Pigment laser treatment
Sun age spots, freckles and melasma are common pigmentary problems amongst Asian skin. They occur due to genetics, hormonal changes or prolonged sun exposure. Often, photodamaged skin has a dull and uneven appearance. And they make you look much older than you really are. There are many options to treat pigmentation on the skin. And laser treatment is one of them. Read on to find out more.
How pigment laser treatment works?
Our skin contains pigment known as melanin. Melanin is responsible for our skin, hair and eye colour. The cells which produce these melanin are known as melanocytes. When our skin is exposed to long hours of sun, melanocytes are stimulated to produce more melanin. Therefore, the first step to skin protection is sun avoidance and to apply sunscreen regularly. Lightening creams can also be used to inhibit the production of more melanin by these melanocytes. These creams are often recommended to be used with medical lasers for better results. Laser treatment work by targeting both superficial and deep layers of our skin to break down excess melanin. These are then removed by our body own natural processes. After several sessions of laser treatment, the pigmentation will lighten as more of such melanin is broken down and removed.
How long do I see results?
This depends on the type of pigmentation you have. Freckles and sun age spots are superficial pigmentation. These usually improve after one to two sessions. On the other hand, melasma usually take more monthly sessions to treat. Known as the mask of pregnancy, melasma can be cosmetically distressing for some. Despite melasma being a common problem among Asian women, many do not know they can seek laser treatment to improve their condition. Besides freckles, sun age spots and melasma, there are also other less common forms of pigmentary problems. You should get a medical opinion before deciding on your choice of treatment.
To find out if you are a suitable for laser treatment, make an appointment with our doctor. We will assess your condition and suggest a customised solution for your pigmentation.
Call us now for more information on pigment laser treatment.
SIGN UP OUR 3 STEP PROGRAM FOR $330* (For New Patients)
Customized Perfect Clear 3 Step Program to treat:
✔ Pigmentation such as freckles, sun age spots and melasma
✔ Oily skin, open pores and pimples
✔ Saggy skin which requires firming and tightening
✔ Suitable for all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin
Price is inclusive of doctor’s consult and discussion of treatment plan.
OUR DOCTOR
Dr Donna Chow, Medical Director, Arium Clinic
Dr Donna has more than 10 years of experience in the field of Aesthetics Medicine. She graduates with a medical degree from National University of Singapore and holds two post graduate diplomas in Family Medicine and Dermatology (Distinction).
She is certified by the Singapore Medical Council Aesthetic Procedures Oversight Committee in the administering aesthetic injections, chemical peels, lasers for pigmentation, skin resurfacing and hair removal, non surgical skin tightening treatments and non invasive body contouring treatment. Click here to read more about her.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prepare myself for procedure?
You do not need to prepare for laser treatment. On your consultation day, come bare-faced so that we can see your skin better. It is important to apply sunblock before and after any laser procedure, so try to remember that. If you have forgotten to bring yours, we will apply sunblock for you after laser. You can also apply light makeup after that.
Is pigment laser treatment painful?
Contrary to popular belief, laser treatment is rather painless. You do not need numbing cream before the procedure. During the laser, you may feel a light pricking sensation on the skin. Sometimes, we will apply a hand piece which emits chilled wind to make you feel more comfortable. You will hardly feel any discomfort.
How long is the downtime after laser treatment?
It is common to experience mild redness after the laser treatment. Your skin may appear to be a little more sensitive than usual for a day or two. If you are being treated for freckles or sun age spots, you may notice the spots darken for a few days before it starts to lighten. This is normal. Otherwise, there is no downtime and you can resume work right after the treatment.
Do I need to follow up with creams after procedure?
We recommend our patients to use Arium Essentials Perfect Clear in conjunction with laser treatment for optimal results. This is a gentle lightening cream to reduce skin melanin production by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase. Our doctor may also prescribe hydroquinone creams as a spot treatment for stubborn pigmentation. Follow the advice of the doctor and use the cream according to directions given. If you are unsure, do not be afraid to call us for clarification.
How do you monitor my progress after procedure?
We will take serial photos of your skin throughout the treatment sessions. Hence, we are able to monitor your progress and compare outcomes. We will keep your photos secured within our medical records database.
Will weekly or more frequent laser help my pigmentation clear faster?
We do not encourage frequent pigment laser. Our skin takes time to break down the melanin and heal in between treatment. Frequent medical laser may damage our melanocytes and result in hypopigmentation. This happens when our cells stop producing our skin colour and gives a white out appearance. The white spots may take a long time to recover or not at all. Our doctor will be able to give your advice on how frequent you should come in for pigment laser.
Will the pigment return after I stop laser treatment?
It depends on your type of pigmentation and its cause. Some patients are more prone to develop pigmentary problems than others. Long term maintenance of your skin is important to prevent recurrence. We advocate a combination of lightening cream and sun protection to prevent pigment. Some patients may also continue regular laser treatment as part of their skin rejuvenation regime.
Are you able to do pigment laser on sensitive skin or private areas?
We do have requests for laser treatment on sensitive areas such as underarms or bikini lines. However, some areas may respond better to topical lightening creams, chemical peels or intense pulsed light (IPL). Our doctor will assess the pigmentation over such areas and discuss with you on your treatment options.