Pigmented Lesion Removal

Just about everyone has a few obvious brown spots on their skin. Freckles, age spots, liver spots and birthmarks are some of the more commonly known marks. In general, these marks are referred to as pigmented lesions. Although most brown spots are easily ignored, many are quite conspicuous and can detract from your skin’s natural beauty.

Pigmented lesions can be successfully lightened or removed with modern laser technology. A laser either lightens or removes pigmented lesions with the energy of light.

The Centre, P.C. uses the Q-Switched YAG laser, which is one of the most advanced lasers available today for the removal of pigmented lesions.

What types of brown spots or pigmented lesions will the cosmetic laser remove?
The YAG laser is most commonly used for removing brown age spots, liver spots, freckles and many brown birthmarks. Your clinician will identify your specific type of lesion and discuss the removal success rate associated with it. If there is any suspicion that the lesion may be cancerous, your physician will discuss other appropriate treatment methods with you.

Is the process painful?
The YAG laser emits 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 lesions?
At least 80 percent of all common pigmented lesions are removed with one treatment. If a lesion covers a large area, your clinician may want to treat the area in several stages to avoid unnecessary discomfort.

Can the excess pigmentation come back?
Common pigmented lesions do not return. Some birthmarks may return after a period of several months to a year. However, the cosmetic laser 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 sunrays, it is imperative that you always wear sunscreen. Failure to wear a protective sunscreen will allow further sun damage to occur and result in new pigmented lesions. Your clinician will recommend the appropriate level of sunscreen protection for your specific skin type.

When will I be able to resume wearing makeup?
The Centre, P.C. offers a line of camouflage makeup that you can use following your procedure to help reduce the immediate signs of the treatment.

Click here for more information on pigmented lesion removal or to schedule a consultation. The Centre, P.C. offers the latest technology in pigmented lesion removal to patients in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, Michiana and the Southern Michigan area, and Chicago.

RiverPointe Medical Building
500 Arcade Ave., Suite 300
Elkhart, IN 46514

Chesterton
810 Michael Drive, Suite K
Chesterton, IN 46304
Toll Free: 800.909.2992
Phone: 219.395.9200
Fax: 219.926.3534