Solar Lentigine Treatment

Solar Lentigine Treatment Adelaide
Solar Lentigine Treatment involves the targeted use of energy-based devices that selectively absorb the melanin pigment within the lentigine, causing the pigment to fragment, or the use of specialised professional peeling systems designed to reduce hyperpigmentation. The body’s immune system or exfoliation process then naturally clears the fragmented pigment or pigmented cells over the following weeks.
The most common specialised methods for effective Solar Lentigine Treatment include:
Excel V Laser System: This system offers a highly specialised method by using its high-power green light (532 nm wavelength) to deliver intense, brief bursts of energy that are highly absorbed by the excess melanin pigment in the solar lentigine, causing it to fragment for natural clearance.
Cosmelan Depigmentation Protocol: This is a specialised professional peel system involving a clinical-strength mask applied in-clinic, followed by a strict, long-term at-home regimen. It is highly effective for widespread pigmentation and is designed to inhibit the formation of new melanin, as well as to exfoliate existing pigment.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: A specialised broad-spectrum light device filtered to target melanin, often used for areas with many small lentigines or diffuse sun damage.
The correct choice of Solar Lentigine Treatment depends on the darkness, depth, overall number of lesions, and the patient’s lifestyle commitment to post-treatment care, which is determined during the initial consultation.
Solar Lentigine Treatment is classified as a higher risk non-surgical cosmetic procedure when involving medical-grade lasers or light devices, or deep clinical chemical peels, as these techniques intentionally alter the skin’s pigmentation. This necessitates strict safety protocols and administration by a registered health practitioner.
Solar Lentigine Treatment is not medically necessary, as solar lentigines are benign (non-cancerous) lesions. Removal is an elective cosmetic choice. The primary risks associated with this specialised procedure include temporary side effects such as redness and the characteristic darkening and subsequent micro-crusting of the treated spots before they clear. Due to the intense targeting of pigment, there is a minor risk of temporary or permanent skin pigmentation changes (hypo- or hyperpigmentation), especially if the patient does not adhere to sun protection protocols. Patients should be aware that treatment does not eliminate the underlying cause (sun damage), meaning new lentigines can form or treated areas may repigment over time if sun exposure is continued.
All higher risk non-surgical cosmetic procedures utilised in Solar Lentigine Treatment are performed exclusively by a registered health practitioner, as our practice adheres strictly to the professional standards and guidelines set by the National Boards and Ahpra. This commitment means the practitioner’s primary duty is always to the patient, ensuring all decisions regarding your Solar Lentigine Treatment plan are based on clinical necessity, not financial gain.
Furthermore, every procedure will be performed by a practitioner possessing the appropriate qualifications, education, and competence relevant to the specific specialised laser or light treatment being offered. We are obligated to provide you with clear, accurate, and objective information about the treatment, including the potential for complications and the importance of long-term sun protection. Finally, our practitioners are committed to proactively managing any potential conflict between the desire for financial return and their ethical and professional duty to provide the best and safest possible care for every patient undergoing Solar Lentigine Treatment.
Benefits of Solar Lentigine Treatment
What to Expect



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Who We Are
Our Clinicians
Dr. Rahma Targett
Registered Medical Practitioner (General Registration)
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Dr. Targett is the founder of ACM and is committed to providing responsible cosmetic care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Solar Lentigine Treatment is classified as a higher risk non-surgical cosmetic procedure because it uses medical-grade energy devices (lasers or IPL) that penetrate the skin to target and destroy pigment cells. This technique carries potential risks for temporary or permanent pigmentation changes, especially on darker skin types, necessitating assessment and administration by a registered health practitioner, as mandated by Ahpra guidelines.
Freckles
- Cause: Primarily genetic, triggered by sun exposure.
- Appearance: Small, light brown spots.
- Onset: Typically appear in childhood.
- Behaviour: Get darker with sun exposure and fade in winter.
Age Spots (Solar Lentigines)
- Cause: Result of long-term sun damage.
- Appearance: Larger, more defined brown or dark spots.
- Onset: Typically appear in adulthood (after age 40).
- Behaviour: Do not fade with reduced sun exposure.
Note: Both are benign, but their presence indicates sun damage and a need for sun protection.
No, solar lentigines are benign (non-cancerous). However, their presence indicates significant sun damage, which is a major risk factor for developing skin cancer. It is always important to have any new or changing spots assessed by a medical professional.
No, we cannot guarantee the lesions will not return. Ahpra guidelines prohibit us from creating unreasonable expectations. Solar Lentigine Treatment removes the existing visible spots. However, the underlying cause—cumulative sun damage—remains. Without rigorous and continuous sun protection, new solar lentigines are highly likely to reappear over time.
Discomfort during the treatment is often likened to a warm snap. You should realistically expect a period of recovery or downtime. The most notable sign is the significant darkening and subsequent flaking/crusting of the treated spots, which can take 5-14 days to clear. We will provide detailed aftercare instructions to manage this healing process.
Yes, a comprehensive consultation is essential and mandatory. It allows our registered health practitioner to confirm the diagnosis (ruling out more serious lesions), assess suitability for the specialised device, and discuss all potential risks. Following the consultation for this higher risk cosmetic procedure, we are obligated to offer a sufficient cooling-off period before you can consent to the actual treatment.
Yes. The most critical long-term Solar Lentigine Treatment aftercare is rigorous sun protection (high-factor, broad-spectrum sunscreen and physical cover) every day, indefinitely. This is essential to prevent hyperpigmentation immediately after treatment and to minimise the recurrence of new lesions in the future.