Laser Therapy – Targets Tattoo Removal, Hyperpigmentation Blog

Laser Therapy

It refers to the use of focused light energy to treat different skin conditions.

The therapy treatment process involves,

• Concentrated light directed at specific skin areas.
• Light is absorbed by particular tissues, pigments, or cells.

Treatment

• Is best administered by certified dermatologists or trained specialists. By carefully controlling laser’s wavelength and intensity, they target skin issues at different layers. This is done without causing harm to the surrounding tissues.
• Process is non-invasive and minimally painful. It can deliver impressive results with minimal or no downtime. This however depends on the condition being treated.

For optimal results, generally several sessions could be required.

Tattoo Removal With Laser Therapy

Tattoos are no doubt beautiful and personal. But they may not always stand the test of time. Be it design no longer holds charm or is out of date with prevalent times. Many people look to laser treatment to remove unwanted tattoos safely.

Laser therapy is extensively used. It has proven itself to treat and remove tattoos.

How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Works?

Pigment is injected into dermis. Dermis is the skin’s second layer. This helps create tattoos. The color remains trapped in the dermis.

To remove it,

• Laser is fired into the tattoo spot.
• Tattoo ink absorbs laser energy. This breaks it into smaller particles.
• Body’s immune system gradually eliminates the smaller particles. Then, it processes and removes the pigment over time.

Certain factors determine effectiveness of tattoo removal.

Like,

• TATTOO COLOR: Different ink colors follow divergent approaches. They absorb light at different wavelengths. Certain lasers as such are better suitable for specific colors. Green or blue tattoos for instance often require specific lasers. These lasers are more effective at breaking down those pigments.
• TATTO SIZE: Larger tattoos compared to smaller ones may require more sessions.
• INK DEPTH AND QUALITY: Ink’s depth in the skin and ink type used plays a critical role. They can determine how the tattoo can effectively be removed.
• SKIN TYPE: Individuals with darker skin tones could require tailored approach. That’s because there remains hyper-pigmentation or scarring risk.

LASER TYPES USED FOR TATTOO REMOVAL

Several laser types to remove tattoos are there. Each type is designed to cater to different tattoo characteristics.

Q-SWITCHED LASERS: Most commonly used laser

• Delivers in a very short period of time intense pulses of light.
• Targets a wide array of ink types and tattoo colors.

Moisturizer used in the process should ideally be hydrating. However it should not be greasy.

PICOSECOND LASERS: It’s a more advanced laser type.

• Delivers when compared to the Q-Switched Lasers even faster pulses of light. Increased speed facilitates more effective treatment. This benefits stubborn or multi-colored tattoos.
• Breaks down the ink particles even further. This speeds up the tattoo removal process.

FRACTIONAL LASERS: They are not as commonly used as other laser categories. Instead, are occasionally used for complex cases. Or when dealing with tattoos that have caused scarring.

• Creates tiny columns of treated skin.
• Leaves unharmed the surrounding tissue.

Benefits

• PRECISION: Ink is targeted by the laser directly. This minimizes the damage to the surrounding skin.
• MINIMAL SCARRING: Treatment is best done by an experienced certified professional. This will ensure little or no skin scarring.
• EFFECTIVE ON MULTIPLE COLORS: Advanced tattoos use various ink colors. They can treat tattoos effectively.
• NON-INVASIVE: Lasers unlike surgical tattoo do not require cuts or stitches.

Risks and considerations

• MULTIPLE SESSIONS: Full Tattoo Removal requires in most cases several sessions, spread across several weeks. This however depends on the tattoo’s size, color, and depth.
• PAIN: Laser Tattoo Removal process in most cases is well-tolerated. However some patients report mild discomfort. This can however be managed with topical numbing creams.
• RISK OF HYPER-PIGMENTATION: People with darker skin tones may have issues. In certain cases, there are risks. Like hyper-pigmentation (darkening) or hypo-pigmentation (lightening) in the treated area.

HYPERPIGMENTATION TREATMENT WITH LASER THERAPY

Hyperpigmentation indicates skin’s darkening caused by excess melanin production. It can occur following acne or injury, in the form of age spots or sun spots or melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

Laser therapy has become the favored treatment to manage hyperpigmentatiion. It targets and breaks down in the skin excess pigment.

HOW DOES LASER THERAPY WORK?

It first works on pigment responsible for hyperpigmentation. Later, it targets it relentlessly.

