Pigmentation/Age Spot Removal

What It Is

Laser treatment that breaks down melanin in pigment spots and age spots.

Treatment Protocol

• Number: 1-3 treatments per spot
• Interval: 4-6 weeks
• Effect: Visible after scab falls off
• Some spots disappear after 1 treatment
• Others require several

Procedure

1. Cleaning the area
2. Protective goggles
3. Laser pulses over each spot
4. Cooling and soothing products
5. No bandage usually needed

Duration

10-30 minutes (depends on the number of spots)

Pain Level

• Like little rubber band snaps
• Intensity: 3-5 out of 10
• Short duration per pulse
• Tolerable without anesthesia
• Cooling helps

Downtime

• 3-7 days (scab period)
• Scabs may be visible
• Makeup can cover (but not recommended for the first few days)
• Can work the same day
• Social downtime: 5-7 days

Healing Time

Day 0 (Immediately):

• Spot darkens (very dark)
• This is NORMAL!
• Redness around the spot
• Slight swelling

Day 1-3:

• Spot still dark
• Crust begins to form
• Slight swelling

Day 3-7:

• Crust thickens and darkens
• DO NOT PICK!
• Begins to loosen at the edges

Day 7-10:

• Crust falls off
• Pink skin underneath
• Spot significantly lighter or gone

Week 2-4:

• Continued improvement
• Final result visible

Side Effects

Very common:

• Spot darkens before lightening
• Crust formation
• Redness around the area

Common:

• Hyperpigmentation (transient)
• Hypopigmentation (transient)
• Dryness

Rare:

• Permanent pigment changes
• Scarring (extremely rare)
• Infection

Aftercare

First week:

• DO NOT PICK at scabs!
• Moisturize the area
• SPF 50+ CRITICAL
• Do not exfoliate
• Avoid makeup on scabs

Weeks 1-4:

• Continue high SPF
• Moisturize skin
• Avoid sun (CRITICAL)
• Do not self-tan

Long term:

• SPF daily to prevent new spots
• Sun protection essential

Who Is This For

• Pigmentation and sun damage
• Age spots
• Freckles
• Lighter to medium skin types (I-IV)
• Realistic expectations

Who Is This Not For

• Very dark skin types (V-VI) - high risk
• Recent sun exposure
• Melasma (may worsen)
• Unrealistic expectations
• Pregnancy

Important Information

Treatment:

• 1-3 treatments per spot
• Interval: 4-6 weeks
• Laser breaks down melanin

Effect: 70-90% improvement or complete removal

Timeline:

• Spot darkens immediately
• Crust forms (3-7 days)
• Crust falls off
• Spot lightens/gone

Contraindications

• Dark skin types (V-VI) - high risk
• Recent sun exposure/tan
• Pregnancy
• Photosensitizing medication
• Self-tanning in the last 2 weeks
• Melasma (may worsen)

Warning Signs

• Signs of infection
• Increasing pain/redness after 48 hours
• Severe swelling
• Blisters

Individual Variations

Excellent response (50-60%):

• Sun spots, age spots
• Lighter skin types
• 80-100% removal after 1-2 treatments

Good response (30-40%):

• Deeper pigment spots
• 60-80% improvement after 2-3 treatments

Moderate response (10-20%):

• Deep, old spots
• Melasma-like
• 40-60% improvement, may require more treatments

Maintenance

• No maintenance required once spots are gone
• NEW spots may appear (sun damage)
• Daily SPF CRITICAL to prevent new ones
• Annual check-up recommended