Pigmentation Treatment
As we get older, pigmentation, which is also referred to as age spots, tend to appear on the skin and are darker in colour than our natural skin tone.
The most common areas for pigmentation to develop is on the face, neck, décolletage, shoulders and hands. Regardless of the cause, pigmented lesions can be an aesthetic concern for many people.
Pigmentation develops as a result of exposure to harmful UVA rays which penetrate deep into the skin. Typically, the pigmentation does not tend to appear on the surface of the skin until a number of years later and, in some cases, as long as 20 years after the initial damage.
In some cases, the onset of pigmentation can come about as a result of hormonal changes from taking the contraceptive pill or during pregnancy.
How does it work?
Pigmentation and age spots can be treated by either the use of topical creams or the Harmony XL AFT (Advanced Fluorescence Technology) which is an advanced IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy. Whilst the use of topical creams can make some difference, AFT Therapy is an extremely effective treatment to lighten blemishes and in many cases, to eliminate them completely. Harmony XL AFT (Advanced Fluorescence Technology) is the greatest advancement in pigmentation treatment so far. AFT is a form of intense pulsed light. The melanin in the pigmented areas of skin absorbs the light, stimulating cell renewal from deep within the skin. The heat from the light destroys the pigmented cells on the outer epidermis, and in most cases, skin from the treated area will darken and flake off between 7-14 days, revealing lighter, brighter skin underneath.
Another characteristic of ageing skin is loss of volume and elasticity. One additional benefit of this treatment is that it helps to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin which greatly improves the overall appearance of the skin.
What does the treatment involve?
Here at the DrBK Clinic, we offer a complimentary consultation with our Skin & Laser Therapist where a patch test will be undertaken in an inconspicuous area to assess your suitability for this treatment. At the start of your appointment, the skin which is to be treated will be cleansed and toned to remove any traces of makeup or excess oil from the surface of the skin. Our Therapist will then move the device over the surface of the skin in either slow, deliberate sections or using an in-motion technique, depending on the size of the area to be treated.
How soon will I see results?
The pigmented skin cells which have been treated will start to renew fairly quickly following the Advanced IPL treatment and patients will typically see results within a couple of weeks and the most noticeable results will be seen after a month. Some patients will see a noticeable change in the appearance of their pigmentation after just one session, although 3-6 treatments might be necessary in order to fade the pigmentation completely.
For further information about this treatment or to book your complimentary consultation and patch test, call us today.
