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Pigment Laser
The Ultimate Solution for Pigmented Skin.
What is skin pigmentation?
Skin pigmentation is result of abnormal production and deposition of melanin by the melanocytes. Melanocytes are pigment-producing cells. The number of melanocytes present in our skin will determine our skin colour. Production of melanin is dependent on UV or sun exposure, and is a natural protective mechanism of the skin.
Hyperpigmentation, or areas that are darker than the rest of the skin, result from excess melanin production and deposition.
What causes skin pigmentation?
Excess skin pigmentation or hyperpigmentation is usually caused by an overwhelming of the melanin-protective system. This leads to excess production and clumping of melanin, and the appearance of brown or darker spots of pigmentation in the skin.
Reasons for skin pigmentation problems are;
In most cases, especially in an area of high UV levels like Singapore, this is caused by excessive UV or sun exposure (most common)
Hormonal, as seen in melasma or chloasma that is a type of pigmentation usually caused by pregnancy or the pill (common)
A response to some drugs, and some medical causes such as liver disease or haemochromatosis (uncommon)
Trauma to the skin. This can be a result of physical trauma to the skin, chemical peels, laser treatments, or acne. This is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (common).
Birthmarks and acquired pigmentation - skin pigmentation can be present at birth (birthmarks), appear in childhood, or adulthood. Examples of these include; congenital melanocytic naevus, cafe au lait spots, spilus naevus, hori's macules, and naevus of ota.
What are my options for treating skin pigmentation?
Essentially, pigmentation can be treated with lightening creams or lasers. The main difference between the two is that lasers can produce a faster and more effective result in most cases.
There are however, more risks with the use of lasers as opposed to lightening agents, and these risks include worsening of the pigmentation, or scarring of the skin (very rare). Also, with laser treatment there is always a period of recovery post-treatment. Hence, finding a highly trained and reputable doctor to perform your laser procedure is very important and will result in an enhanced safety for your skin.
Pigmentation can be treated on any part of the body including the face; neck; hands; back; chest; arms; legs; and shoulders.
What type of laser is used to treat pigmentation?
At The Sloane Clinic, we use the RevLite® from HOYA ConBio®, the latest in Q-switched laser technology. ConBio® is an American company who has made state-of-the-art laser equipments since 1992. The RevLite® has been studied in many clinical trials and has been approved by the FDA for the successful treatment of pigmentation disorders.
Are all types of lasers the same?
No. Different types of lasers are used to treat different skin conditions. Even lasers of a similar category but manufactured by different laser companies can give you different results. This is true for equipment from computers to cars, and it certainly holds true for lasers. At The Sloane Clinic, we use the highest grade lasers for all our procedures.
Is the procedure painful?
Most of our patients' feedback is that the procedure is very comfortable. To enhance your comfort, a numbing cream is applied on the skin prior to the laser treatment. The laser feels like a gentle "warm prickling" sensation on the skin.
Is there any downtime?
There is redness of the treated area which may last 3 to 7 days. This will depend on the extent of your pigmentation and the power at which the laser is delivered. You should speak with your doctor to discuss your tolerance for downtime, and they will adjust your treatment level accordingly.
How many sessions will I need?
Depending on the extent of your pigmentation and the treatment level of your sessions, you may need anywhere from 2 to 6 sessions. These treatments are done every 4 weeks.
What can I do to prepare my skin prior to the treatment? What should I do after my treatment?
You skin should not be tanned and you should avoid the use of Retin-A for a week or more prior to treatment. After the treatment, you should be gentle with your skin, and wear a sunscreen of SPF 30 or more daily. You should also use sun protective clothing and avoid deliberate tanning to ensure your skin heals in the shortest possible time.
Pigment Laser is available at all branches of The Sloane Clinic.
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Take note:
Before and after photos of patients have been removed from The Sloane Clinic Singapore as MOH Singapore does not allow such photos to be displayed for local clinics. For patients visiting The Sloane Clinic Malaysia or The Sloane Clinic Vietnam, please refer to their respective websites for their clinics' photos.
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