How does the treatment work?
Laser light is absorbed by the pigment melanin, where it is converted to heat causing break-up of the darker areas. Because only the darker area is precisely targeted by the laser the surrounding areas are not harmed.
Can all skin colours be treated?
With major advancements in technology, Pico lasers are now able to treat pigment problems on darker skin types. These lasers remove pigmentation photo-mechanically rather than photo-thermally, delivering much less heat into the surrounding tissue than the older Q switched lasers. This substantially reduced the risk of unwanted darkening (Hyper-pigmentation) or lightening (Hypo-pigmentation) within the treatment area.
Our KTP 532nm is the most powerful Pico laser with a pulse width (shutter speed) of 370 trillionths of a second, it is a game changer in the treatment of unwanted pigmented lesions in darker skin types.
Is the treatment painful?
The energy is delivered in very short flashes of laser light called pulses. As the laser light pulses impact onto the skin’s surface the sensation is similar to the snap of a thin rubber band. The procedure only produces mild discomfort.
Which laser and IPL systems do we use?
Our Cambridge Laser Clinic offers the complete range of laser and light technologies best suited to treat pigmented lesions, ensuring optimal results.
- Ruby 694 nm Q switched laser
- Alexandrite 755nm LP laser
- KTP 532 nm Pico / Q switched and Opti-pulse laser
- Nd Yag 1064nm Pico & Q switched laser
- Pulsed Dye laser 595nm LP laser
- IPL 540 – 950nm light source
- IPL 570 – 950nm light source
- Er Yag 2940nm laser
- C02 10,600nm laser
Are their any after-effects following the treatment?
Within 5-10 minutes of treatment, mild redness (erythema), mild swelling (oedema) and darkening of the lesion (hyperpigmentation) will be evident. The mild redness and swelling may persist for several hours and is similar to a sunburn sensation. There is usually no blistering or bruising. The lesion will continue to darken and exfoliate within 2-3 weeks.
What type of post-treatment skin care is necessary?
Following and throughout the course of laser treatment, the treated skin is sensitized to sunlight. It is essential that a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen SPF 30 or greater is used daily.
Who performs the treatment?
All consultations and procedures at our Cambridge Laser Clinic for pigmented lesions are carried out by a fully qualified doctor.
Our expert medical team has in excess of 30 years laser experience and have completed more than 150,000 successful treatments. Rest assured you are in safe hands.
To ensure the highest ethical standards are maintained at all times, our staff are never offered bonus incentives to sell treatments.
Although medical laser clinics are no longer regulated by the CQC (Care Quality Commission), we continue to adhere to the strict standards that were in the past mandatory under government legislation. This is the best indicator currently available that our Cambridge Laser Clinic is trustworthy.
How many treatments are needed?
A series of 1 to 3 treatments at monthly intervals is usually recommended for the optimal treatment of pigmented lesions.
Is laser treatment safe?
There is no evidence whatsoever to suggest laser treatment can lead to skin disorders or increase the risk of skin cancer.
Our lasers are cleared by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and have full CE clearance for Europe.