Just about everyone has a few obvious spots on their body they wished they could conceal. Freckles, birthmarks, moles, and age spots are just a few of many skin marks called pigmented lesions. There are various minimally invasive treatments available for individuals to choose from if they prefer to get rid of these spots.
Pigmented Lesions: What are they?
Pigmented skin lesions often refer to spots on the skin that are brown, black, or blue in colour. The abnormal accumulation of melanin in one particular area of the skin causes the dark colour of pigmented lesions. Many factors can contribute to high melanin concentrations. Several types are developed at birth, while most occur over time or as a result of extensive sun exposure; making them very common.
Laser treatment:
Laser Dark Spot Removal is a fast, simple, and minimally invasive treatment option to remove Pigmented lesions. The Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) procedure is one of the most common laser treatments to target dark spots. By dispersing melanin in the darkened area, IPL treatments can reduce the appearance of spots and hyperpigmentation. Through a natural process, the lymphatic system then clears the pigment fragments, ultimately resulting in the removal of the lesions. The treatment typically takes approximately 3-5 sessions for mild freckles and age spots and can last for many years. However, other pigmented lesions, such as melasma and birthmarks, will often require multiple sessions and require a more intense type of treatment.
Procedure Time Frame:
The length of each treatment will depend on the type and size of the lesion. However, a typical session lasts between 10 and 30 minutes. As mentioned, the number of sessions required will probably depend on the results one wishes to achieve. Generally, dermatologists cannot provide an exact timeframe for when patients will start seeing results. The window of time is very personal and dependent on the individual’s skin and the depth of the lesions.
It is understandable that one would feel insecure about the visibility of their pigmented lesions, however, it is crucial to recognize that these marks on the skin are very common and that there are various treatments that can either fade or eliminate them entirely. Additionally, taking preventative measures such as reduced sun exposure and the use of SPF can limit the development of pigmented lesions.
Written by: Tali Pinsker