Treatment of Pigmentary Disorders / Hyperpigmentation (Q-Switched Nd: YAG laser / Smartxide DOT / GentleLASE laser)

Common Cosmetic Pigmentation Disorders:

Ephelides (freckles)

Freckles are pale brown spots, usually less than 5mm in diameter with poorly defined margins. They are first noticed during childhood are common in fair- skinned individuals. If left untreated, they usually darken on sun exposure.

Melasma

Melasma consists of brown spots/ patches on both sides of the face, especially on the cheeks, upper lips, nose, chin and forehead. The distribution is usually symmetrical. Melasma is often seen in women of child- bearing age. The color in melasma darkens on sunlight exposure. Melasma tends to occur during pregnancy and with the use of oral contraceptives.

Dyschromia (Patchy Skin/ Mottled Skin)

Irregular or patchy discoloration of the skin that can be caused either by variations in pigment density (melanin), changes in blood vessels (vascular changes) or growth of foreign organisms on the skin. Mottling or mottled skin refers specifically to vascular changes in the skin which cause a patchy appearance.

Solar Lentigines (Age Spots)

Age spots are flat, brown patches of skin that occurs in irregular shapes. Age spots are caused by an increased number of pigment-producing cells in the skin. They are thought to occur in response to long term sun damage and are associated with aging of the skin. As we age, our skin tends to get thinner. This causes older people to have pale, translucent skin. The number of pigment, or color-containing cells decrease. The color- containing cells that remain tend to get bigger and group together as age spots. Age spots appear most commonly on the arms, face, and back of the hands.

The above conditions are common and can be treated effectively with various laser applications to remove pigments with scarring.

How does Q-Switched Nd: YAG laser work?

Q-Switched lasers deliver short, intense burst of light in billionths of a second at a high energy level. This means there is minimal heat energy transferred to the skin, therefore limiting damage to the skin surrounding the pigments. The energy is rapidly absorbed by the melanin pigment and causes the pigment to shatter into smaller particles. When these particles are small enough, they are absorbed by the body’s immune system. Swelling and redness at the treated area is a normal immune response. Over the next few weeks, the affected pigment particles will be “flushed away” by the body.

Before treatment with this laser, it is advisable to apply topical anaesthetic cream to numb the ‘to be treated area’. This sensation can be compared to a ‘flick with a rubber band’ with some heat but treatment is generally well tolerated. Treated areas may form scabs that will take about 3-5 days to drop off.

How does Smartxide DOT work?

Smartxide DOT laser is a revolutionary device for the treatment of wrinkles, skin laxity & texture, acne scarring & scar reduction, melasma, dyschromia (patchy skin), stretch marks, kelloids, dermal lesions, photoaging and much much more.

The Smartxide DOT treatment represents the very latest in tissue rejuvenation laser technology. This great breakthrough laser utilizes a CO2 fractional system with a scanner that allows the doctor to do a "dot resurfacing". By removing a customised pattern of dots and not the entire skin surface, this technology combines the best of both worlds - the proven and safe results of a traditional ablative CO2 laser, but without the pain, downtime and potential side effects.

The Smartxide DOT treatment causes a rapid tigntening of the skin, reduces blemishes and softens irregularities and scarring. It also stimulates collagen production, giving the skin a younger, plumper look and feel. Each treatment session can be customized and tailored to an individual’s skin type and condition.

Indications?

Safe and effective way to treat sun-damaged, stubborn pigmentation, acne scars, enlarges pores, rough & uneven texture, fine lines, wrinkles, lax skin and surgical scars. Common conditions that can be treated with Smartxide DOT:

• Sun damages
• Sun spots
• Brown spots
• Melasma
• Dyschromia
• Poor/ uneven skin texture
• Acne scars
• Wrinkles     
• Large pores
• Surgical scars
• Traumatic scars
• Stretch marks
• Neck lines
• Moles
• Milia
• Kelloids

Results can be seen as early as after 1 session although more problematic condition may required more sessions spaced about 4 weeks apart.

Before treatment, patients are advised to apply topical anaesthetic cream to numb the area. Most patients will have pinkness and slightly swelling in the treated skin area that settles in 24 to 48 hours. The amount of downtown will depend on the intensity of each treatment.

How does GentleLASE laser work?

A 755nm long pulse alexandrite laser, at this wavelength, it is best absorbed by melanin, and hence it is excellent for pigmented hair removal as well as for the effective treatment of pigmented lesions such as sun spots, age spots, freckles, melasma and café au Lait.

GentleLASE laser sessions are very comfortable as GentleLASE incorporates a patented Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD), which places a burst of cryogen spray onto the skin before and after the laser pulse. This DCD is unique to GentleLASE lasers which helps protects you against thermal injury, hence making the treatment much more comfortable. Post-laser, the treated areas may be slightly red, and this erythema only last a few minutes to a few hours. Hence, this laser gives virtually no downtime.