Call: 705-735-2844
Visit us: 480 Huronia Rd, Unit #203, Barrie, Ontario
Fax: 705-734-6284
By: Cosmetic and Laser Clinic
Excess skin pigmentation or sunspots are usually caused by the melanin protective system in our skin being damaged or overwhelmed. This causes an excess production and clumping of melanin, which in turn shows as the appearance of brown or darker spots of pigmentation in the skin. The cause of most of these sun spots is excessive sun exposure (UV radiation). A very effective method of removing or fading these sunspots is the Q-switched laser. This also has the lowest chance of scarring in comparison to other methods. The procedure is minimally uncomfortable, and generally takes approximately 15 minutes per session depending on the size and number of spots to be treated. Most clients require 1 and sometimes 2 treatments. The discomfort is minimal.
Cost $250 and up
Q-switched lasers emit extremely high energy and short pulses of light that shatter pigment particles. This allows them to be removed by the body's immune system.
Brown spots can be removed from all skin types. However, the darker the skin, the less contrast there is between the colour of the skin and the spot. This makes it more difficult to remove without damage to the skin. Dr. Farooq would perform an examination of your skin to determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure.
You will feel a sensation similar to an elastic band snapping the skin. Most patients find this procedure minimally uncomfortable, but not painful. Immediately after treatment the area treated may appear raised and frosted (white), or may also appear darker in colour. The surrounding skin may appear red. It is possible the areas treated may blister, but unlikely. It may take up to 1 full month to see the full fading of the spots, and again, some patients will require a second treatment.
A complete removal or possibly a strong fading will occur. Some spots that are initially very dark may not be resolved with 1 or even 2 treatments. This is very unusual.
It is possible with any laser to treatment to scar, but the possibility is small. This laser is attracted to colour, therefore damage to surrounding skin is limited. If a blister does form, simply apply an antibiotic ointment until it heals.
Yes, make up can be applied immediately after the treatment.
As with any laser there is always a small possibility of scarring. This laser, however is attracted to colour and therefore damage to surrounding skin is unlikely.
If you would like to learn more about your cosmetic options, or find out if a Laser Sun Spot treatment might work well for you, please book a complimentary visit to speak with Dr. Farooq at 705-735-2844.