What are pigment spots?
Irregular, dark spots on the skin are called pigment spots. The pigment is a pigment (melanin) that gives colour to your skin, eyes and hair. Pigmentation protects your skin from UV radiation. However, if the body's own pigment-forming cells are affected, the pigment can accumulate. These accumulations can then be seen as dark spots.
Are all pigment spots the same?
No, there are different types of pigment spots. Age spots, known as lentigo, are widespread. These brown spots form from middle age onwards. Age spots mainly appear on areas that have been in the sun a lot. For this reason, this type of pigmentation is also known as sun spots. In addition to age spots, many people also have congenital pigmentation spots. Pigment changes can also occur in women during pregnancy.
Are pigment spots malignant?
Most pigment spots are benign. They do not affect your health. However, in contrast to benign pigment spots, there are also malignant variants. Malignant pigment spots are known as malignant melanoma. For this reason, it is important to have pigment spots checked regularly. Has your spot changed colour or shape? Then have it checked by your doctor, GP or dermatologist.
How can pigmentation spots be removed?
Pigment spots can be removed in different ways. The most common treatments are Skin peelingsthe IPL treatment and a Laser treatment. Every treatment is preceded by an examination by a dermatologist. The dermatologist can give you the best advice on the most suitable treatment for you.
Am I suitable for a treatment to remove pigmentation spots?
If you suffer from pigmentation, you should always consult your family doctor or a specialist first. Malignant pigmentation should not be treated with a laser, as the laser can promote the growth of malignant cells. The treatment of dark skin colours is also controversial. After the removal of pigment spots on dark skin, a colour contrast is created. You should seek advice from your dermatologist before removing pigment spots.
How are pigmentation spots removed with a peeling?
The so-called chemical peeling ensures that the dead cells of your epidermis are removed more quickly. By removing this upper layer, the existing pigmentation spots are also removed. Various peelings are available for removing pigmentation spots. Depending on the strength of the peeling used, a deep and intensive effect is achieved. Several treatments are required to completely remove pigment spots.
How does laser treatment work to remove pigmentation spots?
Laser treatment effectively reduces pigmentation spots. Depending on the colour of the spot, one or more treatments are required to achieve the desired result. After a laser treatment, the pigmentation spots first become darker and fade after two weeks. If necessary, a follow-up treatment can be carried out after 8 weeks.
What can I expect from a laser treatment to remove pigment spots?
Immediately after the laser treatment, your skin may be reddened and slightly swollen. These side effects will disappear on their own in the hours following the treatment. Crusts may form on the treated areas. It is important not to scratch these. Wait until the crust comes off on its own. This prevents scarring. Treat your skin with a gentle cream with a high sun protection factor. The doctor treating you will inform you about this.
What results can I expect from a laser treatment to remove pigment spots?
The results and effects of laser treatment depend on the type and depth of the pigmentation spot treated. Small pigment spots disappear after just one treatment. Larger, deeper spots usually require several laser treatments. The results of the treatment are retained for several years. Some pigment spots even disappear forever. With increasing age, new pigment spots can appear due to the influence of UV radiation. The new pigment spots can form on other parts of the body. Further laser treatment is then usually a good option.
Is the laser treatment painful?
No. Most men and women who have pigmentation spots removed with the help of a laser do not experience any pain. There may be a tingling sensation during the treatment. This is due to the heat of the laser. Your skin is cooled during the treatment. Your skin may burn slightly after the treatment. This feeling will disappear by itself. The specialist will advise you on post-treatment care.
Do scars occur during treatment with the laser?
No. Laser treatment to remove pigmentation spots does not usually leave any visible scars. No incisions are made in the skin during the treatment and no stitches are required. After the treatment, your pigment spots will be 60 to 100% lighter and significantly less or no longer present. The depth of the pigment affects the final result of the treatment.
How long does a laser treatment to remove pigmentation spots take?
The duration of a laser treatment depends on the size of the area to be treated. During the consultation, the treating doctor will give you an estimate of the duration of the treatment.
How can I prepare for laser treatment of pigment spots?
UV radiation affects the pigment in your skin. You should not expose your skin to the sun before, after and between the various laser treatments. Your skin needs time to recover from the laser treatment. You should refrain from visiting a tanning salon. Treat the treated skin with a cream with a high sun protection factor.
