improve skin texture, tone, and appearance. The best treatment depends on skin type, concerns and goals.

Types Of Laser Treatments For Pigmentation:

There are two types of laser treatments ablative and non-ablative lasers.

1. Ablative laser: These are used to remove the outer layer of skin and stimulate collagen growth. They are used to treat wrinkles, age spots, acne scars, and sun damage. Types of ablative lasers are carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers, Erbium lasers, and combination systems.
2. Non-ablative laser: These are a type that uses light to improve skin appearance. They are less aggressive than ablative lasers, and have a shorter recovery time. It is a combination of other treatments with chemical peels and botulinum toxin injection.

Ablative vs. non-ablative lasers

Ablative lasers are considered more aggressive, completely removing the outer layer of skin by vaporizing tissue, resulting in more dramatic results but a longer recovery time, while non-ablative lasers heat the deeper skin layers without removing the epidermis, offering milder improvements with minimal downtime; essentially, ablative lasers are used for more severe skin concerns and require significant recovery, whereas non-ablative lasers are better for mild issues with minimal downtime.

Popular laser treatments

1. Q-switched laser: This uses ruby crystal as its medium. This laser selectively disrupts melanosome through emission of wavelength and is pigment-selective. So QSRL is effective in pigmented facial lesions, such as melisma, nevus, and lentigines and etc.
2. Pico laser: It is a type which uses aesthetic laser that delivers ultra-short pulses of energy, allowing for fast results in treating various skin damage by precisely targeting pigmented lesions or damaged cells without causing significant heat damage to surrounding tissues.
3. Fraxel laser: It is considered ideal for treating both fine lines and pigmentation issues, as it uses fractional laser technology to stimulate collagen production, effectively reducing the appearance of wrinkles while also targeting areas of hyperpigmentation and sun damage on the skin.The cost of pigmentation laser treatment in India can range from around 3000 Rs to 10000 Rs per session, which depends on the type of laser and the severity of pigmentation.

Benefits Of Laser Treatment For Hyperpigmentation

1. Laser treatment removes pigmentation at a deeper level by using specific wavelengths of the light that are precisely absorbed by melanin, causing it to heat up and break down into smaller fragments that are then naturally eliminated by the body.
2. Chemical peels are used to treat wrinkles, discolored skin and scars. They can be done alone or combined with other cosmetic procedures. They can be done at different depths from light to deep. Deeper chemical peels offer more dramatic results but also take longer to recover from. These skin treatments are more beneficial over traditional one
3. Suitable for all skin types is designed to be gentle enough to use on any skin type which implies the product has been formulated with ingredients that are considered safe and unlikely to trigger allergic reactions or other adverse effects, typically backed by research and dermatologist testing.

Who Is The Right Candidate For Laser Therapy?

Someone who is experiencing stubborn pigmentation  issues like acne scars, wrinkles, sun damage, birthmarks, hyperpigmentation, spider veins or unwanted hair, as laser treatment can address these concerns by targeting specific tissues within the skin. It is also important for an individual to consult a best dermatologist because each and every one will have different skin type and concerns. A topical treatment for some issues is hydroquinone which lightens the skin effectively reduces the dark spots in skin. A product labeled is also not recommended for everyone who has skin issues, likely contains ingredients that could irritate or inflame, often including strong exfoliants like high concentrations of AHAs or BHAs which can be too harsh for the skin.

Procedure And Recovery: What To Expect?

1. Before the skin laser therapy avoid excessive sun exposure for at least 2 weeks before the treatment, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and discontinue using harsh products before few days.
2. During the skin therapy treatment one might experience some mild discomfort or pressure, but most treatments are not designed to be painful. It depends on the treatment you prefer, the doctors provide medication or other relaxation technique measures.
3. After the treatment use proper UV protection which is important to prevent PIH skin spots from darkening and new ones from forming. Avoid sun when possible, wear protective clothing and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 and 8% zinc oxide every day, reapplying every 80 minutes to protect skin pigmentation.

Side Effects And Risks Of Laser Treatments

1. Common side effects of skin laser treatments include redness, swelling, itching, pain and changes in skin color. People with brown or black skin have a higher risk of long-term skin color change.
2. To minimize risk and optimize healing after a skin laser avoid direct sun exposure, using high SPF sunscreen daily, applying topical medications, gently cleansing the treated area, avoiding harsh skincare products and refraining from activities that could irritate the skin.
3. Choosing a dermatologist over a medspa for professional skin treatment is very much crucial because they are the doctors with extensive training to diagnose and treat a wide range of skin conditions, including medical concerns, while a medspa focuses on aesthetic treatment.

Why Choose Regencare Dermatology For Laser Treatments?

Regencare offers FDA approved laser treatments with expert dermatologist. Dr. Aswathi Mohan, MD in Dermatology. She is also a cosmetologist who have more than 3 year experience in this field. The doctor assess and examines the infection in patients and approaches on the specific concerns which include advanced regenerative treatment aspects, all designed to address issues like acne, wrinkles, hyper pigmentation, dryness or sensitivity, with a dermatologist guiding the process to ensure optimal result.