Laser Pigmentation Removal

Laser treatment for sun spots, age spots and other benign surface pigmentation, using light energy absorbed by the excess melanin to break it up so the mark fades and is cleared by the skin. It is most often used on the face and the backs of the hands, where sun-related spots are common, and can also treat the neck, décolleté and forearms. Single spots or whole zones can be treated.

Laser pigmentation removal targets concentrations of melanin in benign surface lesions such as sun spots, age spots (solar lentigines) and freckling. The laser light is absorbed by the excess pigment, which is broken into smaller particles that the skin then clears over the following days and weeks, so the mark darkens briefly and then fades. It is well suited to the face, the backs of the hands, the neck, the décolleté and the forearms, where sun-related pigmentation is most often seen. At Dr Wiszniewska any pigmented mark is first assessed to confirm it is a benign surface lesion appropriate for laser; anything suspicious is referred rather than treated. Treatment itself is quick, with a mild stinging sensation; afterwards the treated spots typically look darker, may form a fine crust and then flake away over one to two weeks to reveal lighter skin. Diligent sun protection before and after is essential, both to protect the result and to reduce the chance of new pigmentation, and very tanned skin is treated with caution. Single spots, individual zones or the whole face can be treated, and some deeper or more stubborn marks need a small number of sessions. Suitability and realistic expectations are discussed first; the treatment is avoided over active infection and during pregnancy, when pigmentation can behave unpredictably.