Intense Pulsed Light Treatment for Skin Pigmentation
Sunlight, environmental factors and the natural passage of time all contribute to the development of dark spots, skin pigmentation and freckles. Your face, hands and chest are the first parts of the body to show signs of aging because they receive so much sun exposure. Age spots, skin pigmentation and freckles are forms of pigmented lesions. They are caused by excess production of melanin in the skin by cells called melanocytes.
Lasers and Intense Pulsed Light devices have been used with great success to remove pigmented areas on the skin. Using this state of the art technology, charged energy light is selectively emitted and absorbed by the pigmented areas, sparing the normal surrounding skin. Topical remedies such as bleaching agents, glycolic acid, and retinoids can be tried but usually only treat the visible skin pigmentation whilst doing nothing to treat the cause under the skin.
About Skin Pigmentation & Sun Spots.
Skin pigmentation are spots that usually occur in sun exposed areas on the body. Skin pigmentation can also be known as age and or liver spots. The increased pigmentation of age spots is brought on by aging, over exposure to the sun or other forms of ultraviolet lights.
Liver spots are completely unrelated to the liver or liver function, in fact, liver spots are formed by changes in the skin colour associated with aging.
Skin pigmentation can also occur in pregnant women due to the dramatic hormonal change the body goes through. In some cases skin pigmentation in pregnant women disappears after child birth, however it can have the reverse effect and worsen.
Signs and Symptoms of pigmentation and sun spots
Pigmentation can vary in size and colour however they are usually darker than the skin although they can be pink in colour. Fair skinned individuals are more likely to be affected by moles and freckles which can also be attributed to hereditary factors. Almost everyone has at least some kind of pigmentation whether it be freckles, sun spots, moles or birth marks. There are no real symptoms that cause pigmentation and they may even appear overnight, however in some cases what may appear like normal pigmentation may also be cancerous. Therefore it is imperative that excessive exposure to the sun is approached in a safe manner using a highly protective suncream with an SPF of 30+, whilst those with a history of cancer in the family can be put at greater risk.
Causes of Pigmentation and Sun Spots
Pigmentation is caused by an excessive amount of melanin found in certain skin cells. These skin cells generally carry higher levels of melanocytes which produce the melanin causing the skin to appear pigmented in certain areas.
Pigmentation can be attributed to environmental factors such as:
-Excessive exposure to the sun
-The contraceptive pill
-Hormones
-Pregnancy
-Ageing
-Hereditary factors
Solutions for Skin Pigmentation
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) pulses uses wavelengths of heated light which are directly aimed at the pigmented spots. The advantages of this technology include the fact that the pigment is able to be targeted precisely without damaging surrounding tissue. Skin pigmentation in the face, neck, chest and hands can be treated safely and effectively.
The light energy is gently delivered to the skin in pulses, through a delicate, computer-controlled handpiece. After your IPL treatment, the skin pigmentation or sun spots will gradually fade and slowly disappear, however in some instances the pigment may appear darker as it heals itself whilst in other cases it can flake up in a bid to eliminate the pigment in an external scab form.
The added benefit of the Palomar IPL Technology is that is also works to activate cells in the skin called fibroblasts which stimulate collagen remodeling and new collagen production. Effectively, this helps to rejuvenate the skin, improving its texture, visibly minimising pores and reducing superficial fine lines and wrinkles to reveal a more youthfully hydrated appearance.
What To Expect of the Pigmentation Treatment
IPL treatments are performed with a non-invasive medical system that uses Intense Pulsed Light Therapy to reduce melanin, the dark pigment in your skin.
Beauty by Lizzie uses Intense Pulse Light to destroy Pigmentation - a new and effective treatment called Photo Rejuvenation. With the treatment taking no longer than 25 minutes. I determine an IPL treatment plan based on the individual, taking into account the number and severity of the skin condition being treated, as well as skin type. On average 3 to 5 treatments are recommended at intervals of 2 to 4 weeks. IPL treatments provide gradual, natural improvements with excellent long term results.
