Pigment Laser Treatment

Sun & Age Spot Removal – Dermatology Associates of Winchester

Consultation – Sun Spot and Age Spot Treatment (Pigmented Laser Treatment)

Dermatology Associates offers a free consultation with our laser nurse to determine whether or not a patient is a good candidate for the pigmented laser.  Typically, the patient is referred by the dermatologist after obtaining a diagnosis of the pigmented lesions.  At the consultation all your questions about the procedure can be answered and the nurse can provide a quote for the procedure.   Often the procedure can be performed the day of the consultation if all of the treatment precautions have been taken.  The most commonly requested treatment with this laser is the removal of sun spots or age spots.  Many patients develop brown spots on the face, hands, chest and legs from repeated sun exposure.  These “sun spots” can be removed with 1-2 laser treatments.

Procedure – Pigmented Laser Treatment Procedure

Dermatology Associates offers the Candela Q-switched Alexandrite laser for treatment of pigmented lesions.  This laser is specifically designed to target the excessive pigmented cells producing the unwanted spot.  Our laser nurse has 20+ years of experience using this type of laser.  The procedure only takes 15-20 minutes to perform depending on the number of lesions being treated.  The patient will feel a “snapping rubber band” sensation during the laser procedure.  The nurse will apply ointment to the treated sites after the procedure.

Recovery – Pigmented Laser Treatment Recovery

After larger procedures the patients can experience a mild sunburn sensation that lasts 10-15 minutes.  Patients are welcome to stay and apply cold packs which will relieve this sensation.  Once this subsides there is no other tenderness or discomfort with this treatment.  The treated lesions will turn into a dark brown, “paper thin” scab.  Patients are allowed to wear make-up, shower and exercise as usual.  The nurse will explain which facial regimens should be avoided for one week.  The light scabbing will naturally peel off in one week and most of the lesions will have disappeared revealing a more youthful appearance.  A follow-up appointment is not necessary unless a patient desires additional treatment.