As the IPL/Laser applicator is applied to the skin short pulses or light energy are released that are readily absorbed by the pigmented lesion due to the concentrations of melanin. Melanin is made by special cells in the skin and it is this that gives the skin colour. In pigmented lesions the melanin concentration is much higher than the surrounding skin and therefore more readily absorbs the light energy, this in turn heats the melanin and leads to a destruction of the melanin rich cells.

Prior to treatment the skin is cleaned and protective eyewear is worn. The laser or IPL hand piece is placed on the skin and a short pulse of light is released targeting the melanin within the pigment. The hand piece is then moved to the surrounding areas of skin until the entire area has been treated. For IPL treatments a thin layer of gel is applied to the skin prior to treatment to help guide the light.

Prior to any treatment at Staffordshire Skin & Laser a full medical consultation and assessment will be carried out with our Nurse Practitioner. This will enable us to determine that there are no treatment contraindication. If treatment is not suitable due to the nature of the pigmentation you will be advised on an alternative treatment option, this may involve the use of prescription strength skin lightening creams or a fractional laser, all of which are offered at Staffordshire Skin & Laser Clinic.

If suitable for treatment then larger treatment areas such as the full face, hands or chest a patch test is carried out 5-7 days prior to treatment. A patch test can be carried out at consultation if you feel comfortable that you would like to go ahead with treatment.

Treatment can feel mildly uncomfortable, but the procedure is quick and tolerated very well by most patients without the need for any anaesthesia. Sensations vary from patient and it is usually described as a feeling of a quick, hot pin prick.

Immediately post treatment the skin will appear red and slightly warm this will usually settle very quickly. The pigmented lesions will darken over the next few days following treatment. This is a really good response at it shows the melanin has effectively absorbed the light energy. Following the initial darkening the pigmented lesion it will start to fade and flake away over the following weeks.

The skin surrounding the pigment lesion may appear red immediately after treatment which will usually disappear within a few hours to days. A rare side effect may be the formation of a small blister that may become temporally darker or lighter.

The length of treatment will depend on the type, size and number of lesions been treated. Treatment can take anything from 10 to 30 minutes.

The number of sessions will depend on the size and type of the pigmented lesions. An assessment of the pigmented lesion in most case will allow us to determine whether the pigmentation is dermal or epidermal, this relates the depth. Epidermal lesions will respond very quickly to treatment sometimes in as little as 1-3 sessions. For pigmented that are dermal in nature this may require more sessions and may also require the use of a skin lightening prescription cream for optimum results.

Prices are dependent on the size of are to be treated but as a guide single pigment lesions start at £50, for multiple lesions a price can be determined following an assessment of the area. A 10% discount is available on a pre-paid course of 5 treatments.

At Staffordshire Skin & Laser Clinic a £25 booking fee is required to secure your consultation. This is redeemable against any treatments or products purchased within 6 months.