Pigmentation Treatment
OVERVIEW
Sunlight, environmental factors and the natural passage of time all contribute to the development of dark spots, skin pigmentation and freckles. Your face, hands and chest are the first parts of the body to show signs of ageing because they receive so much sun exposure. Age spots, skin pigmentation and freckles are forms of pigmented lesions. They are caused by excess production of melanin in the skin by cells called melanocytes.
ABOUT SKIN PIGMENTATION
Skin pigmentation appears as blemishes that usually occur on sun exposed areas of the body. Skin pigmentation is also known as age or liver spots. The increased pigmentation of age spots is brought on by ageing, over exposure to the sun or other forms of ultraviolet lights. Skin pigmentation can also occur in pregnant women due to the dramatic hormonal changes the body undergoes. In some cases, skin pigmentation in pregnant women disappears after child birth. Alternatively, it can have the reverse effect and worsen. There are three types of pigmentation:
Epidermal (superficial) pigmentation - located close to the skin's surface and caused mainly by sun exposure
Dermal pigmentation - found in the dermal layer of the skin
Combination dermal / epidermal pigmentation - penetrates through both, the deeper layers of skin as well as the superficial layers (one example of this is melasma)
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PIGMENTATION
Pigmentation can vary in size and colour however they are usually darker than the skin, although they can be pink in colour. Fair skinned individuals are more likely to be affected by moles and freckles, which can also be attributed to hereditary factors. Almost everyone has at least some kind of pigmentation whether it is freckles, sun spots, moles or birth marks. There are no real symptoms that cause pigmentation and they may even appear overnight, however in some cases what may appear like normal pigmentation may also be cancerous. Therefore it is imperative that excessive exposure to the sun is approached in a safe manner using a highly protective sunscreen with an SPF of 35 or greater, whilst those with a history of cancer in the family can be put at greater risk.
CAUSES OF SKIN PIGMENTATION
Pigmentation is caused by an excessive amount of melanin found in certain skin cells. These skin cells generally carry higher levels of melanocytes, which produce the melanin causing the skin to appear pigmented in certain areas.
Pigmentation can be attributed to environmental factors such as:
Excessive exposure to the sun
The contraceptive pill
Hormones
Pregnancy
Ageing
Hereditary factors
TYPES OF SKIN PIGMENTATION
It is a major concern of many individuals as to what type of pigmentation they are suffering with. Elos technology treats a range of pigmentation from melasma to freckles. The different kinds of pigmentation include:
FRECKLES (EPHELIDES)
A heredity blemish, freckles are one of the most common pigmentation forms. Whilst they are accepted and thought of as an attractive feature on most, many seek to have them removed.
MELASMA
Also referred to as chloasma or "mask of pregnancy". The sides of the face are affected with this condition, appearing as medium to dark brown patches. Women are more commonly affected by this condition, particularly those on birth control pills. Areas on which it appears include the upper lip, forehead, cheeks and bridge of nose. Only a small proportion of men are affected by this condition (about 10%). Sun exposure, heat as well as an increase in the female hormones estrogen and progesterone exacerbates the condition. Dark-skinned races, particularly Hispanics, Asians, Indians, people from the Middle East, and Northern Africa, tend to have melasma more than others.
SUB DAMAGE (‘LIVER SPOTS’):
These forms of pigmentation are age spots, which occur as a consequence of sun exposure. Whilst they are most commonly found on the face and hands, any exposed area can be affected.
PORT-WINE STAINS
Abnormal increase of capillaries produce these pigmentation spots, and they appear as purple or red marks on the body.
ROSACEA
This is a chronic inflammatory skin condition recognizable by increased reddening of the face and neck accompanied by small pimple formations.
Rosacea worsens over time without proper treatment and flare-ups occur in cycles, leaving sufferers with short periods of relief.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE TREATMENT
Prior to any MonaLase treatment programme, clients will be attend a consultation. The consultation process seeks to determine specific contra-indications such as medication and medical conditions in order to reduce the risk of potential adverse reactions of treatment on the skin. The client is also evaluated to ensure the lesions are benign.
The treatments are non-invasive, with the treatment taking around 30 to 45 minutes allowing clients to even schedule appointments in their lunch break! The treatment involves simply lying on a comfortable treatment bed while Treatment is applied to the effected area of the skin. Protective eye wear has to be worn by the client and the aesthetician due to the brightness of the laser pulses. During the treatment, the aesthetician applies gel to the area to be treated. Then, MonaLase pulses are then delivered to the skin surface in precise pulses that are typically pain free. Once treatment is completed clients may feel a little heat on the surface of the treated area and some redness, which can last for 1 - 2 hours.
Once the treatment session is over, the patients can return to their daily routine. The therapist will also advise on post care options.
RESULTS AFTER TREATMENT
MonaLase technology effectively reduces skin pigmentation in approximately 4 - 6 visits. After treatment, the skin pigmentation or sun spots will gradually fade and slowly disappear, however in some instances the pigment may appear darker as it heals, whilst in other cases it can flake up and eliminate the pigment in an external scab form. Most clients report 70% (or greater) improvement over the duration of their treatment course. Over time and with the right course of treatment, skin pigmentation becomes visibly reduced resulting in a more rejuvenated, younger looking skin. Results from a full series of treatments, if appropriately cared for, are long lasting. However, maintenance treatment sessions scheduled at half-yearly intervals may be required to help prolong the results.
WHAT IS THE COST ?
Each session uo to 30 minutes costs 85 euro
HOW TO APPLY ?
Clients interested in doing pigmentation treatments, are kindly requested to fill in the below application form for a consultation and we will get back in touch.