DESCRIPTION
Pigmentation Removal – Adelaide
Skin Pigmentation removal using the Excel V Cool Glide Laser: The pigmentation treatment that really works. Another great option for pigmentation removal is a Cosmelan Treatment, which works particularly well for people with darker skin types. No more need to cover up spots!
The Benefits
1. Enhanced Confidence:
Pigmentation removal can significantly boost self-esteem by providing individuals with clearer, more even-toned skin, allowing them to feel more confident in their appearance.
2. Improved Skin Texture:
By targeting areas of hyperpigmentation, pigmentation removal treatments can help improve overall skin texture, making it smoother and more even.
3. Youthful Appearance:
Eliminating pigmentation spots can contribute to a more youthful-looking complexion, as pigmentation can often make skin appear aged or dull.
4. Even Skin Tone:
One of the primary benefits of pigmentation removal is achieving a more uniform skin tone, free from the discolouration caused by pigmentation issues.
5. Customized Solutions:
Pigmentation removal treatments can be tailored to individual skin types and concerns, ensuring personalised and effective solutions for each person's unique needs.
6. Long-lasting Results:
Depending on the treatment method used, pigmentation removal can offer long-lasting results, helping individuals maintain clear, radiant skin over time.
How it works
Why do we get more pigmentation as we age?
Ageing can be attributed to three main things;
- Uneven skin pigmentation
- Loss of skin volume
- Wrinkles and fine lines
At Advanced Cosmetic Medicine, we are experts at addressing these three pillars of ageing.
The dark spots or hyperpigmentation caused by excessive UVA exposure is something that can be easily erased by using the Excel V laser. This laser pigmentation removal treatment is like having a special eraser for your skin. Say goodbye to brown spots today, and say hello to a younger-looking you!
What is hyperpigmentation and why does it occur?
Hyperpigmentation can be seen as spots on the skin as a result of overproduction of melanin. The spots can be seen on the skin, ranging in colour from light brown to black, and may vary in shape and size.
There are numerous types of hyperpigmentation, but the following three are the most common;
Age Spots: Are pigmented spots caused by exposure to the sun. They appear on parts of the body that are exposed to the sun, mostly the hands, arms and face. They are usually small and darkened areas seen on the skin.
Melasma or Chloasma: Often is also called “the mask of pregnancy” because 90% of pregnant women are affected by it. The cause is the result of hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and also by the use of the birth control pill. It can cause large, dark and irregularly shaped areas on the face and arms.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: This happens after an injury to the skin which leaves a pigmented area behind as it heals. It is often seen among people who suffer from acne.
There are other conditions that can cause the skin to have dark patches, such as birthmarks, scarring, moles, and skin cancers. These, however, are not considered hyperpigmentation in the usual sense. It is important to have these checked by your doctor if they are new or changing in colour or size.
What types of Pigmentation Removal does ACM offer?
There are a few different options available when it comes to pigmentation removal. It is often best to consult with your doctor to decide which is the best method for you. For example, laser pigmentation removal is not suitable for darker skin types. It should be noted that no form of pigmentation removal is permanent. You should keep out of the sun as much as possible and always wear SPF 30+ sunscreen.
Pigmentation removal options available;
- Laser pigmentation removal
- Chemical Peels (only mild peels offered)
- Cosmelan (best option for all skin types)
What pigmentation types can be treated by laser removal?
- Age Spots
- Freckles
- Poikiloderma
- Hyperpigmentation
- Melasma
- Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
- Melasma
- Moles
How does Excel V laser treatment for pigmentation work?
At Advanced Cosmetic Medicine, hyperpigmentation treatment is performed using the Excel V Laser operated by Dr R.Targett. The Excel V is a grade four medical laser and is one of the most advanced machines on the market, being sold only to doctors.
The Excel V laser pigmentation removal works by using the 532nm wavelength of light. This wavelength is preferentially absorbed by brown pigmentation which causes the skin cells having brown pigment to heat up and be destroyed. The surrounding tissue remains unharmed.
The brown pigmentation marks will become deeper in colour after the laser treatment. The lesion created will form a crust which will flake off over a period of fourteen days.
Laser treatment for hyperpigmentation using 532 nm can only be used on light colour skin. For darker colour skin laser genesis using the 1064nm wavelength will be beneficial.
How does Cosmelan pigmentation removal work?
Cosmelan is a world leader in treating pigmentation. It helps to restore radiance and even skin tone by gently removing skin pigmentation. Cosmelan has over one million satisfied customers and the best thing is it is suitable for all skin types.
