Pigmentation removal
Freckles, age spots, liver spots and sun damage are the main examples of benign pigmentation shifts that can be removed with the Q-switched laser.
The treatment
During the treatment, the laser is applied directly to the location. The surrounding skin is not affected by this technique. The designated spot contains more melanin and is therefore immediately recognized by the laser. After the treatment, the treated spot is white in color, this is due to the heat of the laser. This will later turn red and may be swollen. Cooling afterwards with an ice pack is always advised.
The treatment is very fast per pigment spot and is therefore not described as painful by most people. However, heat is released by the laser, which could cause an unpleasant feeling for a temporary period. We can always add some Emla and local coolingto limit this feeling.
The doctor at BLT always assesses the pigmentation spots himself and when in doubt you will always be referred to a dermatologist for further evaluations. If the “suspicious” spot does not appear to be malignant, it can be further treated with laser therapy. Even some benign skin lesions are treated with lasers.
