Laser removal of facial pigmentation is an aesthetic treatment that uses laser technology to treat skin pigmentation, such as sun spots, freckles, melasma and age spots. This procedure is effective in improving the evenness and radiance of the complexion by acting directly on excess melanin in the superficial or middle layers of the skin.
In this post, we discuss how to remove skin spots, as well as their causes and how to prevent them. Read on!
Causes of facial pigmentation
There are different causes of skin pigmentation. Understanding the origin of the spots is essential in order to design an effective treatment plan, which is why medical diagnosis is key. There are three main causes of facial pigmentation:
- Sun exposure: this is the most common cause of skin spots, especially in areas that are most exposed to the sun’s rays, such as the face and décolletage. The key to preventing this type of pigmentation is to use sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 50 throughout the year, reapplying it every two hours.
- Hormonal causes: this particularly affects women, who may experience this type of pigmentation during periods of hormonal change, such as puberty or menopause.
- Genetic causes: it is also possible to have a genetic predisposition to developing skin pigmentation, which can increase the risk of sun-induced or hormonal pigmentation.
When is the best time to remove facial pigmentation?
The ideal time to begin laser treatment to remove facial pigmentation is between one and two months after the end of summer. In other words, when the sun is less intense.
Considering that the treatment usually lasts three months, an example of a suitable period would be from December to February or from January to March. The most important factor is that the treatment is carried out between November and May.
How does it work?
The first step is to completely remove the patient’s make-up. In the case of IPL, we apply a cold gel to the area being treated; this gel makes the treatment virtually painless. We can then begin the laser treatment.
The laser emits a beam of light specifically directed at the pigment in the spots. The laser energy breaks down the melanin deposits, which are then naturally eliminated by the body through the lymphatic system or exfoliated by the skin. The most common types of laser used for this treatment are:
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): This is the most commonly used technology for treating facial pigmentation — especially milder spots — or skin with associated redness. It can be applied to the face, décolletage and hands.
- Q-Switched laser: This laser is ideal for treating more severe sun spots, as well as solar lentigines or freckles. It works by emitting nanosecond pulses of light that fragment the melanin, making it easier for the body’s own macrophages to eliminate it.
- Fractional laser: Although it can be used in some cases to remove pigmentation, this type of laser is primarily used to even out skin tone and texture.
The procedure lasts between 20 and 30 minutes per session. After treatment, we apply sunscreen and a soothing cream to reduce the mild redness associated with the procedure.
Benefits
- Visible reduction in dark spots.
- Improvement in overall skin tone.
- Non-invasive procedure with minimal recovery time.
Aftercare
- Use sunscreen daily (SPF 50+).
- Avoid direct sun exposure.
- Follow the specialist doctor’s recommendations to maximise results, including the application of moisturising, regenerating and depigmenting creams.
Results
Results are usually visible after 1–3 sessions, depending on the depth of the pigmentation and the skin type, while deeper spots may require up to 5 sessions. However, it is important to understand that the treatment does not prevent new spots from appearing, so ongoing skincare is essential.
Consult a specialist doctor
It is essential to undergo a personalised assessment to determine the origin of the pigmentation (sun-related, hormonal or genetic). Diagnosis is usually carried out using a Wood’s lamp — an ultraviolet light that allows us to distinguish between different types of pigmentation — or, in some cases, using a dermatoscope.
This medical diagnosis allows us to determine the type of pigmentation we are dealing with and, therefore, which type of laser is most suitable.
RECOMMENDED TREATMENTS
Skin Spots
One of the latest applications of laser technology is the possibility of removing skin spots from the face, décolletage or hands, which are often associated with ageing.
Wart Removal
Using laser treatment, we can remove bothersome warts, moles and aesthetically undesirable lesions in a single session.
IPL. Skin Regeneration
A light-based treatment that combats skin ageing, improving skin tone and texture while reducing pigmentation, redness, enlarged pores and fine lines.
