Whenever you try to look for treatments for your skin conditions, you will find laser as a popular one. Laser treatment deals with various issues like hyperpigmentation, tattoo removal, hair removal, etc.
Skin pigmentation is one of the most common cosmetic conditions people suffer from in Singapore. It is primarily because of the skin type and lifestyle of Asian people which contributes to increased melanin in the skin.
From dark spots to acne scars, Pigmentation laser treatment in Singapore helps with multiple dermatological problems. It is a non-invasive procedure that offers a safe and efficient treatment that can be done in no time.
Pigmentation laser treatment became the talk of the town after celebrities started getting them and were very satisfied with the results.
What Is Skin Pigmentation?
Melanin is the natural pigment present in our skin, hair, nail and is responsible for giving it its color. The amount and distribution of melanin determine how dark the color is. Moreover, various factors stimulate the production of melanin in our body, including exposure to sunlight, hormones, family history, skin injuries, etc.
A person with increased melanin production and deposition is said to be suffering from skin pigmentation. It can occur at any point in life, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity. Hyperpigmentation or skin pigmentation is defined as a condition where the skin gets darker, and this may occur all over the body, either in patches or small spots.
Though hyperpigmentation is not harmful, many people still consider getting it removed due to cosmetic or aesthetic issues. In the earlier days, topical creams and in certain cases, surgeries were the only treatment methods, but now with advancements, pigmentation laser treatments are most commonly recommended.
Types Of Pigmentation
- Café – Au – Lait Macules: these coffee-colored stains are usually present since birth.
- Nevus of Ota and Nevus of Hori: it is the excess pigmentation in the deeper layers of the skin which makes it difficult to remove.
- Seborrheic Keratosis: they occur with aging as hyperpigmented skin growth in the late adult life.
- Freckles: these are tiny brown spots that occur on the cheeks and below the eyes on the surface.
- Age spots: also known as sunspots or sun lentigines. They may occur in any area that is exposed to harmful rays of the sun.
- Melasma: they are large patches with uneven areas of normal skin color and skin pigmentation most commonly occurring on the face.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: This type involves increased melanin production after any injury or inflammation of the skin.
- Melanoma: or skin cancer that occurs due to exposure to UV lights and usually presents itself in irregular shapes or multiple colour.
What Is Pigmentation Laser Treatment & How Does It Work?
When we talk about laser treatments, we are referring to how a narrow beam of intense energy is projected onto the targeted area to fragmentize pigment clusters beneath the skin. The laser beam is generated by stimulating atoms and molecules, producing and amplifying the light of different wavelengths.
Pigmentation laser treatments use different types of laser and laser devices that target light energy on the subject area and break down the melanin pigments present there. The pigment laser is only absorbed by the pigmented area while the surrounding skin remains safe.
The pigment molecules are broken down and destroyed by the heat that is generated within the cells by the light beam. They then enter the lymphatic system and are excreted outside the body. With the removal of the dark pigment molecules, the spot’s color tones down, and the discolored spots are eliminated gradually. In addition, it also helps remove discolored birthmarks, acne spots, and tattoo marks.
These pigmentation laser treatments also resurface and rejuvenate the skin. This reduces the occurrence of pigmentation in the future by triggering the body’s healing system. The enhanced immune system then helps to replace the old skin cells with new ones. This helps you achieve glowing and clearer skin.
Cost of Pigmentation Laser Treatment
The prices mentioned above are an estimate of what laser treatment costs in Singapore, but they may vary depending on variable factors such as the number of sessions one may require to get rid of skin pigmentation, the severity, the number of patches or spots, the location and lastly the size. The cost also relies on the type of laser being used and the reputation and services offered at the clinic you have chosen for your treatment.
Why Is Pigmentation Laser Treatment So Expensive?
When we talk about pigment laser treatment’s cost price, several other factors are to be considered.
As we go to the clinic, we are not only charged for the procedure but also the services that are being provided. These include hygiene and the use of high-quality equipment used. From the highly experienced and certified doctors to the consultation session before the treatment, the conveniences offered to justify the laser treatment costs in Singapore. Depending on the skin’s pigmentation condition of the patient, the type of laser use also differs, and this is what primarily determines how much you are charged. All these factors are included when the cost of the procedure is generated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before anyone opts for a treatment option, many questions arise in people’s minds, the most important ones of which are going to be addressed below.
Are Results From Pigmentation Laser Treatments Permanent?
It largely depends on the pigment type. Some pigments can be removed permanently, while others may recur if one does not take care of their skin after laser treatments. In most cases, laser removes the dark pigments, including the cells producing them, giving you clearer and new skin. With every session, collagen production is stimulated, reducing the pigment and making the skin color lighter.
How Effective Are Pigmentation Laser Treatments?
The pigmentation laser treatment’s effectiveness depends on conditions like what type of laser is used and the severity of skin pigmentation. With every session, the results become more and more noticeable. Moreover, it also depends on the clinic and physician you are getting the treatment from, as such procedures can only be effective if carried out by skilled professionals.
Is Pigmentation Laser Treatment Painful?
The entire procedure is not painful but a little uncomfortable as the patient may feel slight warming or pricking sensations as the laser is targeted onto the skin. However, to make the process smooth numbing creams are applied to the area.
How Many Sessions Are Required?
The number of sessions typically relies on the skin condition and the severity. The deeper the melanin pigment is, the more sessions will be required to remove it. Freckles can be treated in averagely 3 – 4 sessions, while birthmarks and other lesions may require more than that.
What to Do After Pigmentation Laser Treatments
It is a procedure that does not require a lot of recovery time, and the person may resume work within immediately. But it is recommended to have a proper skincare regime and avoid exposing skin to direct sunlight for a few weeks. It is always best to apply an adequate amount of sunscreen in the day.
Side Effects
As the procedure uses a laser, it may cause certain side effects which is expected following the treatment. Some common side effects include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Itching
- Mild rash
- Pain
- Triggered acne
- Dry skin
The major side effects that may result due to pigmentation laser treatment are:
- Excessive skin lightening: sometimes, people notice spots of very light color on their skin after the treatment, which looks abnormal. They are most commonly observed in people with dark skin color.
- Skin hyperpigmentation: the production of melanin pigment might increase if the skin is exposed to direct sunlight after the treatment. This results in abnormally dark spots and is more common after treating birthmarks and severe conditions like melasma.
- Infection: though it is rare, an infection might occur if proper care is not taken after the treatment and personal hygiene is not maintained.
Conclusion
This article will help you understand what pigmentation laser treatments actually do, and give you an idea if you are suitable for that. It also mentions the laser treatment cost in Singapore so that you are aware of everything before going for the treatment. Book a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon or medical doctor to get a personalized assessment and treatment plan.
About Dream Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery
Bespoke surgical for cosmetic or medical reasons is what Dream covers to bring out the beauty in every individual. Going beyond the aesthetics and working on physical anomalies are what we value the most in leading our patients to cherish self-improvement and confident lifestyles.
Derived from Associate Professor Vincent Yeow’s long-standing experience performing plastic surgery in Singapore, our treatment plans deliver physical remodelling in our patients’ favour. One of the notable remodellings is droopy eyelid correction. The ptosis surgery used for treatment eventually fixes drooping eyelids, improves vision and enhances appearance.
Most importantly, as a trustworthy plastic surgery and aesthetic clinic, we treasure positive and natural outcomes for each individual. We will ensure to deliver the beauty refinement of your dream without compromising your safety and privacy.
