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Does Laser Treatment Work Permanently for Pigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation affects many people and can wreak havoc on one’s self-confidence. Sometimes, it shows up in the form of stretch marks, birthmarks, or freckles. Other times, it may look like dark sun spots and age spots or even blotchy patches of skin. Fortunately, there are plenty of laser treatment options on the market to treat hyperpigmentation. Let’s explore more about their effectiveness, as well as how long they last.

What Is Hyperpigmentation?

The term hyperpigmentation essentially means any discoloration of the skin that results in a lighter or darker skin tone than the skin surrounding the affected area. This could be small brown or cherry-colored patches of skin, freckles or sun spots, stretch marks, birthmarks, and more. Some of these issues can occur naturally – such as people born with birthmarks. Others can be gained over time due to lifestyle factors – like sun spots associated with excess exposure to the sun. And still others could happen in response to bodily or hormonal changes, like stretch marks that appear over time with age, pregnancy, or weight gain or loss.

At its root, pigmentation issues are caused by the excess production of melanin in the skin. Melanin is the substance that gives skin its pigment, so if there is more than necessary, this can result in darker patches, spots, lines, and more. And if there’s less than what is needed, these patches of skin could appear lighter.

Hyperpigmentation is not a serious medical issue. But it can impact self confidence and self esteem. Luckily, with increasingly advanced laser technology, there are many options for diminishing or eliminating these concerns.

Laser Treatments for Pigmentation

Lasers can achieve all sorts of outcomes, from removing unwanted hair or regretted tattoos to treating skin cancer. There are myriad laser treatments for pigmentation, and depending on your specific needs and areas being treated, you might respond differently to them. Working with a knowledgeable and experienced provider can help make sure you get the best treatment possible, customized for you. So does laser treatment remove pigmentation permanently?

Well, lasers like the ELOS Plus are powerful and effective, typically showing results with just one treatment. The ELOS Plus works for laser hair removal, skin tightening, and skin rejuvenation, as well as treating dermal conditions such as acne and skin pigmentation issues. ELOS is very safe, using optical, radio frequency, and infrared energy to treat the issue. Using two energy pulses that act synergistically, the treatment can enhance the skin and reduce the appearance of pigmentation issues for good. Each treatment takes about 30 minutes, and while most people see results with one treatment, some may need two.

Another option is the Alex TriVantage, a laser system used to remove tattoos and treat pigmented lesions such as sun and age spots, freckles, moles, and birthmarks. This laser treatment reduces or removes the signs of aging for patients that are bothered by the appearance of prominent birthmarks or pigmentation from aging or sun exposure. While most will see results after one treatment, some patients may need additional treatments based on the size of the area to be treated. Again, these results, once achieved, are permanent.

Contact Louisiana Dermatology Associates

To find out more about laser treatments and which is right for your pigmentation concerns, contact Louisiana Dermatology Associates today for an appointment if you’re in Baton Rouge or the surrounding areas.

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