Intense Pulsed Light therapy uses multiple wavelengths of light to emit the precise energy level to treat the melanin within the pigmentation. The IPL light pulse is directly absorbed by the pigment in the lesion. The light heats the pigment and breaks it up. The lesion darkens and crusts after treatment and is naturally shed from the skin after approximately ten days after treatment. Our highly trained specialists are able to treat this skin condition with pinpoint accuracy using the IPL computer-controlled system which allows the skin and healthy surrounding tissue to cool down, avoiding thermal damage. Over time and with the right course of treatment, skin pigmentation and freckles become visibly reduced resulting in a more rejuvenated, younger look.
Before the treatment, the client is evaluated to ensure the lesions are benign. A biopsy of the area may also be recommended. Protective eyewear has to be worn by the patient and specialist due to the brightness of the Intense Pulse Light (IPL). During the treatment, I apply the IPL handpiece to the skin, light is then delivered to the skin surface in precise pulses that are typically pain free. Once treatment is completed clients may feel a little heat on the surface of the treated area and some redness, which can last for 1 to 2 hours. In most cases the entire face is treated but that depends on the individual. Results from a full series of treatments last approximately upwards of a year, however, maintenance treatment sessions scheduled at half-yearly intervals will help to prolong results.
What to expect of the treatment
Laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments are non-invasive and pain free, with full-face treatments taking only 20-30 minutes. You will be given a complimentary consultation where I will give you a treatment course to suit your individual needs. The treatment involves simply lying on a comfortable bed while the light technology is applied to the affected area of skin pigmentation. Once the treatment session is over, you can return to your daily routine. This means no downtime or inconvenience.
Results after Treatment
IPL Photo Rejuvenation effectively reduces skin pigmentation in approximately 4-6 visits. Most clients report 70% (or greater) improvement over the duration of their treatment course. Furthermore, there are virtually no side effects, no downtime and no exposure to harsh antibiotics that can affect your immune system. There is nothing to lose and everything to gain with clear, rejuvenated skin using the Laser and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Palomar Technology.
Skin Pigmentation FAQs
What should I expect after the treatment?
After treatment redness and a slight burning sensation is normally expected. To ease these symptoms a cooling pack will be applied to the skin. As a result of the treatment, the lesions will darken making them seem more apparent at first, however the marks will gradually flake away revealing the smooth clear skin underneath. To avoid the reoccurrence of the pigmentation, especially in cases where the pigmentation is caused by sun damage, it is crucial that a sunscreen with an SPF 30+ is worn at all times.
What are the side effects?
Side affects are minimal and usually only temporary. The skin may appear red immediately after treatment and in some cases may result in a scab, however this is all part of the healing process which will eventually heal to reveal smooth, clear and flawless skin.
How long does the treatment take?
The length of each treatment will depend on the type and size of lesion present, but a typical session will take in the region of 15 to 30 minutes.
How many treatments are necessary?
The length and number of treatments will depend on the type and size of pigmented markpresent, but typically 3-5 treatments will be needed. Treatments should take place approximately every 2-4 weeks.
Self care for Sun damage and Pigmentation:
Sufficient Self Care is important after all treatments to not only protect your skin but also prevent further unsightly pigmentation from reappearing.
Some patients occasionally blister, experiencing temporary skin discoloration, crusting and/or reddening of the skin. These conditions usually subside between anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
After the procedure, for the first 48 hours, clients should avoid any strenuous activity, keep the treatment area moist with soothing gels available at Results Laser Clinic whilst avoid any anti-inflammatory or aspirin related medications.
Furthermore, it is paramount to limit your exposure to the sun after the treatment has taken place. All patients' skin will be very susceptible to sunlight, therefore if patients do need to go outside for any reason, SPF 30+ sunscreen should be worn at all times.
