A variety of laser treatments have been shown to reduce hyperpigmentation. Most do so by targeting beams of light on to the affected area of skin. The results depend on the depth of the melanin and the colour of the lesion and are to some degree unpredictable.  Ablative laser treatments are more intensive whereas non-ablative lasers offer a gentler treatment, but which may require more treatment sessions for effective results.

Laser pigmentation removal works by eliminating pigment in the surface of the skin through the body’s lymphatic system. This can target the specific area of pigmentation because the laser is absorbed only by cells containing an excessive concentration of pigmentation. This causes efficient destruction while leaving the surrounding tissue undamaged.

It is recommended that an active skincare regime is adopted a minimum of two weeks prior to treatment. Our doctor will recommend on the suitable standard topical treatment to ensure you get the most effective results from lasers treatment.

Most patients experience warm and little discomfort while receiving this laser treatment. The level of discomfort can vary depending on a person’s sensitivity, but most people tolerate the treatment very well with little discomfort. Following treatment you may feel a little discomfort, but generally people experience mild redness in treatment area that will resolve in a quick manner.

Immediately after

Immediately post treatment you can expect to see some mild redness. You may also see some of your pigmentation spots or areas turn slightly darker. This is normal and the pigment naturally start to fade away within 2-4 weeks after your body naturally get rid of the residual pigment.

One hour after

The redness can be still present however will be greatly reduced. Mineral makeup can be applied to the treated area 24 hours post treatment to cover this.

 The next day

Most of the cases, the skin will return to it’s normal within a couple hours. In some sensitive patients, mild redness can remain for up to 24 hours and gradually subside.

What should happen to skin?

The laser will cause the pigmentation to break down and the residual pigments will be eliminated by your body, and this will result in the reduction of the appearance of the pigmentation.

Your pigmentation may darken, lighten, fade, or even appear to have no change immediately post treatment. On average, it takes 4-6 weeks for your body to process the pigment.

Laser for pigmentation will require more than one treatment to achieve the desired results. In combination with other standard treatments, we recommend a minimum of three treatments. However, our expertise doctor will discuss with you after skin evaluation and recommend the treatment that suit your conditions.

In most hyperpigmented conditions, pigmented lesions that have been removed will not return after your laser treatments. However, some conditions especially melasma, it can be stubborn to treat and can recur after successful treatments. Various factors such as aging, changes in hormone levels or UV exposure can stimulate new hyperpigmentation. Unfortunately, laser pigmentation removal treatments do not prevent new hyperpigmentation from occurring.

Before any treatment for abnormal pigmentation can commence, here at The London Cosmetic Clinic, we will request that you attend a no obligation consultation, skin analysis and medical history check, so that we can determine which treatments will be both suitable and safe for your individual skin concerns, lifestyle and general health.