Pigment spots can be treated with lasers, the most effective technology for restoring a flawless complexion. We take stock with dermatologist Dr. Marie Jourdan.
To act as a UV barrier, the epidermis contains melanocytes, cells located in the deep layers of the epidermis. The problem? These cells are very sensitive and react to the slightest annoyance. Hormonal variation, stress, prolonged exposure to the sun… they get carried away and produce too much pigment. This is how brown spots also called lentigos or age spots appear.
The first anti-dark spot action is therefore to protect your skin from the sun’s rays from an early age. But there are other types of stains like coffee stains which result from an accumulation of cells, port wine stains, birthmarks, melasma (a pigment disorder stimulated by hormonal changes). In any case, the different types of lasers offer a solution to fade hyperpigmentation and clear skin. Explanations.
What is a pigment spot?
Certain external factors such as skin aging, hormonal changes or exposure to the sun can lead to melanin deposits causing pigmented spots of varying appearance. “Pigment spots are brown spots that have several origins: you can have spots due to an accumulation of melanin either on the surface in the epidermis or deep in the dermis, or spots from pigment cells also located at the surface of the skin or deeper.These spots can be of any type: from the sun, from birth… on the dermatological level, there are a multitude of spots which require a diagnosis, because each spot does not benefit from the same treatment. “, emphasizes the dermatologist.
Where and when do pigment spots appear?
Each individual is endowed with a sun capital that they can consume more or less quickly depending on their skin type and the intensity of their exposure. “Sunspots result from a buildup of pigment from UV cell damage. They often appear at the same time as fine lines, when the skin becomes thinner. It will depend on each person’s sun capital: if you have a very fair complexion and are sensitive to the sun, you can have spots before the age of 30, on the other hand if you have a duller skin and more resistant to UV rays, these can then appear around 50 years of age. Generally, the spots are especially visible in photo-exposed areas, such as the back of the hands, the neckline and the face.“, details the specialist in laser techniques.
Does the laser really remove pigment spots?
The laser is very effective in removing pigment spots in a few sessions.
But there is a received idea according to which the laser would not completely eradicate the pigment spots. Info or intox ? Dr. Marie Jourdan enlightens us on this point. “The laser removes the pigment, that’s for sure. But spots can reappear a little later, even if you have carefully protected yourself from the sun. Those are stains that were already in preparation at the time of treatment. You can’t eliminate 30 years of sun exposure in one laser session“, warns the dermatologist.
How to remove dark spots with laser?
Pigment lasers are particularly effective in treating sun spots. These devices emit energy that will impact the tissues. “These lasers have a technological specificity: they send a high power of energy over an extremely short time which causes a photomechanical effect, the bursting of the pigment.“. The new pigment lasers therefore make it possible to make dark spots disappear while limiting the undesirable effects. “Thanks to this short time, the laser guarantees an elimination of stains without consequences, without redness, without heating, without crust…”, underlines the expert.
Which laser is best for removing pigment spots?
Depending on the chosen laser energy, a different impact is observed in the tissue. “We choose a laser by determining which target will respond the most and the depth of action“. The duration of the impact is also an essential parameter. “The duration of emission differs according to the size of the target. For example, between a hair that is long and a tattoo that is short.“explains Dr. Marie Jourdan. In the treatment of pigment spots, the dermatologist will favor a laser with a very short pulse duration.”Cynosure’s Picosure Pro laser has an even shorter energy than others. We talk about ‘pico-seconds’. The advantage is that the shorter the pulse, the more specific it is. Thus, we hit the target while sparing what is around. Then, the laser head can be changed to sweep fractional energy across the entire face that will shock the surface of the skin to elicit a deeper dermal response and boost collagen. Results ? We have an immediate global rejuvenation of the complexion and after one month, we observe a tensor effect, the pores are tightened, the skin is more beautiful.“, reports the dermatologist.
How many sessions are needed?
Dr. Marie Jourdan believes that a single session is enough to clean the stains. “A session works very well. The stain will already be much clearer. If it does not disappear, it may be necessary to test another energy. If you have a lot of spots at a certain age, two sessions may be worth it.“, advises the specialist in laser techniques.
Does the laser burn the skin?
Over the past 30 years, laser technologies have evolved a lot. Pigment lasers are always shorter, which preserves the skin. “We no longer burn the stains as we used to do, with liquid nitrogen for example. Today, the pigment laser guarantees a treatment without adverse effects.“, reassures Dr. Marie Jourdan.
Who is this treatment for?
Clear, matte, black skin, can laser pigment spot treatment be performed on all skin types? “From very light phototype to very dull phototype, anyone likely to make sun spots can use the laser“, answers the dermatologist.
How does a laser pigment spot treatment session take place?
In France, only doctors are authorized to perform laser treatments. “These can be dermatologists or cosmetic doctors who specialize in laser treatment.” reminds the expert. On the day of the appointment, you must have perfectly cleansed skin, and not at all tanned. “We install the patient with shells on the eyes, we settle down and we work on each spot“, reports Dr. Marie Jourdan. After the session, we protect ourselves from the sun for a minimum of 3 weeks. “You have to let everything heal for an optimal result.“, recommends the specialist in laser techniques.
What are the contraindications of the laser?
The laser is contraindicated in pregnant women or on tanned skin.
How much does a laser session cost for the treatment of pigment spots?
It is necessary to count between 300€ and 350€ per session of 30 minutes.
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