Frequently Asked Questions
Pigmentation is caused by an excessive amount of melanin found in certain cells on the body’s skin. These cells usually carry a higher level of “melanocytes”, which produce the melanin that causes individual areas to become discoloured. There are numerous factors that can cause the appearance of pigmentation. The most common is excessive sun exposure and hereditary factors but is can also be caused from hormonal changes such as pregnancy and the contraceptive pill.
At MedSpa by Terezia, treatments will be performed on the Candela GentleLASE 755nm Alexandrite Laser by an experienced and Laser Safety Certified technician. This is a Medical Grade 4 Laser and is one of the most effective and advanced machines available. The laser causes selective heating to the upper dermis with minimal harm to the overlying epidermis. It creates a controlled wound healing response within the skin causing the pigmentation to deepen in colour. A crust will then form and take up to 14 days to flake away. Depending on your pigmentation concerns, a Skin Rejuventation treatment using the PicoSure Laser may also be recommended to ensure you receive the best possible outcome.
If the recommended post treatment procedures are followed and the treated area is cared for and correctly maintained then the pigmentation is unlikely to return. Pigmentation caused by sun exposure may gradually reappear overtime however SPF and tyrosinaise inhibitors can significantly reduce this.
Depending on the type of pigmentation being treated, clients will need between 2-6 treatments. The effectiveness of the treatment will be determined by the type, colour and depth of the pigmentation along with the condition of the skin. A test patch will be performed prior to undergoing treatment and is reviewed to determine the likely success of the treatment. Complete clearing of the affected area may not be possible and will depend upon the type, area and colour of the lesion.
It can depend on the type and size of the area being treated, most treatments can be completed within 5 to 30 minutes.
The heat from the laser is concentrated at a superficial level so it is likely that the client will experience some discomfort while the treatment is being performed. The treated area can feel like sunburn for up to 48 hours afterwards, however cold packs and SILK Soothing Gel should be used to reduce redness and inflammation.
Following the treatment, the pigmentation will initially appear darker and can continue to deepening in colour for 48 hours post treatment. After this time the pigmentation will then being to crust and gradually flake away. This process can take up to 14 days depending on the condition of the skin prior to treatment.
Most clients report a 70% or greater improvement over the duration of their course of treatments.
The medical grade lasers cannot cause permanent scarring as it doesn’t cause damage to the Dermis layer of the skin. Any damage caused during treatment is superficial and will disappear with time, if looked after appropriately.
It is extremely important not to affect the skins pigmentation in any way prior to or after the laser treatments. Such exposure can cause hypo and hyper pigmentation, impairing the effects of the laser treatment.Please avoid the sun or solariums for 4 weeks prior to treatment and at least 4-8 weeks after treatment. Be sure to also apply SPF regularly while you are exposed to the sun and do also not use any form of tanning throughout your treatment, including tanning sprays or lotions.It is due to this, the majority of our patients undergo pigmentation removal during the autumn and winter months, when UV burning is at its lowest.
POST TREATMENT CARE
During the consultation your technicians will guide you through the post treatment care guidelines. The most important aspect of this is to ensure the use of the SILK Soothing Gel directly after the treatment as this will help to reduce inflammation while protecting the skin from infection.
There are only a few medications that could possibly affect the treatments of laser hair removal. These medications include Roaccutane and Retin-A as both of these medications can alter the integrity of an individual’s skin. It is recommended that Roaccutane be ceased 6 months prior to treatment and topical Retin-A at least 2 – 4 weeks prior to treatment. Some medications may have blood thinning or photo-sensitising properties which can increase the risk of an adverse reaction, so it is important to bring along a comprehensive list of any medications or supplements you are on to discuss with your technician prior to treatment.
