Do you have sunspots or freckles on your face? Facial skin discolorations are a sign of damaged skin, but you’ll be glad to know that these spots are usually harmless. However, if hyperpigmentation is a problem for you, laser skin resurfacing is one of the most effective ways to tackle it. But there are several choices available, so most people don’t know which is the best laser to fade facial discoloration and improve hyperpigmentation.
Understanding Hyperpigmentation
Young, healthy skin is generally uniform in color, but years of UV exposure can lead to the formation of discolorations such as sunspots, freckles, and dark spots. Hormonal fluctuations and certain medications can also play a role. These factors can cause the body to produce excess melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin its color.
Melanin absorbs UV light and this helps to protect the body from the harmful UV rays. However, excess sun exposure can accelerate the production of melanin. When too much melanin is produced it does not disperse evenly, but builds-up in different areas of the skin. Hyperpigmentation refers to the dark spots that appear on the skin as a result of this.
Skin discolorations such as sunspots, melasma, and age spots won’t fade on their own, and may gradually get darker with more sun exposure. While there are a range of treatment options that can combat the problem, laser skin resurfacing is certainly the most advanced.
Laser skin resurfacing for hyperpigmentation
There are a variety of laser technologies now available for the treatment of hyperpigmentation, and the laser used will depend on the type of pigmentation being treated.
Lasers with long wavelengths penetrate deep into the skin and target the pigmented areas which are heated up, and eventually destroyed. There are also lasers with shorter wavelengths that work better for superficial discolorations. The laser energy is absorbed only by the cells that contain the excess pigment, so it does not harm the surrounding tissues.
Even the most difficult facial discolorations can be effectively treated with laser resurfacing, but the right laser must be used. That’s why it’s necessary to consult with anexperienced board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist, who can evaluate yourhyperpigmentation, concerns, and suggest the most suitable treatment.
GentleLase PROby Syneron-Candela
The GentleLase PRO is a comfortable, efficient skin resurfacing treatment that is suitable for all skin types. It is a 755nm long-pulsed alexandrite laserthat emits intense bursts of light that target the pigmented spots, without affecting the upper epidermal layer of the skin or the surrounding tissues.
The laser energy is delivered via a small handpiece and the heat breaks down the pigments, which are subsequently absorbed by the body. The skin initiates a wound healing response to the laser’s action, and this leads to the formation of new collagen.
The GentleLase Pro is equipped with the Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD), which cools the outer epidermal layer of the skin, while regulating the temperature in the inner dermal layer. DCD delivers uniform cooling with every pulse, and this helps to protect the skin, and also minimizes thermal injury. As a result, patients experience very little discomfort during the GentleLase PRO treatment.
The GentleLase skin rejuvenation treatment takes about 30 minutes on average, and most people require 2 sessions to achieve optimal results.
GentleLase can be performed on its own, or in conjunction with other skin rejuvenation treatments.
Recovery
There may be some redness and swelling after treatment, but this usually lasts only a few days. The treated pigments are usually darker in color after treatment, and will gradually flake off during the following week.
Patients should avoid direct sunlight for up to 7 days after treatment. It is also important to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least 30SPF when going out in the sun, as the skin is particularly sensitive after a skin rejuvenation treatment.
While there is no downtime after treatment, it’s advisable to have laser skin resurfacing done at least 2 weeks ahead of any social event you plan to attend.
Are you interested in laser skin resurfacing treatment for hyperpigmentation? Contact Accent Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Tupelo, MS for more information.
Call 662-377-6290 today to schedule a consultation with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Craig.