Medical Grade IPL - Brown Spots & Pigmentation
Types of pigmented blemishes
There are many people who suffer from a variety of pigmented blemishes including freckles (ephelides), sunspots (solar lentigo’s) and pigmented birthmarks such as Café-au-lait macules and Becker’s naevi.
What causes pigmented blemishes?
Pigmented blemishes are caused by a number of factors including genetic predisposition, sun damage, injury, irradiation and hormonal changes.
How are pigmented blemishes treated?
We use a treatment based on the theory of “selective thermolysis”. Melanin is the substance in the body that commonly causes pigmented blemishes to be brown or black. A Laser or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) device is used to produce intense light of a specific (or narrow range) wavelength. This wavelength selectively targets and destroys the melanin in the pigmented lesion while minimising damage to the adjacent tissue.
Can all pigmented blemishes be treated?
Superficial pigmented blemishes such as sun spots or freckles respond well to light treatment. Deeper pigmented blemishes or blemishes associated with hormonal changes respond less well. It is not uncommon for hormonal related blemishes to become darker with treatment.
As a general rule, moles should not be treated. Malignant Melanoma is a dangerous cancer of the skin and often arises from moles. It is imperative that all pigmented blemishes be checked by a doctor to ensure they do not have the potential to become malignant before treating. Your doctor may elect to treat the lesion or recommend the lesion be monitored, biopsied, excised or refer you to a specialist for management.
Is the treatment painful?
Most patients don’t experience the treatment as painful. It has been described as being similar to having a rubber band snapped against the skin. Ice packs can be used after treatment to cool the skin.
How many treatments are required?
The final result and the number of treatments depends on a number of factors including the type of lesion, skin type, the degree of sun tan, size and depth of the vessels and the location to be treated.
Superficial pigmented blemishes often require 3 to 4 treatments to completely remove or significantly fade them. At least 4 to 6 weeks is recommended between treatments.
Some pigmented blemishes, including the deeper pigmented blemishes such as birth marks, may require multiple treatments and in some instances may not respond at all or re-appear after treatment.
Are there any side effects?
Common side effects include temporary darkening of the lesion, redness, swelling and discomfort. These reactions are temporary and usually resolve within a few hours. A light scabbing may form within a few days following treatment. This is expected and will resolve over 1 to 2 weeks.
What should I do before treatment?
If necessary, shave the area to be treated. Arrive early for your appointment and remove any make up, sunscreen or moisturiser containing sunscreen.
Sun light, solariums and tanned skin increase the risk of side effects and reduces the effectiveness of treatment. Ideally the skin should be as pale as possible. So, avoid the sun, solariums and “fake tan” products.
What should I do after treatment?
A moisturiser containing a broad spectrum, high SPF sun screen is recommended. Avoid the sun and solariums for at least 1 month following treatment. The longer this period, the better the result.
Is this treatment suitable for everyone?
Treatment should be avoided, or discussed in detail with your doctor, if you have a dark skin type, are prone to increased pigmentation, have a deep sun tan, or if you intend to spend time in the sun or solarium soon after treatment.
Depending on the colour, permanent make up or tattoos may absorb the light and increase the risk of side effects or reduce the effectiveness of treatment
Is it Expensive?
Costs are also based on the area being treated and the desired outcome, and is difficult to provide an accurate quote unless we actually see the area. Therefore, we suggest you book in for a free consultation with one of our consultants who can explain the procedure in more detail and provide you with a price for a treatment plan
