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. Another cause is excessive sun exposure resulting in freckles and brown liver spots (lentigines).
There are a number of treatments available including Q-Switched Nd:YAG and Alexandrite lasers (discussed in this section), as well as Intense Pulsed Light. A recent addition is our 'Specialty of the House', the Walter-Nolan 2, 3 or 4 Laser Procedures which address other conditions as well.
How Do These
Lasers Work?
High intensity laser light is targeted at the abnormal pigment (melanin) in these spots. This causes a tiny thermal injury to the unwanted pigment and the body's natural healing process gradually clears it away over a number of weeks. Your eyes will be covered to protect them from the high intensity light beam.
What does
the treatment involve?
The laser is focused on the area to be treated. The laser light is emitted in very short pulses resulting in a stinging sensation on the skin surface. A local anaesthetic cream may be used if requested. Treatment lasts from five to forty five minutes depending on the size of the area treated. The number of treatments varies, but usually one to two treatments are adequate.
Treatment is followed by some pinkness of the skin. Over the next few days, the areas turn brown and peel off within seven to ten days. It can be covered with makeup after the first few days, if desired. The area may appear slightly pink for six weeks following treatment. Regular and careful use of sunscreens is essential if new areas of pigmentation are to be prevented.
Dr Terence Poon, Dr Marianne Nolan, Dr Helena Torpinski and Dr Melanie Brown are skilled and experienced in these treatments. 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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