LASER PIGMENTATION REMOVAL IN BURY ST EDMUNDS

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

If hair is in the treatment area is must be shaved 24-48 hours before treatment

Do not use perfume products, makeup, deodorant, creams, oils on the relevant area 24 hours before each treatment.

Do not wax, bleach, pluck, or have electrolysis for at least 4 weeks prior to treatment. Shaving the area is okay!

Avoid exfoliation treatments or products containing retinol or strong AHA fruit acids 1 week prior to treatment.

Avoid wearing tight clothing when attending treatment

Avoid sun exposure for 4 weeks prior to treatment.

No false tan for at least 2 weeks before treatments

Use a minimum of spf 30 on exposed areas as laser cannot be applied on an active tan. But do not use sun block 24 hours prior to treatments.

Drinking coffee an hour or two before treatment may cause a heightened sensation whilst treating.

Most patients describe the discomfort as mild and tolerable.

The length of each treatment will depend on the type and size of lesion present, but a typical session will take 10 to 30 minutes.

Light is released in short pulses that are readily absorbed by the high concentration of melanin found within pigmented lesions. The rapid absorption of light energy heats the melanin and causes the destruction of the melanin-rich cells.

The treated area may feel warm and sensitive for the first few day’s post treatment.

The lesions may darken and may appear more obvious before they fade and ‘flake’ away.

Sometimes an initial whitening of the area is seen which quickly fades and the pigment gradually fades over the following few weeks.

Avoid sun exposure for a minimum of 7 days to reduce the risk of side effects and adverse events. - If sun avoidance is impossible apply a SPF 30+ every 2 hours.

Make-up and products can be applied immediately after the treatment.

You may resume most activities immediately after treatment.

The skin that surrounds the pigmented lesion may become red immediately after treatment.

Most people experience no other side effects and the redness usually disappears within hours to a few days. Very rarely a small blister may form or the skin may become temporarily lighter or darker.

The number of treatments will depend on the type and size of the pigmented lesion but typically 1 to 3 sessions are required at 4 to 6 week intervals.

Avoid touching the area

If a slight reaction occurs, please apply Aloe Vera gel or antiseptic cream.

Apply a cold compress to the area to soothe

Please avoid hot baths/showers/steam baths/saunas/exfoliating treatments 1 week after treatments.

No exercise for 24 hours

Avoid swimming in strong chlorinated water for a few days