• Light of laser is absorbed by melanin (pigment).
• Excess melanin particles heats up and breaks apart.
• Pigment is cleared away by body’s natural processes after it is fragmented. Later, this results in a more even skin tone.

Different leasers are used for treatment. This depends on hyperpigmentation’s type and depth.

• FRACTIONAL CO2 LASERS: Effective to treat deeper layers of skin. They are often used to address more severe hyperpigmentation.
• INTENSE POISED LIGHT (IPL): Is not exactly a laser. Still it’s frequently used for surface-level pigmentation issues. Like sun spots and age spots. It targets with broad-spectrum light the melanin in the skin.
• Q-SWITCHED LASERS: Commonly used to treat pigmentary concerns. Like melasma, sun spots, and age spots. They especially treat on-the-face and hands pigmentation effectively.

Benefits

• IMPROVES SKIN TONE: Lightens dark spots. This makes the skin tone appear more even.
• MINIMAL DOWNTIME: Has minimal recovery time. This is in stark comparison to more invasive procedures
• TARGETED TREATMENT: Focuses on areas containing excess pigmentation. The surrounding skin is left untouched.
• EFFECTIVE RESULTS: Visible improvements were experienced by many patients after just a few sessions. Results were especially good where therapy paired with proper skincare.

RISKS AND CONSIDERATIONS

• SKIN SENSITIVITY: Following laser treatment, skin can get sun-sensitive. Hence, sun protection is crucial.
• TEMPORARY REDNESS AND SWELLING: Some people after treatment may experience redness or mild swelling. They get healed within a few hours’ to days.
• RISK OF HYPERPIGMENTATION: Use of wrong laser type can be dangerous. There lies a risk of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. This can especially more on darker skin tones.
• MULTIPLE SESSIONS: May be required depending on pigmentation’s severity. This will help achieve the desired results.

UNEVEN SKIN TONE TREATMENT WITH LASER THERAPY

Uneven skin tone is among the most common of skin issues.

It appears as red patches. Else it can appear as irritating dark spots or persistent dullness. At times, it can suddenly appear and stay on.

Sun exposure and acne scars can cause uneven skin tone. Ageing, genetic predisposition, inflammation, or hormonal changes can also be responsible.

Laser therapy has been effective. It targets the skin texture and hyperpigmentation. This results in a more uniform complexion.

HOW DOES LASER THERAPY WORK?

The therapy targets skin’s pigment and texture.

To treat uneven skin tone, Fractional Lasers or IPL are most used. They work on stimulating collagen production and promoting the shredding of damaged skin cells. This result in smoother, more even skin.

Different lasers used to treat uneven skin tone includes,

• FRACTIONAL C02 LASERS: Resurfaces the skin. This helps even out the skin’s tone and texture.
• MICRONEEDLING WITH LASERS: Are a combination treatment. Tiny needles are used along with laser energy to promote collage production. This helps improve over time skin texture tone.
• IPL FOR REDNESS AND PIGMENTATION: Can treat redness, Simultaneously, dark spots and uneven pigmentation are also targeted.

Benefits

• IMPROVES SKIN TEXTURE: Some laser treatments improve skin tone and smooth it. This helps reduce rough skin patches, and scars.
• LONG-LASTING RESULTS: Can with proper aftercare deliver long-lasting effective results.
• MINIMAL DOWNTIME: Normal activities can be resumed. Many patients resume it following a brief recovery period.
• CUSTOMIZATABLE TREATMENT: Different lasers to address specific concerns can be tailored. Like pigmentation, redness, or texture.

RISKS AND CONSIDERATIONS

• SUN SENSITIVITY: Following treatment, skin can be sensitive to the sun. Hence, sun protection is essential.
• TEMPORARY REDNESS: Post-treatment, some redness, swelling, or mild discomfort may occur. However these symptoms subside on own within a few hours to days.
• MULTIPLE SESSIONS: May be required for optimal results. This however depends on the severity of the uneven skin tone.

For addressing multiple skin issues, laser therapy is a highly effective solution. Besides the therapy treatment can be tailored to help provide relief and achieve the desired results.

However, as with every treatment there can be some risks. So is it with laser therapy. Hence, it’s better to consult a skilled laser therapist well-informed about the treatment process. They understand your unique skin type and issues. This will ensure proper treatment leading to long-term effective results.