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The most frequently asked question we receive is how many sessions are required to effectively remove pigmentation and what are the alternative pigmentation treatments available? Throughout this article, we'll explore these factors in more detail and discuss why determining the number of sessions for hyperpigmentation treatment is difficult.
Skin hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition that makes some areas of the skin darker than others, and although it is harmless, it can cause significant distress, resulting in many seeking professional treatment. There are many pigmentary conditions ranging from age spots, freckles to melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Since there are many different types of pigmentation, answering the question "how many sessions do I need to remove pigmentation" would be challenging and not straightforward.
Pigmentation is a complex skin condition and there are so many variables that have to be taken into consideration when treating pigmentation, such as the type of pigmentary condition that is being treated, the energy-based devices and technologies that are used, the practitioner's skillset, and the individual's skin type and healing process. Let us dive in more on that.
Types of Pigmentation
Before delving into the specifics of pigmentation removal treatment, let's identify the different types of pigmentation conditions, each with unique characteristics and treatment approaches. Here are some common types:
Melasma
Characterized by large brown patches on the face, melasma is often linked to hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy or from birth control pills.
Solar Lentigines
Also known as solar lentigo, age spots or sun spots, these develop due to prolonged sun exposure and are common among older adults.
Freckles
Small brown spots typically found on fair skin, often caused by genetic factors and sun exposure.
Hori's Naevus
Pigmentation irregularities tend to be more prevalent among females and manifest as light brown or blue-grey spots on the cheeks.
Post-Inflammatory
Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
This condition results from skin inflammation caused by acne, eczema, or injuries, leading to darkened patches after healing.
Birthmarks
A common type of discolouration that can be categorized into vascular (red) or pigmentation (brown) birthmarks. Red coloured birthmarks are caused by a localized area of abnormal blood vessels. Brown birthmarks arise from localized areas of excessive pigmentation.
Burn Scar Marks
When the skin experiences trauma, such as a burn injury, it triggers an inflammatory response, leading to increased melanin production in the affected area.
Uneven Skin Tone
Uneven skin tone pigmentation refers to irregularities in melanin distribution across the skin's surface, causing dark spots or patches (hyperpigmentation).
How Many Sessions To Remove Pigmentation
There is no one-size-fits-all pigmentation removal treatment plan, as everyone's skin is different and unique. Predicting the number of sessions required to remove pigmentation is challenging because there's no set number applicable to everyone, and several factors contribute to this uncertainty:
1. Type of Pigmentary Condition
The types of pigmentation being treated plays a significant role in determining the number of sessions needed. For example, chronic pigmentary conditions such as melasma often requires more sessions due to its deep-rooted and recurring nature, while shallower pigmentary conditions like freckles or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may require fewer sessions.
2. Severity and Depth of Pigmentation
The severity and depth of pigmentation influence treatment effectiveness. Deeper pigmentation typically requires more sessions, and even a combination of different modalities that could range from lasers to radiofrequency microneedling to achieve significant results.
3. Different Skin Type
Different types of skin tone can also impact the types of treatment and its efficacy. Darker skin types may be more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, necessitating a cautious approach and potentially more sessions, or even other modalities to reduce the likelihood of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
4. Treatment Modalities
The type of treatment modality employed also affects the number of sessions required for pigmentation removal. Different types of pigmentation requires different modalities due to the fact that the pigments could be shallow, deep, or a mix of both. Thus, it is important to seek pigmentation removal treatment from a clinic that has access to a wide range of treatment modalities, allowing them the ability to customize the treatments according to your pigmentary condition.
5. Individual Healing Response
Every person’s skin heals at a different rate. Some may experience quicker results, while others require more sessions due to slower healing process.
6. Patience and Consistency
Consistency plays a crucial role in pigmentation treatment, offering several benefits. A regular treatment routine, whether it includes topical creams or laser sessions, increases the chance of optimal results by effectively addressing pigmentation over time. It also ensures uniform improvement in skin tone, reducing the risk of uneven results or pigmentation recurrence. Additionally, consistent treatment stabilizes the effects of pigmentation treatments, preventing regression or incomplete resolution of pigmentation concerns.
Finding the right Pigmentation Treatment
Pigmentation treatments in Singapore are abundant ranging from lasers to other energy based devices and given the variety of pigmentation conditions, finding the right pigmentation treatment suitable for you is vital. So what are the different pigmentation treatment options available right now? Firstly, pigmentation is a complex skin condition, with different types often manifesting as a combination of various pigmentation patterns.
As a result, treatment approaches need to be multifaceted, personalized to suit individual skin types and address specific pigmentation issues. Ensuring treatments vary not just in method, but also in their intensity and appropriateness is crucial for effectively managing the intricate nature of pigmentation concerns. Hence, seeking a qualified and experienced medical aesthetic doctor or practitioner in a reputable clinic is vital so they could guide you towards the most suitable treatment for your unique pigmentation concerns by leveraging various modalities tailored to your specific needs.
Now that we've outlined the necessary steps, let's dive right into exploring the available treatments for addressing hyperpigmentation.
