Effective Hyperpigmentation Treatment in Singapore
Laser Toning: The Convenient Solution for Hyperpigmentation Problems
Laser toning treatments effectively treat skin pigmentation issues such as sunspots, melasma, wrinkles, acne scars, and many other conditions.
Most of us are generally aware of the availability of lasers in the market and other light-based technologies used to treat pigmentation. These technologies score over other non-invasive skin treatments in efficacy and popularity. In fact, using lasers and similar focused light-based treatments to resolve pigmentary disorders also let us avoid outdated, chemical-based “bleaching” creams. The new generation devices are convenient and effective for combating sun damaged skin problems such as hyperpigmentation, sunspots, melasma and etc.
What is Laser Toning and How Does It Work?
In simple terms, laser toning is a process where specific layers of the skin are penetrated with laser energy and disintegrate the pigments formed due to sun damage, acne, ageing, and other skin conditions.
Unlike the conventional laser skin resurfacing treatments in the marketplace, laser toning depends upon non-ablative lasers, which only heat the tissues in targeted areas but don’t destroy them. According to dermatologists, laser toning creates a ‘controlled thermal injury’ that prompts the body’s natural mechanisms to increase collagen and elastin production. Upon completing the procedure, discolouration vanishes as excess pigmentation and the body’s immune system mops up the particulate matter.
Procedure for Hyperpigmentation Treatment
Designed to treat pigment cells without disturbing skin tissue continuity, the ND YAG Laser is a non-ablative laser that operates at two distinct wavelengths of 1064 nm and 532 nm. As the melanin pigments selectively absorb the lasers of specific wavelengths, they get cleared by the energy generated in the process.
The ND YAG LASER can be deployed very easily and rapidly, with barely 15 minutes required for completing the procedure. With practically no downtime involved, you can easily get it done during your lunch break.
The side-effects of the procedure are minimal, with redness of the treated area being the only problem you may face for a couple of hours at the most. Since no swelling occurs in the affected area, you can return to work immediately after undergoing the procedure.
The results are not likely to be evident immediately after the procedure. In fact, it is quite possible that initially, there is a darkening of the skin for a couple of weeks before the results become visible. However, results are instantaneous for skin lightening and rejuvenation treatments.
How Does Laser Toning Work?
Long Pulse ND:YAG Laser is a non-ablative laser procedure, where the skin is ‘heated’ with the help of extremely short energy bursts or pulses. It is useful for stimulating collagen production, thus aiding in the collagen remoulding process, ultimately resulting in tightening pores, rejuvenating skin, reducing the visibility of deep vascular lesions. The procedure can also be used for hair removal treatment. A safe and effective treatment for all kinds of skin involves showering the inner dermal layer with photo-thermal energy to stimulate the collagen surrounding the pores in the target areas. Thus, the appearance of the pore size is significantly reduced, and oil secretion is also gets controlled. This procedure is also an effective option for treating wrinkles on the face.
The low-energy laser beam selectively targets melanocytes, weakening them, and in the process, destroys some of the melanin pigments. The heat emanating from the focused laser passes simultaneously boosts collagen production inside the dermis. These internal changes result in the skin getting tightened, even as the laser beams smoothly vaporize the skin’s superficial layers.
As we can see, a Q-switched Nd: YAG laser is primarily designed for treating pigmentation issues. However, we have ingeniously modified its usage to harness its properties for skin tightening and rejuvenation treatments through laser toning procedures.
Fun facts:
- The name Nd:YAG is derived from the Neodymium-doped Yttrium aluminium garnet, which is a crystal, used as a laser medium.
- With a wave length of 1064nm, Nd:YAG can easily reach the deeper layers of skin tissue, as compared to lasers which operate at lower wavelengths.
- The Q-switching technique is a way of modifying the laser beam output, by shortening its wavelength to around 532nm. The short-wave length laser is effective in the treatment of superficial skin pigmented lesions.
Laser Toning for Deep-Lying Structures Treatment
Dermal lasers are used for a wide range of skin ailments, including hyperpigmentation treatment, red spots, dark spots, wrinkles, and a slew of other pigmentation concerns. Learn how laser toning treatment can help resolve other skin concerns below;
- Melasma — If you suffer from melasma — a form of hyperpigmentation which causes brown to grey-brown patches on the face — you already know it’s one of the most difficult skin conditions to treat, especially for those with darker skin tones. Dermatological studies report that laser toning effectively improves the appearance of pigmented lesions and dark spots. However, laser treatments can only control melasma, not cure it.
- Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation — This epidermal condition, also known as PIH, is usually the result of injury, burns, post acne marks, inflammatory lesions or skin disorders. While it can surface in people of any type, it is supposed to more prevalent among people of Hispanic or African American descent. Specific lasers, cooling devices, and wavelengths are used in the treatment of PIH. For optimal results, dermatologists generally club these treatments and topical lightening creams.
- Dark spots — These brown spots appearing on the face, are caused by sun exposure rather than skin conditions such as melasma, or PIH. The appropriate laser treatment can effortlessly remove these dark spots. While some dermatologists and aesthetic specialists suggest ruby lasers, there are many other viable ad effective laser and light therapy options available.
- Freckles — Laser freckle removal is fast gaining traction in the dermatological world. Recent studies have shown that one of the newest laser technologies, fractional CO2 laser, can reduce the colour density of freckles by more than 50% in a month.
- Acne scarring — Some dermatologists have also started channelling lasers to address acne scars. By stimulating collagen production deep in the dermis/epidermis, lasers can help improve the appearance of enlarged pores, wrinkles, fine lines, and moderate to severe acne scars.
- Rosacea and redness — Rosacea redness is most frequently caused by telangiectasias, also known as spider veins. Specific lasers can be used to destroy these broken blood vessels on the cheeks and nose. The International Rosacea Foundation recommends certain types of lasers, but warns that treatments may actually cause rosacea to worsen. Because rosacea sufferers are much more likely to experience adverse reactions to certain skincare therapies, treatment should only be provided by highly trained professionals.
- Dark circles — Pairing the other treatment modalities such as dermal filler and laser toning can help treat under eye circles.
Doctor’s Advice & Recommendation
Laser toning is ideal and safe for people who seek skin rejuvenation. Since very low-intensity laser energy is used in the procedure, there is minimal to no downtime. Patients can complete their treatments and return to their daily activities immediately.
The long wavelength, measuring 1064nm, is clinically safe for all skin types. However, it is advisable to avoid laser toning for sunburned skin or in cases of severe acne and skin allergies. Laser toning is also not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and people who have photosensitive epilepsy.
Since laser toning works very gently on the skin layers, anaesthesia is not required for this procedure. After taking the photographs, we begin the laser procedure, which lasts for around 15 minutes. During the course of the procedure, lasers are passed several times over the face, lips and neck.
On completion of the procedure, topical application of Dr KT's skin serum and sunblock will be applied to the skin to provide nutrients and protect the skin. Some clients may encounter mild redness on the face, but this condition lasts only a couple of hours before disappearing. As a precaution, we always advise individuals to reapply sunscreen after every 2 to 3 hours after the treatment.
Apart from applying sunblock, avoid skin whitening or brightening products and chemical peel for about 3 to 5 days until the skin is completely healed.
How Often Should You Do This Treatment?
Every skin is different, even for their treatments and the frequency of the treatments. Consult your doctor for a detailed assessment before commencing your treatment journey.