Pigmented Lesions

Pigmented lesions such as age spots and freckles can be successfully lightened or removed with Laser or Intense Pulse Light (IPL). Deeper, larger areas of pigmentation such as birth marks and café au lait marks can be successfully treated with a Q-Switched Laser system. All of these treatments are non-invasive, suitable for both the face and body and will result in a more even skin tone. Clients who choose to have IPL or laser treatments may wish to consider home care products to achieve optimum results.

How do IPL and Lasers work?

The Lumina emits short pulses of filtered light which is readily absorbed by the high concentration of melanin found within the lesion. The absorption of light causes the sun spot or freckle to heat up causing the destruction of the melanin-rich cells, with little damage to the surrounding skin.

How is the treatment carried out?

With IPL treatments a layer of chilled gel is applied to the treatment area. The hand piece is placed on the skin and a short pulse of light is released. This process is repeated until the entire area has been covered. The chilled gel is then removed and the area cooled. No gel is required for the Q-Switch Laser treatments, however, due to the power of the Laser energy delivered into the skin, a small amount of pin point bleeding may occur during the treatment. If this is the case, a dressing may be applied after the treatment to protect the skin.

Am I suitable for treatment?

With the exception of very dark skinned or tanned clients, everyone is suitable. However not all pigmentation can be treated for example, large, dark, mottled or raised pigmentation in which case it is recommended that this is medically checked. Large, dark moles should not be treated, nor should lesions covering a large part of the body. Superficial lesions, such as those caused by sun damage (sun spots) and freckles respond the best to this type of treatment.

How does the treatment feel?

Most clients describe a mild but tolerable discomfort and so no anaesthesia is required.

What should I expect after the treatment?

There may be some redness, warmth and sensitivity in the treated area for a few days post treatment. With IPL treatments the lesions will darken and may appear more obvious before they fade and ‘flake’ away. With laser treatments an initial whitening of the area is seen and over a few weeks the pigment gradually fades.

Are there any side effects?

There may be some initial redness around the pigmented lesion for a few hours to a few days. Very rarely a small blister may form or the skin may become temporarily lighter or darker.

How long does each treatment take?

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

Right hand treated for sun spots
(Courtesy of Perth Laser, Australia)

How many treatments are necessary?

This will depend on the type and size of lesion, but typically 1 to 3 sessions are required at 4 to 6 week intervals.

What are the costs likely to be?

For an idea of prices, see our price guide or for a more specific cost, please contact Zap Laser Clinic and book a FREE no obligation consultation and your practitioner will be happy to advise you.

What do I do next?

Contact Zap Laser Clinic on (0118) 9331212 for further information or to book a FREE no obligation consultation. Alternatively, complete the consultation request to send an e-mail