Pigment laser treatments selectively target the endogenous (melanin) pigment in the skin. Depending on the indication, your skin type and phototype, different devices can be used (Q-switched lasers, IPL, fractional CO2 laser, thulium laser).

The main indications are:

• freckles & age spots
• melasma (pregnancy mask)
• Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
• nevus of Ota, hamartoma of Beckers

The treatment usually lasts between 15 to 30 minutes (or longer, depending on the indication) and is not very painful. A numbing cream and/or applying cold air are enough to reduce any discomfort.

After the treatment, there is some redness and swelling for a few hours. The pigmentation darkens for a few days and superficial crusts can form, which heal after about a week. The results are often visible quickly after the treatment, but in some cases the best results are seen after some time.

Up to 4 weeks after the treatment, it is absolutely necessary to avoid the sun and protect yourself.

In general, it is adviced to use sun protection creams and to wear protective clothing, to avoid recurrences of pigmented spots after a laser treatment.

The number of sessions depends on the nature of the problem to be treated. Superficial pigment lesions improve significantly in just 1 to 2 sessions, for deeper pigment multiple sessions are indicated. Some skin conditions have a high recurrence rate, which may require maintenance sessions.

For more delicate skin types (dark, Asian) and for certain indications (melasma and PIH) we prefer to use laser toning treatments in several sessions, which is a gentler procedure, to avoid increasing the PIH risk.

Spectra Laser toning is a pigmentation treatment.

No damage is done to the skin’s surface; the laser energy beam is specifically aimed at the pigment of the skin. The laser only heats the intended pigment, without actually damaging the skin tissue. After the procedure, our own immune system removes the fragmented pigment particles to get rid of the skin discoloration.
It is safe for all skin types, including dark skin types  and sensitive skin types.

The laser toning treatment is a ‘lunchtime procedure’ – short, no downtime, daily activities can be resumed immediately.
The number of sessions required depends on the severity of the pigmentation, the area to be treated and the skin type of the patient, with an average between 6 and 12 sessions.
Sun protection is very important after and between sessions.

It is used for

• post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
• deep (dermal) melasma,
• skin bleaching and evening skin tone
• hair and lip bleaching

Laser lip bleaching is a treatment that helps to break down lip pigmentation, restoring the natural colour of lips, for a brighter, more even tone.

Laser toning can also be combined with a carbon suspension (see Spectra Hollywoodcarbon laser peel). The fusion of carbon with laser gives wonderful results for the skin, especially for residual marks in acne-prone skin.