Pigmented lesions (red spots on skin, brown spots, skin sun spots) which tend to be brown or black color are caused by an excess number of pigment producing cells in the skin known as melanocytes. When stimulated by hormonal changes or exposure to ultraviolet light the melanocytes produce large amounts of melanin resulting in dark discolorations of the skin. Age spots, sun spots, moles, freckles, lentigos, melasma and blue and black birthmarks known as congenital nevi are common examples of these changes in the skin. There are a number of treatment options for these conditions which include cryotherapy, surgical removal, and bleaching creams. Lasers have provided treatment options which in some cases have significantly reduced the risk of scarring or have provided an alternative when other treatment options are ineffective.

How does the laser work?

An intense light from the laser passes through the top layer of the skin and is selectively absorbed by brown, black or blue pigment particles within the skin. The energy emitted by the laser light when it is absorbed causes the melanosome in the pigment cells to break into miniscule particles which are removed by the body’s immune system.

What is Intense Pulse Light Therapy?

Intense xenon light is applied to the skin through filters in a series of gentle pulses. The filtered light of a specific wavelength penetrates through the skin and is absorbed by the abnormal pigment or vasculature in the skin. It produces a bright light, mild discomfort, a little swelling, contraction of blood vessels, and/or darkening of pigmented spots that subsequently peels off.

The IPL is effective in the treatment of sun related aging, including: dilated blood vessels and broken capillaries (redness) and pigment abnormalities (brown discolorations such as lentigos and actinic freckles).

 The heat delivered during the IPL and Genesis treatment may result in the reorganization of the collagen building blocks of the skin resulting in a reduction of the appearance of pores, fine lines and texture changes. The skin looks revitalized.

The advantage of the IPL over other types of pigment and vascular removal methods is that it is fast, the recovery time is short, and the risk of side effects are low. The procedure simultaneously addresses a variety of concerns including broken capillaries, rosacea, diffuse redness, age spots, freckles, diffuse pigment, enlarged pores, fine lines and mild texture changes.

What can be expected during a treatment?

Prior to treatment the target area must be free of all make-up and creams and must be shaved. Eye wear is worn by the patient and doctor to protect the eyes from the bright light. The area to be treated is cleansed and the filtered light is applied through a hand piece. Genesis will gently warm the skin and feels like you have been sitting in the sun for an hour. Each pulse of the laser feels like the snap of an elastic band on the skin. A treatment may take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour depending on the size of the areas being treated.

Do treatments with the laser hurt?

The light from the laser is emitted in pulses. Each pulse feels like someone has snapped an elastic band against the skin. Most patients find this treatment quite comfortable.

How does the skin look and feel after a treatment with the laser?

Each pulse of the laser light turns the targeted skin gray. Within minutes the targeted skin turns to a dark, superficial crust. The crust remains until the top layer of the skin turns over, leaving a pale, pink and smooth surface. The length of time it takes for the crust to be sloughed depends on the type of condition being treated and where on the body it occurs. The crusting of an age spot on the face will turn over faster than one on the back of the hand. On average, the process takes one to two weeks. The new underlying skin will gradually change from a pink shade to the color of the surrounding skin in a couple of weeks.

The Genesis laser will turn the skin pink for up to two hours and then it will return to its baseline color.

How many treatments are required and what will it cost?

The number of treatment sessions depends on the size, location, depth and color of the pigmented lesion. These factors also determine the cost.

Superficial lesions such as age spots usually require fewer sessions than a deeper lesion such as a congenital nevi. The latter often requires a layered approach which will take several sessions. In certain instances, not all of the pigment can be removed.

Treatment sessions are spaced 3 to 6 weeks apart. This allows the garbage collecting cells of the immune system to gather up the maximum amount of left over pigment between each session.

Are the laser treatments safe?

Yes, the laser is safe. Safety goggles must be worn by both the patient and the physician during the procedure to protect the eyes from the bright light.

A potential complication with this procedure is hypopigmentation where the treated area ends up being lighter than the surrounding tissue. The risk of scarring is very low because the laser light is absorbed by the target pigment, leaving the surrounding tissue relatively untouched. Infection is possible, but unlikely, if the lesion is properly cared for by the patient after the treatment.

What does treatment cost?

Cost is determined on a per treatment basis and is dependent on the size and complexity of the pigmented lesion. More than one session may be required.