Melasma is a common skin pigmentation condition affecting many Asians. The appearance of Melasma can range from small-pigmented patches on the cheeks, to involving the forehead, nose, upper lips, and jawline. Many factors contribute to Melasma. There may be a genetic susceptibility if there is a family history of Melasma. Melasma is commonly observed in pregnant women, and is coined the ‘Mask of Pregnancy’. The treatment of Melasma remains challenging and is associated with a high recurrence rate. Treatment options include topical lightening agents, chemical peels and Laser treatments in refractory cases. Our Laser Pigmentation Removal Program can help melasma that is not responding to lightning products.
A sunspot (solar lentigo) is sometimes called a liver or Age spot, but it is a misnomer, as it has nothing to do with any liver disease, but gets more common as we age. It’s a completely benign condition, but can be cosmetically displeasing. Solar lentigines are common in fair-skinned individuals and occur on sun-exposed areas such as the face, back and forearms. They are larger in size compared to freckles, appear as oval to round flat areas of pigmentation, and can increase in size, number and colour with age and sun exposure. As with freckles, sun protection is important. Lightening creams can improve the appearance of the solar lentigo to a certain extent. Laser pigmentation removal is effective and safe for all skin types.
Pigmented lesions arise from a wide range of natural and environmental sources including photodamage, genetic makeup, and the aging process. They may also manifest as side effects of medical procedures. Both can vary in size, shape, and prevalence in a given area. Pigmented lesions include pigment-related birthmarks, age spots, freckles, hyperpigmentation, actinic keratosis and pigmented nevi.
Photorejuvenation (IPL – Intense Pulsed Light) laser treatments are most commonly used for:
• Lightening and removing “sun spots”, “age spots”, and brown blotches on the face, neck, chest, hands and other areas of the body.
• Lightening and reducing redness, rosacea, dilated blood vessels and “broken” blood vessels on the face, neck and chest.
• Helping to control flushing.
• It also has a lesser effect of improving skin texture through collagen stimulation and improves pore size minimally by temporarily reducing oiliness.
The laser/IPL device emits a range of light waves that are then tuned and targeted at hemoglobin (the red blood cells in the blood vessels) or melanin (the brown pigment in freckles and age spots). The light beam passes through the skin and is absorbed by either hemoglobin or melanin resulting in damage to the vessel wall or fragmenting of melanin pigment. These tiny vessels and the melanin pigment are then absorbed by the body, rendering them less visible.
Laser toning is one of the most effective treatments for melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Laser Toning; sometimes called a carbon laser peel is a superficial treatment that also helps with acne, enlarged pores, oily skin, and uneven skin tone. They’re sometimes called carbon laser facials.
Despite the name, a carbon laser peel isn’t a traditional chemical peel. Instead, we use a carbon solution and lasers to create a peeling effect. The lasers don’t penetrate the skin too deeply, so there’s very little recovery time. The treatment takes about 30 minutes, and you can resume regular activity right away.
All our staff are fully trained and qualified in the procedures they provide.
