What kind of hyperpigmentation can be treated with MaxG laser?
Hyperpigmentation, ranging in colour from light orange to dark brown, usually appears on the face, cheeks, near the lips or on hands. The most frequent types of hyperpigmentation include freckles, melasma, or sun-related hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation can be a disturbing cosmetic defect which occurs among middle aged people and intensifies with time to affect the beauty of your skin. Although this problem is one of the symptoms of skin aging caused mainly by UV radiation, it is common among people of all ages.
How does laser vascular treatment work?
The laser energy emited by laser MaxG is absorbed by dark pigments in the skin such as melanin and hemoglobin which are responsible for undesired changes (darkened patches and vascular conditions). The skin selectively absorbs laser energy and converts it into heat which damages darkened patches of skin and spots leaving the surrounding tissue intact. This selective procedure is safe and effectively removes undesired changes.
Do I need local anaesthetic?
The procedure does not usually require the use of anaesthetic. We advise that the area is cooled just before and after the treatment which brings discomfort and pain to minimum.
Who is the treatment for?
The procedure is designed for both women and men who have noticed sun damage to the skin on their face, hands or décolletage. These skin problems include dark spots, patches or freckles which affect the beauty of our skin. The treatment can be performed on the face, décolletage and the hands which are the most commonly treated part of body.
What are the results?
During the treatment he laser removes darkened patches present on the skin leaving the surrounding tissue intact. After the treatment dark spots become lighter and the result is a smoother, clearer and more youthful appearance of your skin.
When do I see the final results of the treatment?
It is usually not until 7 days before skin heals after the treatment. However, it is too early to expect the final results at this point as it usually takes several weeks before dark spots disappear and the skin regenerating processes are terminated. The final results are normally achieved after 2-4 weeks after the treatment. Another treatment which is done at this time helps to remove any remaining hyperpigmentation.
How many treatments do I need to see satisfactory results?
The number of treatments vary from 1-3 depending on the patient’s age, their individual skin phototype, the type of hyperpigmentation and location. Dark patches on pale complexion may be reduced after only one treatment while lighter changes may require even as many as three sessions, each performed every 4 weeks. It should also be noted that hyperpigmentation is impossible to remove completely, it can only be reduced.
How long do I see the results of the treatment?
The outcome of the treatment, which is reduced spots, is long lasting. However, we should remember that there may appear new hyperpigmentation changes as the treatment does not provide protection from sun damage or tendency towards such changes. It may sometimes be necessary to have another session after one year, especially with patients whose skin is exposed to intense sunlight (sunlight, sunbed).
How often do I need to repeat the treatment?
First sessions, which do not normally guarantee immediate results, should be repeated every 4 weeks until satisfactory results have been achieved. It is not until a few years later that the procedure will have to be repeated again.
Contraindications include
How do I look just after the treatment?
Shortly after the treatment patients should expect spots to be a little darker which means that the treatment has been successful. The skin is swollen, red with a sensation of burning. These are short-term effects as all patches and spots will be peeled off in a few day’s time. Soon after the treatment soothing gel and cool compress are applied to bring discomfort to minimum. Two days after the treatment swelling and redness resolve and old skin will now be peeled off within the next 4-6 days. After 7 days the skin regains its usual condition, dark spots become lighter or invisible.
Before the treatment: guidelines
A few days before the treatment patients are advised not to have any kinds of exfoliating treatments such as microdermabrasion or chemical peels. They should not use any creams which contain retinoids, acids or tanning products. It is important not to drink any photosensitive herbs such as St. John's-wort, marigold or horsetail. Patients should make sure they are in good physical condition and they should refrain from tanning.
After the treatment: guidelines
The healing processes after the treatment performed with Palomar StarLux 500 MaxG is a fast and requires little downtime (3 – 7 days). It is important to apply a soothing cream for 7 days (Cicalfat, Zinalfat, Cicaplast Baume B5, Sensicure) a few times a day until the skin surface is fresh and smooth. When the older, damaged tissue is finally removed, you can apply moisturizing and fatty cream (Cetaphil MD, Bariederm, Lipikar AP) and eventually resume your usual skin care practices. It is also important to use sunscreen (SPF50+ anty-UVA).
How can I keep the result for longer?
Patients are advised to use high factor sunscreen that will protect against both UVA and UVB radiation. Patients are also advised not to suntan, smoke or expose their skin to any irritant chemicals.
The whole range of skin rejuvenating treatments such as medical skin peels and mezotherapy are also highly recommended every 6 or 12 months as they will help to keep the skin moisturized and delay the aging process so that you can enjoy the results of the treatment for longer.
Recommended supplementary treatments
Laser treatments performed with Palomar StarLux 500 MaxG
can be considered as procedures aimed at reducing skin colour changes, and can be supplemented with other treatments. After the series performed with Palomar StarLux 500 MaxG we recommend that our patients follow skin rejuvenating therapy with hyaluronic acid (Juvederm Hydrate, Ialest, Newest) revitalizing cocktails (CytoCare, StretchCare, NCTF, NCTF HA, Plinest, UpGrade, Fixer) or platelet rich plasma injections (Regeneris).
Who can perform treatments?
At Ekoderm all treatments are performed by experienced doctors trained in aesthetic medicine who have been given appropriate certificates.
Prices
Prices vary depending on the area treated.