Laser Treatments
Laser treatments are among the most popular and effective methods for addressing pigmentation. They use concentrated beams of light to break down excess pigment in the skin, allowing the body to naturally absorb the broken-down pigment and eliminate it.
Picosecond Nd:YAG Laser/ Alexandrite Laser
The Picosecond Nd: YAG or Alexandrite laser works at frequencies of 1064nm and 532nm. With its ultra-short pulse, this laser is effective at reducing pigmentation. Besides being efficient, the pico laser is designed to be comfortable, with little to no downtime, allowing you to quickly resume your regular activities after treatment. Furthermore, it has the largest spot size, enabling quicker treatment sessions and minimizing downtime.
Picosure 755nm Ultra-short Picosecond Laser
The Picosure laser is designed to specifically target pigmentation, but it is also effective in addressing sun spots, fine lines, and uneven skin tone and texture. This technology uses ultra-short pulses, each lasting one trillionth of a second, to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, creating tiny micro-cavities. These micro-cavities stimulate the skin’s natural regeneration process.
Operating at a 755nm wavelength, this laser offers an enhanced absorption for pigmentation-relation treatments. Picosure is relatively comfortable and an produce results without harming the outer layers of the skin. It is suitable for treating pigmentation on various parts of the body, including the face, chest, back, hands and legs.
Pro Yellow Laser
Another effective modality for dealing with stubborn pigmentation issues, this treatment employs a 577nm wavelength that offers optimal absorption for addressing spots, pigmentation, and blood vessels.
Unlike the 532nm wavelength of green lasers, yellow lasers operate at 577nm and achieve 40% higher absorption in blood vessels. Since yellow laser treatment requires significantly less power to be effective, it offers several notable advantages:
- Significantly reduced risk of side effects, such as burns or altered pigmentation
- Treatment of vascular lesions at much lower power, minimizing potential complications
- Safety across a range of skin tones, making it suitable for both light and darker skin types
- Fractional laser scanning for skin rejuvenation, catering to skin types I to V
- Effectiveness in treatment both epidermal melasma and VGEF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor), making it versatile for various conditions
Fractional Erbium YAG Laser
Fractional Erbium Yag laser is an ablative laser, an alternative to CO2 laser, is designed for skin resurfacing and promoting the regeneration of new cells. This laser wavelength is selectively absorbed by the water in skin cells, leading to enhanced collagen production. Due to its accurate action, the Er:YAG laser allows for targeted ablation, expediting pigmentation removal and promoting the growth of new, healthy skin cells.
Radiofrequency Treatments
Radiofrequency microneedling treatments represent an innovative approach to addressing pigmentation concerns effectively. By combining the benefits of microneedling with radiofrequency energy, these treatments offer a comprehensive solution for improving skin tone and texture.
Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling
RF Microneedling is another approach to skin rejuvenation and pigmentation removal. Among the various RF-based modalities, RF Microneedling stands out for its effectiveness in treating stubborn pigmentation issues, including melasma. Unlike traditional microneedling, RF Microneedling uses fine needles to create micro-channels in the skin, delivering controlled RF energy to the deeper layers. This dual-action approach targets pigmentation on several fronts:
- Breaking Down Pigment Deposits: The mechanical aspect of microneedling physically disrupts pigment clusters, allowing them to break down and be absorbed by the body.
- Reforming Abnormal Blood Vessels: The RF energy helps normalize blood vessel patterns, reducing vascular abnormalities that contribute to melasma and other pigmentation issues.
- Strengthening the Basement Membrane: RF energy stimulates collagen production, reinforcing the basement membrane and providing a stronger barrier against melanin formation.
- Preventing Future Melanin Formation: By regenerating the deeper layers of the skin and promoting healthy skin cell turnover, RF microneedling can help reduce the risk of new pigment formation.
Managing Expectations for Pigmentation Removal
Though all lasers work on the same principles, these devices have many configurations that have to be adjusted to treat the different types of skin issues. For the uninitiated, all lasers may seem alike. However, pigmentation removal is a complex procedure, and an experienced doctor can determine the right treatment modalities to deliver tangible results for each individual case. Doctors must consider numerous variables, including the type of laser, pulse duration, energy levels, probe type, and wavelength.
Multiple skin conditions and variable factors are also taken into consideration to determine suitable laser treatment for the pigmentary condition. In his past experiences handling laser treatments for pigmentation, Dr Kenneth Thean has rarely come across entirely identical pigmentary conditions nor has he used exactly the same treatment permutations for all his patients.
Furthermore, it demands patience and realistic expectations. While some individuals may see significant improvements after just 1 or 2 sessions, others may need multiple sessions spread over several weeks or months. It's crucial to follow the treatment protocol advised by your doctor and attend follow-up sessions as scheduled. Additionally, post-treatment care, including diligent sun protection and gentle skincare, is essential for maintaining results and preventing recurrence.
For those seeking pigmentation treatment in Singapore, it's essential to choose the right pigmentation treatment tailored to your needs and delivered by experienced doctors. Unsure how to choose the right medical aesthetic clinic? Read on the 4 questions to help choose the right aesthetic clinic for you.