Melanin is what gives our skin its colour. Dark skinned people have more melanin in their skin than light skinned people. Pigmented lesions have an abnormal concentration of melanin in a particular area. This may be present at birth, such as brown pigmented birthmarks and Cafe-au-lait spots, or may be due to excessive sun exposure, such as freckles and brown (liver) spots (lentigines).
Most brown birthmarks can be treated with the Q-Switched YAG laser or Alexandrite laser.
Red (vascular) birthmarks are best treated with laser or Intense Pulsed Light.
How do these treatments work?
For brown birthmarks, the Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser and the Alexandrite laser are capable of removing excessive pigment without changing the texture or colour of the skin. High intensity laser light is targeted to the abnormal pigment (melanin) in these birthmarks. This damages the pigment and the body's natural healing process gradually clears it away over a number of weeks.
For red (vascular) birthmarks, the laser and Intense Pulsed Light treatments both work in a similar way. High intensity light is focused selectively on unwanted blood vessels on the face, neck, chest or legs. The laser light passes through the skin without altering the skin surface and selectively removes blood vessels, returning the skin to its original appearance.
These treatments do not damage the surrounding tissues or remove normal skin colour. Regular and careful use of sunscreens is essential following treatments.
What do the treatments involve?
The laser light is emitted in very short pulses feeling like tiny pinpricks on the skin. The number of treatments required depends upon the response to the treatment and how big an area is involved. Treatments last from five to forty-five minutes.
For both red and brown birthmarks, the optimal number of treatments will be determined by your doctor. These are spaced four to six weeks apart.
For an initial consultation, please contact the clinic on 02 9953 9522.
If you would like to find out more about these procedures, please phone the clinic on 02 9953 9522 to speak to one of our receptionists. They are very skilled in answering questions about the treatments we provide and will be able to assist you.
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