Cosmelan works by reducing the skin's production of melanin. It does this by inhibiting an essential enzyme in melanin production called tyrosinase. After treatment has finished, the enzyme will recover, and new melanin will be produced. You will need to avoid sun exposure as much as possible, and maintenance treatments may be required in future.
Is pigmentation removal permanent?
If SPF sunscreen is not used regularly when going into the sun, the pigmentation in the treated area may return over time. If this happens, further laser treatment can be performed.
How long does laser pigmentation removal take?
The time taken for the treatment will depend on the size, type and number of pigmented lesions that need to be treated. Treatment seasons are charged by fifteen-minute blocks. Usually, treatment can be done in one or two sessions.
Treatment Areas
The Doctor
Dr Rahma Targett
Dr Rahma Targett is a General Practitioner(FRACGP), with a specialty in Cosmetic Medicine. She founded Advanced Cosmetic Medicine in 2016 and has since become well known as a trusted and in demand Cosmetic Physician in Adelaide. She has a Diploma in Dermoscopy and a Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine with the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine. Dr Targett is a leader in her field and regularly attends Cosmetic conferences to keep up to date with modern aesthetic techniques. At advanced Cosmetic Medicine you can always be reassured that you will be welcomed and treated personally by Dr Rahma Targett.
The Excel V laser has a cool glide surface which helps to cool the skin before the laser is fired. This helps reduce the pain felt as well as helps to protect the surrounding skin from a heat injury.
The pain felt is often described as being similar to a rubber band being flipped against the skin. Most people are able to tolerate treatment with ease.
After the laser pigmentation removal treatment, the skin may feel red and hot, a bit like a sunburn. Ice packs may be used after the treatment to help reduce any inflammation and redness.
Everyone’s skin is different and will react differently to the laser pigmentation treatment. A test patch is performed first to see how your skin will react. This will allow the ideal settings to be used. After the treatment, the pigmentation will look darker and worse than before. Do not fret. After a few days, a crust will begin to form, and the dead skin cells will flake off over a two-week period.
Most clients are very happy with the results and can notice significant improvements, even after only one pigmentation treatment. Often a second treatment is needed to clear the pigment to the desired level.
Pigmentation treatment may be performed on any area of the body. The usual areas are the areas that have been exposed to the sun, such as the décolletage, hands and face.
A test patch is performed first to determine the correct machine settings. Also, the treated area is pre-cooled to help protect the surrounding tissue. The 532nm wavelength does not penetrate deep into the skin, so the underlying dermis will not be damaged during the treatment. Any damage done to the superficial skin will resolve as the skin cells from the deeper dermis migrate upwards.
Before your pigmentation treatment, it is very important not to expose your skin to the sun or any tanning treatments. This will cause your skin to darken and affect the ability of the laser to work on the pigmented lesions. The laser light will be absorbed by the darker surrounding tissue instead. Always wear SPF when you go out into the sun, both before and after your treatment. The pigmentation may return if you expose yourself to the sun after your treatment.
At your first appointment at Advanced Cosmetic Medicine, it is important that you mention to the doctor all of the medications that you are currently taking.
Medications that are contraindicated to having Excel V laser include
- Roaccutane
- Retin-A
Both of these medications can affect the integrity of the skin. Please stop taking Roaccutance six months before your pigmentation treatment and Retin A two to four weeks before your treatment.
Blood thinners may also affect your risk of bruising.
Dr Targett will examine your skin hyperpigmentation to determine its type and depth. She will recommend a treatment protocol to address your individual needs.
Other methods of treating pigmentation include;
- Excel V Laser Pigmentation Removal
- Laser Genesis
- Chemical Peel
- Microdermabrasion
- Skin Needling
- LED Light Therapy
Usually between two to six treatments will be required depending on the type of pigmentation, its colour, depth and area.
BEFORE LASER PIGMENTATION REMOVAL TREATMENT
- For four weeks prior to the treatment, no tanning or tanning treatments may be applied to the area.
- The area being treated should be shaved and free of hair.
- Do not wear any makeup or lotions on the day of treatment.
- Accutane must not be taken for six months prior to treatment.
AFTER LASER PIGMENTATION REMOVAL TREATMENT
- Use a cold compress after the treatment to reduce any swelling, redness or burning.
- Do not rub the skin area. Use moisturiser to keep the skin moist. makeup may be used as normal.
- Avoid hot tubs and saunas and excessive sweating for two days.
- Avoid skin irritants, skin peels and microdermabrasion for one week.
- Wear sunscreen when you go into the sun.
