Most pigmentary skin lesions, whether epidermal or dermal, acquired or congenital, can be treated with Q-switched lasers of blue, green, and infrared light.
Pigmented lesions
While the epidermal lesions respond best to 532 nm (frequency doubled NdYAG). Dermal lesions are better treated with 1064 nm.
- Lentigines: Usually 1-8 sessions are enough to clear lentigines at 532 nm. However there is a risk of hypo/hyperpigmentation, so avoidance of sun exposure for 4-6 weeks post laser is very important.
- Cafe-au lait macules: These again can be treated effectively in 1-8 sessions, but recurrence is common which requires multiple treatments.
- Freckles: Response is same as for lentigines. Although very effective, risk of dyspigmentation exists.
- Dermal pigmented lesions: Nevus of Ota, Nevus of Ito, mongolian spots, Hori’s nevus,ABNOMs (acquired bilateral nevus of Ota like macules), and other flat pigmented birthmarks respond well at 1064 nm. Multiple sessions are usually required with near-total clearing of the lesion in most cases.
We can not treat raised lesions or a lesion if it contains hair.
In all cases of pigmentation removal, a written consent must be received from your Doctor before treatment can begin.
This is to ensure that there are no existing or potential melanomas present.