pigmented and brown lesions
Prior to treatment you must first undergo a consultation where details about your medical history are obtained in order to confirm suitability. Before proceeding you will be asked to sign a consent form and undergo a test patch.
Sunlight, environmental factors and natural aging are some of the factors that can contribute to the development of dark skin pigmentation, sun damage, liver spots and freckles. The main areas of concern on patients are the face, chest and hands: due to the high exposure to the sun; therefore your practitioner may recommended a home care range to use to help prepare the skin prior treatment.
As the sun is the biggest cause of pigmented skin all patients are advised on using a highly protective sun screen after treatments this will not only protect your skin but also prevent any further pigmentation reoccurring.
HOW DOES THE LIGHT AND LASERS WORK?
Intense pulse light systems release short pulse of filtered light that is readily absorbed by the high concentration of melanin found within freckles, sun spots or liver spots. The rapid absorption of light energy heats the melanin and causes the destruction of the melanin - rich cells.AM I SUITABLE FOR TREATMENT?
Most people are suitable for treatment except for very dark skinned or tanned individuals. However, large, dark, mottled or raised pigmentation cannot be treated and may need to be checked by a dermatologist.Large, dark moles should not be treated, nor should lesions covering a large part of the body. The pigmented marks that respond the best are superficial lesions such as those caused by sun damage (sun spots) and freckles.
HOW DOES THE TREATMENT FEEL?
Most patients describe the discomfort as mild and tolerable and no anaesthesia is required.Avalon Laser Clinic has invested in a cooling device called Cryo 5 which is handed to patient to directs the cold air at area of treatment which helps reduce the discomfort considerably.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NECESSARY?
The number of treatments will depend on the type and size of the pigmented lesion but typically 1 - 3 sessions are required at 4 - 6 weeks apart.WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER THE TREATMENT?
The treated area may feel warm and sensitive for the first few days post treatment. With intense pulse light treatments the lesions will darken and may appear more obvious before they fade and flake away. With laser treatment an initial whitening of the pigment gradually fades over the following few weeks.We do recommend a high sun protection as continued sun exposure may encourage the original lesion to return.