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What types of brown spots or pigmented
lesions will the YAG laser remove? This laser is most commonly used for removing brown age spots, liver spots, freckles and many brown birthmarks. Your physician will identify your specific type of lesion and discuss the removal success rate associated with it. Important: The laser cannot be used for the removal of lesions that are cancerous or suspected of being cancerous. If there is any doubt, your physician will discuss appropriate treatment with you. Why doesn't the YAG laser remove my normal skin pigmentation also? The laser light was designed for its properties that selectively target dark concentrations of melanin. If after the abnormal concentrations of melanin was removed, and treatment continued on normal skin, some whitening could occur. However, your body's natural regenerative system would replace the normal melanin after a period of time, returning the skin to its natural state. Is the process painful? The YAG laser emits light in very short flashes of light called pulses. The impact of the energy from the powerful pulse of light is similar to the snap of a thin rubber band. After the treatment the area will feel similar to a slight sunburn. |
Typically, within a day or so, any discomfort disappears. The area may remain reddened
for two to four weeks. After the redness clears, the skin is returned to its natural
smooth coloring and texture. How many treatment sessions will it take to remove the pigmented lesion? At least 80% of all common pigmented lesions are removed with one treatment. If a lesion covers a large area, your physician may want to treat the area in several stages, to avoid unnecessary discomfort. Can the excess pigmentation come back? Common pigmented lesion do not return. Some birthmarks may return after a period of several months to a year. However, the procedure can be repeated with similar results. What type of post-treatment care is necessary? An antibacterial ointment will be initially applied to the area. A shower can be taken the next day, but avoid scrubbing the treated area. Since most common pigmented lesions are caused by exposure to ultraviolet sun rays, it is imperative that you always wear sunscreen. Failure to wear protective sunscreen will allow further sun damage to occur and result in new pigmented lesions. Your physician will recommend the appropriate level of sunscreen protection for your specific skin type. |
Questions about blemishes