Pigment Laser

What does pigment laser treatment involve

  1. Multiple laser treatments may be necessary (especially for pigmented birthmarks, café-au-lait spots and naevi of Ota, which can require six or more laser treatment).
  2. Treatments are usually scheduled at intervals of 6 to 8 weeks.
  3. The impact of the laser feels like a snap of a rubber band.  Most patients would prefer topical anesthesia with anaesthetic cream,  or local anesthetic injection before treatment.
  4. Immediately after treatment, swelling, bruising, or crusting and scabbing can occur. This will last about 1 to 2 weeks.
  5. Fading of the treated lesion can continue for up to 6 months after laser treatment in some instances.
  6. Existing laser research and clinical evidence indicate that laser surgery is safe; however, there is no guarantee that your condition can be completely treated by laser.

What are the possible side effects

  1. Although complications of this procedure are minimal, a small risk of the following could occur after laser treatment:
  2. Skin darkening (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) or “laser tanning” of the skin can occur the treated areas and will fade within 2 to 6 months.  This reaction is more common in patient with dark skin tones and worsens if the laser-treated area is exposed to the sun one week before and one week after laser treatment.
  3. Skin lightening (hypo-pigmentation).  Light spots can appear in an area of skin that has already received several treatments.  These pale areas usually darken or re-pigment in 3 to 6 months but can be permanent in rare cases.
  4. Infection. Rarely swelling, pain, and oozing in the treatment areas could indicate the development of an infection despite good local wound care. An antibiotic cream is given for you after treatment to minimize the chance  of developing infection.
  5. Scarring.  This is extremely rare after pigment laser treatment, but it potentially can occur any time that the skin’s surface is disrupted.  Following all postoperative instructions carefully will reduce the possibility of this occurrence.
  6. Persistence or recurrence of brown spots.  Some brown spots may not disappear completely or may recur after pigment laser treatment despite the best efforts made. by the doctor.