Pigment laser
Treatment Time
Numbing
Discomfort
Recovery Time
What is pigmentation laser?
Pigment lasers target brown, pigmented or darker patches or lesions on the skin, such as lentigines, freckles, age warts, liver spots, seborrhoeic keratoses, brown birthmarks, melasma, pigmentation from sun exposure, drug side effects, failed iron infusions and colloidal silver supplements, as well as tattoos of all kinds. We have a range of pigment lasers, each suitable to a variety of conditions, including the Q-Switched Alexandrite, Q-Switched 532nm Nd:YAG laser, Q-Switched 1064nm Nd:YAG laser, Picosure Picosecond Alexandrite, Erbium:YAG and Intense Pulsed Light.
Treating pigmented lesions requires a consult with our dermatologist, who can determine that the pigment or lesion is safe to treat, and which laser is best suited to your lesion and skin type. Once your initial consult is complete, you have the option of undertaking the treatment on the same day, or returning at a time more suitable to you. You’ll have numbing cream applied for one hour, and treatment with the laser usually takes 15-60 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated.
Please avoid unprotected sun exposure and fake tanning products for a minimum of 2 weeks prior to treatment. Do not wear contact lenses, valuable jewellery or make-up to the clinic on the day of treatment, including lipstick and mascara. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Immediately after treatment, you’ll be given an ice pack to apply to the treated area, which will soothe the skin and help reduce swelling. It’s recommended that ice packs be applied for up to 10 minutes, every hour or two, for the rest of the day of treatment. It’s advisable to sleep with your head elevated to limit swelling if your face has been treated. You can shower/bathe as normal, using your usual products. Make up can be worn as usual, but avoid applying perfume to treated areas. Vaseline can be applied 2-3 times a day, for 3 days, to assist with healing.Alcohol, strenuous exercise and activity should be avoided for the rest of the day of treatment. SPF 50+ sunscreen should be regularly applied to the treated area until the skin has fully healed. Treated skin should also be covered, or a hat should be worn in the sun. Some patients may be prescribed a “fading cream” containing hydroquinone. This is usually commenced 2 weeks after treatment with a pigment laser, and used nightly for 2-3 months.
- Reduction in the appearance of pigmentation on the skin
- Little recovery time
- Quick treatments
- Visible improvement in as little as one treatment, dependent on lesion type, size and darkness, though several may be required to achieve optimal results.
- Minimal impact on daily activity.
What does this treatment feel like?
The sensation of the laser varies from patient to patient and can depend on the area being treated and darkness of the lesion. For most people, it feels like being flicked by an elastic band. We apply numbing cream for an hour before treatment, and oral analgesia can be given, if required. Our goal is for patients to feel little discomfort during their treatment.
How much does treatment with a pigment laser cost?
The cost of treatment will be dependent on the type and size of the lesion. This will be determined during your consult with the dermatologist, along with the estimated number of treatments required to achieve an optimal result.As a guide, pigment laser treatment can begin at $550.
What are the possible risks or complications of vascular laser treatments?
As with any laser treatment, some risk does exist, though lasers are considered very safe treatments for skin conditions.
- Post treatment discomfort, much like the sensation of a mild sunburn tingle, redness and oedema (swelling) are not uncommon. This is normal and temporary.
- Hypo-pigmentation (fading of the colour of skin). This is very uncommon.
- Hyper-pigmentation (darkening of the colour of the skin). May occur in darker skin types. The dermatologist will consider whether this is a risk for your skin during your consult.
- Blisters. Very uncommon.
- Infection. Very rare.
- Scarring. Extremely rare.
Who is not suitable for this treatment?
Most patients are suitable for pigment laser.
Our Practitioners
The doctors at Neutral Bay Laser & Dermatology Clinic are highly trained medical professionals, with a caring and compassionate outlook, and a commitment to delivering exceptional results for our patients.
Dr. Terence Poon is the medical director of Neutral Bay Laser & Dermatology Clinic. He is a dermatologist and laser specialist. He has trained extensively in Australia and internationally, in the laser-responsive cosmetic aspects of dermatology.
He undertook a fellowship with Dr Jim Walter, who pioneered the use of lasers in dermatology in Australia and who founded our clinic, which was the first full time laser dermatology clinic in Sydney.
Dr Marianne Nolan has been with the clinic for over two decades and is very experienced in all aspects of laser treatments and related cosmetic procedures. Her meticulous record of safety and competence has earned her a huge following of dedicated cosmetic skin care patients, who also enjoy warm, caring manner. She trained extensively with our founder, Dr James Walter, and has attended regular training programmes and conferences in Australia, Europe and the USA. Together with Dr Walter, she is co-developer of our bespoke rejuvenation treatments, the Walter Nolan Multi-Laser Procedures.
Dr Helena Torpinski has been with our clinic for nearly two decades. Her bright and lively manner continues to ensure she is popular with our patients. Helena works as a GP in Newtown when she is not at our clinic and this adds a great breadth of knowledge and understanding to her engagement with patients. She has expertise in all forms of laser and light-based treatments and has a commitment to ongoing education, training and regular conference attendance.
Other Treatments
Please do not send urgent messages via email, such as cancellations or appointment changes. Our email is not checked every day. © Neutral Bay Laser & Dermatology Clinic year. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the contents in any form is prohibited. Powered by TAG.