Laser Removal of Pigmented Lesions

Almost everyone has a few brown spots on their skin, whether they are age spots, moles birthmarks, or freckles. These brown spots are referred to as pigmented lesions. Melanin is a dark pigment present in skin that is produced by melanocytes. When there is an abundance of melanocytes in the skin and the dark pigment multiplies, freckles, age spots, and moles form.

Most pigmented lesions are very small and unnoticeable, but sometimes pigmented legions can be large and take away from your natural beauty. At Hogue Cosmetic Surgery, laser technology is used to successfully lighten or remove pigmented lesions from your skin.

• Hyperpigmentation from sun exposure
• Hyperpigmentation from hormones (melasma)
• Lentigines - flat, brown spots on the skin that result from sun exposure
• Keratoses - slightly elevated pigmented spots often found on the back and hands
• Freckles - brownish spots on the skin that are common on people with fair skin
• Dermatosis papulosis nigra - small, black marks seen primarily in people of Asian or African descent

A laser generates an intense beam of collimated light. This beam brings energy to a specific treatment area through a small hand piece that is connected to the laser console. The light from the laser is absorbed by oxyhemoglobin (bright red blood cells carrying oxygen) and melanin/pigment (black or brown pigment found in the skin). The heating destructs unwanted cells while leaving healthy cells intact.

Many superficial conditions can be completely removed in just one treatment, but the number of treatments required can vary depending upon patient characteristics and the area being treated. Factors such as the depth and amount of melanin pigment being treated will determine how many treatments are necessary.

Staff performing the laser or light treatment will have you wear protective goggles and perhaps have you be seated in a reclined position, depending on the location of the treatment. A hand piece to direct a beam of laser light to the lesion will be used during your procedure.

The laser pulse releases heat when it comes into contact with melanin pigment so the procedure may cause some discomfort, ranging from a mild snapping sensation to a more moderate level of discomfort. Our staff can provide you with a topical or local anesthetic or simply use a forced air cooling device (Zimmer Cooler) to make you feel more comfortable during treatment, although patients canusually tolerate these types of laser treatments without any topical anesthesia.

Some patients report redness that goes away in a few hours following treatment. Some swelling may also be experienced for several days.

Post-operative care is minimal. It will be recommended that you stay out of the sun during the healing process. Final treatment results should be evident within three to six weeks after treatment of pigmented lesions. In the meantime, normal daily activities can be resumed.

For more information about Laser Removal of Pigmented Lesions or to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Hogue, please call Hogue Cosmetic Surgery at (763) 447-2500.