Pigmentation Removal With Laser: What To Expect
Pigmentation can appear out of nowhere.
One morning you wake up and look in the mirror, and you can see little brown patches across your forehead and dotted around your face. These unwanted dark spots can build up over time and damage your self-confidence.
But pigmentation doesn’t have to be permanent. PicoSure is the most advanced laser treatment for pigmentation removal. You can get clearer, younger-looking skin without the downtime and side effects of more invasive laser treatments.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about PicoSure pigmentation removal.
What Is Pigmentation?
Pigmentation is the colouring of your skin. Melanin is the pigment produced in your skin cells that determines the colour of your skin. When your body produces too much melanin, it causes hyperpigmentation, resulting in darker patches of skin.
Change in pigmentation can appear on almost any part of the body but usually appears on the face and other areas exposed to the sun’s powerful UV rays.
While hyperpigmentation isn’t harmful, it can make you appear older than you truly are.
What Causes Pigmentation?
There are lots of different causes for changes in pigmentation. However, for most people, pigmentation is caused by an excess of melanin. When too much melanin is produced in an area of the skin, it leads to discolouration and noticeable pigmentation.
The most common causes of pigmentation include:
- Sun exposure
- Genetics
- Change in hormones
- Birthmarks
- Damage to the skin
- Medical conditions
- Medications
Sun exposure is one of the leading causes of hyperpigmentation. This is because sun exposure triggers the body to produce more melanin to protect the skin. This is why your skin becomes darker after exposure to sunlight – a suntan.
Overexposure to the sun’s UV rays causes excessive creation of melanin which is deposited in the skin, resulting in hyperpigmentation.
Is PicoSure Laser Good for Pigmentation?
PicoSure laser treatments are the best way to treat hyperpigmentation. You can remove freckles, sun-damaged skin, pigmentation, and age spots without the downtime and risks involved with more invasive cosmetic treatments.
In a clinical study published in the Annals of Dermatology, PicoSure laser sessions were shown to be an effective treatment for melasma and pigmentation. PicoSure also has a much lower risk of adverse side effects when compared to other laser therapies.
How it Works
Your clinician can target the discolouration with PicoSure laser energy. Because the discolouration is darker than the surrounding skin, it attracts and absorbs the laser energy.
Unlike some laser therapies, PicoSure laser treatments do not damage the surrounding skin. The laser energy is delivered in one trillionth of a second. The short burst of energy doesn’t heat the skin like traditional laser treatments.
The excessive melanin deposits in the skin are shattered into tiny pieces. Your body can then naturally remove the shattered pigment from your skin, leaving you with a clearer and even-toned complexion.
A laser treatment session usually lasts around 30 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated and the type of pigmentation.
What Happens After the Treatment?
Laser treatments are the fastest way to remove hyperpigmentation, but it still takes time to see results. Pigment will darken for 1-3 weeks following the treatment, then will begin to fade.
Immediately following a laser session, you may experience redness, tenderness, and mild swelling. Many clients say that the sensation is similar to the effect of sunburn. You may want to use a cold compress on the area to make it feel more comfortable.
It’s important that you don’t rub or scratch the area to avoid any side effects and allow the skin to heal properly.
Many people go straight back to work and social activities immediately following treatment. Any side effects should subside within a day or two of treatment. During this time, you should avoid applying any skincare products or makeup that could irritate the skin.Do I Need To Prepare?
You should avoid any laser treatments, skin needling, or chemical peels for 2 weeks before the procedure. It’s also important to protect your skin with sunscreen and avoid direct sun exposure in the week leading up to your laser session.
Your clinician may also recommend that you stop certain medication and topical skin creams a week before treatment as they can increase the light sensitivity of the skin.
If you take regular medications and/or use high grade or prescription skincare it is best to consult with our clinicians prior to your treatment.
Does Laser Pigmentation Removal Hurt?
The level of discomfort can depend on the location of the treated area and the type of pigmentation. PicoSure is a much more gentle laser treatment. Most people do not require anaesthetic and describe the sensation as similar to an elastic band flicking against the skin.
We also use a skin cooling system to minimise any discomfort.
Is There Any Downtime?
There is no downtime associated with PicoSure laser pigmentation removal. You don’t need to book any time off work or cancel any social plans. However, to allow your skin to heal your clinician will recommend that you avoid the following for the next 24 hrs, strenuous exercise, saunas, hot tubs, chlorinated pools and do not expose the treated area to direct sunlight.
Your skin will be more sensitive to sunlight immediately following treatment, so you should apply SPF 50 sunblock before leaving the clinic.
How Many Laser Sessions Are Needed for Pigmentation?
The number of sessions you will require will depend on the depth and type of pigmentation you want to treat. We usually recommend a series of up to 6 sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart to achieve the best results. You will see an improvement after each session.
During your free consultation at b clinic, your clinician will provide a personalised treatment plan for your aesthetic goals.
Will Laser Pigmentation Removal Work for My Skin Type?
It’s essential that you see a qualified practitioner for any laser treatment. During your consultation, your clinician will determine the type of pigmentation and your skin type before recommending a treatment plan that will provide the best results.
Does Pigmentation Return After Laser Treatment?
You will require a series of laser sessions to remove pigmentation from the skin. After each session, you will see an improvement as more of the melanin deposit is shattered and flushed away by the body.
Pigmentation can return as several factors cause discolouration of the skin, including sun exposure. However, you can maintain your results for longer and stop pigmentation from appearing by protecting your skin from the sun with SPF 50 sun cream, by using high quality skincare at home and avoid prolonged exposure.
Check out our guide to sun-damaged skin treatments to learn more about your options for treating pigmentation and other visible signs of sun damage.
How Much Is Laser for Pigmentation?
For a limited time only, you can get a full face PicoSure laser rejuvenation for $320.