Pigmentation Reduction

Pigmentation Reduction

As a Clinic we will often choose different lasers according to the different pigmentation conditions, the depths the lasers can reach and will sometimes incorporate both of our lasers for a course of treatment, as both epidermal and dermal pigmentations can both be present at the same time.

The reason for choosing the different laser types is because they provide different wavelengths of laser energy to target the different pigmentation situated in the various skin layers.

Both the Picosure and the Quanta System can be used effectively to treat Hyperpigmentation. Sometimes a treatment plan will utilise the effects of both.

• Picosure also optimally targets melanin to treat a range of pigmentary conditions.

As it works on two different wavelengths – 755nm and 532nm it is able to target pigmentation at two different dermal depths.

Cynosure consider the unique advantage of this is that the pigmented skin incurs minimal thermal damage due to the picosecond pulse duration. – less trauma, less chance of an inflammatory response.

Essentially it removes pigmentation in the same way it removes tattoo ink!

Using the principle of selective photothermolysis, light-based treatment targets different chromophores in the skin. Chromophores (the pigment) selectively absorb the laser or light energy as heat and yield the desired response – to break them down into tiny pieces the body can absorb and dispose of..

These optimal wavelengths of light, clear pigmented lesions by targeting melanin. The damaged pigmented lesions are then cleared by the body. They undergo a mild desquamation and slough off, removing the appearance of the lesion from the skin. Additionally all treatments are entirely customisable with 2-6mm, 8mm, and 10mm spot sizes and have proven clinical validation, with 26 publications and 59 abstracts to date.

Pigmentation Reduction

Traditional lasers predominantly rely on photo-thermal action, delivering heat to the pigment and surrounding tissue – often resulting in damage to the tissue and surrounding tissue areas which does not always repair. In the past, it would be fair to say that the extreme heat from photo-thermal action can scar or leave behind white ghosting in the skin, long after the course of treatment is finished.

PicoSure’s ultra-short pulse duration goes beyond photo-thermal action creating an intense Photomechanical impact, patented PressureWave™, resulting in greater disruption of the target – pigment, for better clearance with fewer treatments, less fluence and without injury to the surrounding skin.

Picosecond pulse width is 100X shorter than nanosecond technology and only ultrashort pulse durations can trigger this photomechanical effect.

Picosecond technology means that the pico laser fires each laser beam much faster than a q-switched laser, and is able to clear most pigmentation faster, and more effectively. The speed of the laser is what generates the photo-acoustic laser energy to shatter and break down pigmentation.

PressureWave Technology is used to shatter the target ink into tiny particles that are easily eliminated by the body.

The Quanta system is different to other Q-switched lasers because it is a short pulsed laser with the technological breakthrough of OPTIBEAM TECHNOLOGY  Optimal Laser Beam Profile.

The Optibeam handpiece generates a perfect Flat Top beam profile with Optical Technology that is able to distribute the power of the laser homogeneously on ALL spot sizes!

This is crucially important technology with regards to Q-Switch lasers as it is this even consistency of power distribution that promotes a healthy and shorter healing time and less negative side effects (burning/blistering/hypo-pigmentation).

The OptiBeam II handpieces –

– can generate different flat-top spot shapes at various sizes.

– Round holographic handpieces are designed to be adjusted to pigmented lesions’ shapes

As a maintenance treatment, the Quanta laser is also often used to prevent pigmentation from appearing after treatment.

Recommended number of sessions

The number of treatments varies – 3-8 treatments on average depending on the type and amount of pigmentation to be reduced/removed.

Typically, the interval between each treatment is about 3 weeks.

Depending on the type of pigmentation, a longer interval might be required if a strong laser setting is used.

After pigmentation reduction, a laser treatment once every few months would be beneficial to maintain the results and reduce any surfacing pigmentation.

Duration of Results

Not all pigmentation can be removed completely  – certain superficial ones can be completely removed, but others, such as melasma or other dermal pigmentation usually get reduced by 70-90%.

The most important thing to note in regards to treatment is to properly identify the type of pigment(s) and choose an appropriate laser with the right settings.

In experienced hands, most pigmentation conditions can be treated very effectively without undesirable side-effects.

Some pigmentation may seem to “come back” after treatment.

However, with good sun protection and proper skin care, these can take years to resurface.

Additionally, ensuring adequate sun and environment protection is applied helps to prevent new pigmentation from forming.

New spots can surface due to existing melanocytes which are not destroyed by the laser as they are part of the skin structure. These melanocytes can produce pigmentation when triggered by factors such as damage from the sun, hormonal changes (such as during pregnancy and menopause), or even stress.

After treating your pigmentation, the occasional laser treatment can also help prevent new spots from forming. Maintenance laser treatments can remove it before they resurface and show on the skin.

However, with time, the effects of hormones, aging skin, and accumulated sun damage can still result in some spots forming.

Treatment Areas

Essentially any area of the body that carries Tattoo Ink – provided it is safe to do so within treatment protocol guidelines, the skin is not broken and regulated eye protection is worn.

Risks and Complications

These can include

• Temporary Skin sensitivity – making the skin more likely to sun damage. Precautions should be taken to protect the skin during the course of treatment and certainly in the 14 days that follow post treatment.
• Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the pigments) can occur if either the wrong laser settings are used or the Client reacts in a hyper-sensitive nature to the treatment. Although this generally resolves itself – we believe the key is to try to avoid it altogether – we actively encourage our Clients to prepare their skin for their laser procedures with the correct skin care that actively lightens the skin and prevents melanocytes from reforming post treatment.
• Scabbing – this usually only occurs when there is damage to the skin and is generally actively avoided when our treatment protocols are applied. (Only a few conditions are suitable for scabbing; such as superficial freckles, solar lentigos (age/sun spots)).