Choosing the right wavelength: a decisive factor for the success of the treatment
The type of laser is a decisive factor when determining which color pigments may be treated particularly well and which colors do not respond as well to treatment. Ruby lasers, which work in the near-infrared range, have proved themselves to be almost universally deployable in practice. As a result of the strong absorption of the ruby laser beam by the skin pigment melanin, these devices are particularly well-suited for the treatment of natural pigmented lesions. Patients generally tolerate the treatment without an anesthetic; a local anesthetic is only used in rare cases.
The wavelength of the Ruby or Nd:YAG laser light is specifically absorbed by the color pigments of the lesion. The energy is transferred and then fragments the colored particles from the connective tissue. The fragmented particles are then degraded epidermally and lymphatically. The irradiated area of skin appears whitish for between ten and twenty minutes immediately after treatment. A slight crust then forms, which will slough off after between one and two weeks.
Pigmented lesions may also be treated using ablative lasers. In this respect, it is necessary to differentiate between “cold ablation”, with the Dermablate Erbium:YAG laser for instance, and vaporization with the QuadroStarPRO green or yellow light.
What kind of pigmented lesions can be treated?
The Pico and Nano lasers from Asclepion can effectively and safely remove a large variety of pigmented lesions:
• Lentigines
• Ephelides
• Naevus of Ota/Ito
• Tattoo
How does the removal of pigments with lasers work?
The laser beam penetrates through the upper layer of the skin and is absorbed by the color of the pigments. As the high-energy laser pulses of these devices are only last a few nanoseconds, they are absorbed by the pigment particles selectively without causing any coincident thermal damage to the surrounding tissue. The ink particles are fragmented by the laser irradiation and the broken-down ink are removed by the body’s own lymph system.
What is the course of treatment?
The distance holder of the laser handpiece is placed onto the skin. After the laser is activated via the foot switch, a light impulse is sent, which results in a gentle prickling sensation. The areas to be treated are then moved over with the handpiece of the laser. Immediately following the treatment, the treated area presents the so-called “popcorn effect”, appearing white and displaying blisters. Following the treatment, a redness of the skin, strong sensations of warmth or wheals may occur. After a few hours, the treated areas might darken and a small crust may form. This disappears within a few days. The next treatment, if necessary, can be carried out after six to eight weeks.
What needs to be considered following treatment?
Cool the treated skin for as long as it is comfortable for you. If crusts form, leave them alone. Protect treated areas from sunlight or intensive light (tanning salons) for at least six weeks – use suntan cream (SPF 20-50) if you stay outside longer. If skin changes occur that are not named above, contact your doctor immediately.
What complications may occur?
No medical treatment is completely risk-free. Normally, laser-treatment is very low-risk. Lightening of the skin or hyper-pigmentation may temporarily occur. In any case, all these effects are reversible and will disappear within a few weeks.
Products – Picostar , MCL31 ,Quadrostar Yellow, Quadrostar Green,Nanostar C ,Nano R & Y
