Misconceptions generally surround laser pigment removal and treatments that utilize light energy. These treatments have come a long way and are safe for most people who desire them. So, it’s helpful to understand which pieces of information are merely hearsay rather than truth. After reading, you may just find that laser pigmentation removal could be more beneficial than various other treatments available, especially when choosing a reputable laser and skin clinic in NY.
Misconception: “Laser Treatment Is Extremely Painful.”
Perhaps it’s all the Star Wars movies that stimulated this myth. They were using lasers for protection and fighting. However, laser treatments are nothing like lightsabers. Instead, they use concentrated beams of light directed at the treatment area. They break up the pigmentation, and then the body’s lymphatic system clears them. It’s a rather gentle process and does not use dangerous wavelengths.
Mild Stinging Sensation
A mild stinging sensation during the treatment process is possible. However, it’s bearable for a majority of people. This treatment does not require sedation or pain medication because the discomfort is minimal. For those concerned about pain, a practitioner at our laser and skin clinic in NY can provide a topical numbing agent.
Post-Procedure Irritation and Discomfort
Afterward, there may be irritation and discomfort. Most patients compare it to sunburn. Therefore, it’s tolerable for a majority of people, just unpleasant. Someone experiencing discomfort may use a cold compress or ice to soothe this irritation. Some people may benefit from using an over-the-counter analgesic after the procedure to combat the discomfort. Be sure to talk to your practitioner before taking anything to ensure it’s safe to use after laser therapy.
Possible Blistering Afterwards
In some cases, blistering after the laser treatment may occur. This temporary side effect can be resolved by applying ice to the area, which eases both pain and swelling.
Blistering can be a normal reaction. Large blisters may occur if an unskilled individual operates the laser. Typically, only tiny blisters appear when a skilled professional performs laser treatment.
Misconception: “Lasers Make Your Skin Weak and Thinner.”
Professionals with a laser and skin clinic in NY aren’t sure where this misconception originated. Laser treatment does not directly affect the skin in this manner. Light energy is intended to break down the color in the spot with hyperpigmentation. It does not affect the skin cells themselves or proteins and other materials that comprise them.
Non-Invasive Treatment
Non-ablative lasers are used for this particular treatment. Classified as non-invasive, it does not sever or remove any layers of skin. Essentially, it leaves your skin unharmed but could temporarily irritate the region.
Importance of Training
When used in the wrong setting, lasers could lead to skin damage but still wouldn’t thin the skin. To alleviate the potential of this happening, it is vital to find a laser and skin clinic with trained professionals. When choosing a center, opt for one with practitioners who have experience and a strong educational background. Verifying their licensure is essential to ensure the highest level of results is received. It also reassures you that the treatment is safe.
Known to Heal the Skin
Moreover, some lasers help with the healing process and can make skin firmer. Some laser treatments target the initial problem and stimulate collagen production, which makes the skin more firm. Collagen is a protein that comprises about three-quarters of your skin. It’s responsible for skin elasticity, which also relates to its strength.
During the aging process, skin loses elasticity and will thin due to decreased collagen production. Collagen is necessary for the repair process, and without it, the skin can’t heal. It then thins over time. The laser treatment may promote collagen production to lessen any thinning you currently have.
Misconception: “A Single Session of Laser Treatment Will Clear All Pigment.”
Laser treatments work wonders in breaking up and reducing pigmentation. Particularly for those with dark or large pigmentation areas, you’ll need multiple treatments to see the full effects. It can provide tremendous results, but it’s given in small doses at controlled wavelengths to ensure the laser therapy sessions remain safe. While some people only need one treatment, most require two and three, though certain individuals may require more. The total number of sessions you require depends on the following factors:
- Location
- Depth
- Pigmentation type
- Size
Typically, when you visit for hyperpigmentation removal and need multiple sessions, they’re given once every four to eight weeks. Your practitioner will determine the ideal schedule based on how well you heal.
Misconception: “The Results of Laser Skin Treatment are Permanent.”
Upon completion of the laser skin treatment sessions, one will notice that the pigmentation will completely disappear in most cases. This is especially the case when someone chooses a reputable and well-established laser and skin clinic in NY. Though this is true, the spots can return. It does not happen for everyone, but it is possible.
General Information
Certain factors affect whether the blemishes will reappear or new ones will form. Specifically, aging, sun exposure, and hormonal changes will contribute to whether you develop new or additional ones. It has nothing to do with the skill or precision of the technician.
Aging Process
For instance, the aging process can lead to skin hyperpigmentation issues in the future, such as melasma and solar lentigo, among others. Solar lentigos appear as the result of ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. The radiation stimulates the proliferation of the melanocytes, which are responsible for melanin production. As a result of this overproduction, patches of dark skin form. They’re benign, harmless, and don’t cause pain but can be unsightly. These are more common in people middle-aged or older. People often refer to them as liver spots or sun spots.
Even if removed, they may develop again from excessive sun exposure.
Melasma is a skin problem that leads to spots or patches of darkened skin. They most often form on the face, though they can appear in other places, such as the neck and arms. They may appear brown, grayish-brown, bluish-gray, or tan. They’ll arise as freckle-like spots or in much larger patches. As noted by the Cleveland Clinic, they’re more common when you’re between 20 and 40. Once you’re no longer in your reproductive years, the risk decreases immensely.
Sun Exposure
Sun exposure is a major factor in whether hyperpigmentation will reappear. This is true whether you’re in the sun or under the UV lights of a tanning bed. The radiation leads to an overproduction of melanin, causing dark spots. And they won’t slow or stop forming unless you protect your skin from the sun. That means you need to limit your time in the sunshine to about 15 to 20 minutes per day. This is enough to receive enough vitamin D but does not significantly affect the melanocytes. Make sure also to wear a hat or clothing to cover areas prone to sun damage, like the arms. Always wear sunscreen to shield the skin from the sun, at least partially. As a result, the skin will be less likely to develop new hyperpigmentation from the sun.
Hormonal Changes
Women are more prone to certain types of hyperpigmentation than men due to hormone changes. For example, a woman’s body produces more progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy. This results in skin changes and an increased risk of melasma. Most women will notice the condition improving after they give birth.
Hormonal changes due to birth control and hormone therapy may also contribute to hyperpigmentation. A woman could develop hyperpigmentation when she starts or stops a hormone-based medication.
Misconception: “All Laser Treatments Can Provide You With Baby-Like Skin.”
Lasers can improve the condition of the skin dramatically. They can address various skin issues, ranging from acne scarring to rough patches and hyperpigmentation, among others. However, they have their limitations. It can recur if someone has severe sun-damaged skin, is still on hormone-based medication, or stop taking a hormone-based treatment. Even if the laser stimulates collagen production, it may not trigger enough to reverse the protein lost throughout the years.
Although some people can achieve flawless skin with their treatment, not everyone can. The results are dependent on the skin condition, the severity of the issue, the person’s age, and how you respond.
Hyperpigmentation removal can be done through treatments at a laser and skin clinic in NY. Despite some popular misconceptions, the treatments are safe for most people, and a practitioner will evaluate a patient carefully before providing any of them. And while it might not offer flawless skin, you’ll certainly notice a difference.
Book an appointment with Bared Monkey today for a laser hyperpigmentation removal consultation. There’s no hyperpigmentation too big or small that we can’t reduce the appearance of some! Call us at 212-256-9777.
