Pigmentation

Pigmentation

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Most instances of pigmentation are due to sun exposure to areas of the skin over a period of time. When treating pigmentation, both visible and infrared wavelengths may used to improve visible signs of aging and sun damage. Commonly treated areas include the face, neck, arms, hands, and chest. These therapies can even skin tone and often completely remove brown spots and unwanted pigmentation.  

 

We offer laser and light-based treatments, topical preparations, and peeling as treatment options.

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Broadband Light (BBL) Treatments

 

Broadband Light (BBL) treatments address age spots, sun spots, and uneven skin tone. The light energy delivered by the BBL will gently heat the upper layers of your skin and selectively target sun damage. The heat absorbed by the targeted areas will stimulate your skin cells to regenerate. This process will help restore your skin to its natural beauty, making it clearer, smoother, vibrant and younger looking.

 

Patients often benefit from several broadband light sessions per year to maintain skin improvements. Treatments can be performed anywhere on the face and body. We are able to precisely customize treatments based on the patient's goals and skin types. Treatments result in consistent, visible, and lasting improvements with little to no downtime and minimal discomfort.

 

 What to Expect 

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• The area to be treated will be cleansed prior to the treatment.

• A topical anesthetic will be applied prior to the treatment to make the process more comfortable.

• The treatment may feel like a rubber band flicking the skin.

• Cools packs applied after the treatment will help with redness and warmth.

• It is important to wear daily sunscreen prior to and after each treatment.

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After the procedure, you are able to return to your normal activities the same day. Your skin may be slightly pink immediately for 1–2 days after the procedure. It is not uncommon for brown spots to initially darken and then lighten in about a week on the face and two two three weeks on other regions of the body. It is important to use daily SPF to extend the improvement after the procedure. 

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Q-Switched Nd:YAG Treatment

 

The Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers are short pulsed, solid state lasers that produce an intense burst of light that is especially suited for treating pigmentation and tattoos. The light from these lasers is absorbed primarily by the pigment in the lesion and passes through the surrounding tissue. This treatment is especially helpful for pigmentation in the form of melasma.

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What to Expect

 

• The area to be treated will be cleansed prior to the laser treatment. Due to the gentle nature of the laser when treating melasma, anesthetic cream is not needed. The laser will feel slightly warm and you may hear a snapping sound through the treatment.  

• The treatment lasts less than 10 minutes and sunblock will be applied after the treatment.  

• You may wear makeup after the session.  

• It is important to wear sunscreen daily and follow the melasma protocol as prescribed by your physician. 

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Chemical Peels

 

A chemical peel is a skin-resurfacing treatment in which a solution is applied to remove the outer layer(s) of the skin, exfoliating dead skin cells and permitting new skin to grow back smoother and younger looking. Chemical peels are used to treat sun damage, fine wrinkles, skin discoloration, active acne, and acne scars. A peel can be performed alone or in combination with other cosmetic procedures. Peels are typically performed as a series of multiple treatments to most effectively help achieve your desired results. 

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You can expect to observe a gradual improvement in overall skin texture and tone and reduced fine wrinkles. Avoid sun exposure until new skin completely covers the area, in about four to seven days.

 

What to Expect

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The entire procedure will take about 20 minutes. First, your skin will be prepared by a deep cleanse. Next, the peeling solution (typically glycolic or salicylic acid) is applied while timing the length of application and closely observing your skin’s response to the treatment. The peel is then neutralized. As your skin becomes healthier with each subsequent treatment, we are often able to increase the time of application in order to achieve continued improvements. 

 

A minimal amount of discomfort can be expected during the application of the peel, but this typically resolves with neutralization. Some patients have a sensation of warmth for several hours after the treatment, which usually abates within hours. Immediately following treatment, sunscreen and moisturizer are applied.  

 

Side effects are uncommon, and most patients tolerate chemical peels quite well. Your skin will look red and irritated following the treatment with variable peeling and sometimes mild scabbing over the next few days.  Changes in skin color are uncommon and almost always temporary. Following the pre and post-treatment instructions will help minimize the risk of side effects.

 

Pre-treatment care:

• Stop Tretinoin—a prescribed vitamin A derivative, classified as a retinoid—and other active products approximately one week prior to the treatment.

• Avoid exposure to ultraviolet light, including tanning beds.

 

Post-treatment care:

• Wear a sunblock of SPF30 or greater twice daily during and for 3 months after treatment sessions.

• Use moisturizer daily.

• Apply Vaseline or aquaphor ointment 3–4 times daily to any areas of skin that blistered or excessively dry.

• You may wear makeup the day after treatment and may restart Tretinoin after dryness and or peeling subsides.