Pigment Therapies
Melanin, the pigment in human skin is produced by cells in the dermal region called melanocytes. Abnormal amounts or distribution of this pigment can lead to a variety of skin disorders.
TYPES OF SKIN PIGMENT PROBLEMS:
Sun Damage: Exposure to the Suns Ultraviolet light damages the skin in numerous ways including stimulating melanin production resulting in freckles and sunspots.
Congenital: A variety of hereditary or genetically determined skin pigment disorders exist. These include Cafe au Lait spots, Naevus of Ota, Becker’s Nevus, Hori’s Macules and other birthmarks (excluding Strawberry nevus)
Secondary to medication: Some medications including long term Doxycycline, Minocycline and others can lead to derangement of skin pigmentation.
Pregnancy: Melasma is dark discoloured skin that can occur around the eyes, lips, forehead or on the cheeks. It is most common in women and frequently begins during pregnancy.
Laser Treatment For Pigment Disorder
Using the focus lens on our Picosure laser we are able to deliver higher energy into the dermis than ever before. The melanin (pigment) in the dermis absorbs the laser energy resulting in breakdown and removal of the pigment in a similar way to laser removal of tattoo ink. By delivering the energy into the deeper layers of the skin without damaging the overlying skin the pigment can be reduced over several treatments with no open wounds, skin breakdown or downtime. This dramatically reduces the risk of side effects such as infection or scarring. The skin may be red post-treatment for a few hours only.
Skincare
No treatment can be successful if sun exposure continues. Repeat exposure will result in a return of the pigment so the use of high-quality sunscreen is essential. We use and recommend the UltraMD range by Ultraceuticals. These products are only available at medically run clinics and our skincare professionals will advise you on their use.