Can a spot that developed during pregnancy be treated with the laser?
Yes, laser treatment is suitable for all visible pigmentation spots on the skin.
How much does the removal of pigmentation spots cost?
The cost of a chemical peel treatment differs from that of a laser treatment. The treatment costs for a few pigmentation spots start at €75. For more complex treatments, the treatment costs can be up to €175. The prices quoted are per treatment. If you need several treatments for a good result, the costs will increase.
Are the treatment costs for removing pigmentation spots reimbursed?
Pigment spots are usually only removed for cosmetic reasons. In this case, there is no reimbursement under your health insurance. If you have taken out supplementary insurance, you may be reimbursed part of the costs. The so-called camouflage treatment is partially reimbursed by several health insurance companies. However, you must fulfil a number of conditions. Do you have additional insurance? Please read the conditions carefully or contact your health insurance company directly.
Can I pay for the treatment of pigment spots in instalments?
The medical centre Acura works together with a lender. Cosmetic procedures are generally not cheap. Above a certain amount, payment by instalments can be considered. You can obtain advice on this from the credit company. Please note that interest will be added to any loan taken out. The removal of pigmentation spots sometimes requires a series of treatments. Saving is usually better than taking out a long-term loan.
What are the risks of removing pigment spots?
Removing pigmentation spots with a laser or chemical peel are considered safe treatments. If you are treated with a laser, the spots will initially become darker in colour. This discolouration disappears after one to two weeks on average. Chemical peels harbour the risk of pigment changes on the treated skin. It is therefore recommended that you protect your skin with sunscreens with a high sun protection factor. The pigment changes will disappear by themselves over time.
What are the benefits of removing pigmentation spots?
Some people feel uncomfortable due to noticeable pigmentation spots. Removing the spots gives your skin an even, fresh appearance. The treated areas are less visible after the treatment and in most cases disappear completely. You don't have to worry about scars. Both laser treatment and chemical peeling leave no scars.
Why do I have to go to a counselling session?
A consultation is important for both you and the doctor treating you. If available, bring all the information from your GP with you to the consultation. During the consultation, your pigment spots will be examined and the specialist will give you a treatment recommendation. The various options will be explained and you will be given an insight into treatment results that have already been achieved. The consultation is part of the thorough preparation for the desired procedure.
Can the treatment take place under local anaesthetic?
No. With both chemical peeling and laser treatment, the skin to be treated is not anaesthetised. As a rule, there should be no pain during these treatments. Occasionally there may be a tingling or burning sensation. This depends on the type of treatment. Try to relax as much as possible during the treatment. This reduces the sensation of pain and makes the specialist's work easier. Are you afraid? Talk to the doctor about your feelings before the treatment.
Can every skin colour be treated?
Unfortunately, not every skin colour can be treated. The removal of pigment spots with a laser works on the basis of contrast differences. The best results are achieved with light-coloured skin. If you have dark skin, the laser treatment can also damage the "normal" pigment. Most laser treatments to remove pigmentation are performed outside the summer months.
How many treatments do I need for a good result?
The exact number of treatments required depends on both the severity and the location of the pigment spot. Excellent results are often achieved with 1 to 3 treatments. There is a period of approx. 8 weeks between the various treatments.
What exactly does a pigment spot look like?
Pigment spots can look different. They can be white, light brown, dark brown, grey, blue or black. They can be slightly scaly, although this is not the case with all pigment spots. The appearance of the pigment spot depends on the underlying pigment disorder.
Are there different types of pigment spots?
Pigment spots appear as so-called hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. Too much pigmentation, hyperpigmentation, are for example age spots, melasma, freckles and benign moles. Too little pigment, hypopigmentation, manifests itself as vitiligo, depigmented moles and other light-coloured skin spots.
Can all pigment spots be removed?
Not all pigment spots can be removed by laser treatment. Superficial moles or malignant pigment spots are not removed with the laser. This also applies to spots where a possible malignancy cannot be ruled out. Pigment spots can be removed from the entire body. Spots on the face are also removed painlessly.
What are the side effects of pigmentation spot removal?
Laser treatment is extremely safe. There is always a low risk of side effects. Possible side effects include hyper- and hypopigmentation. These discolourations are usually temporary and disappear on their own.
Is there a minimum age for the removal of pigment spots?
Most pigment spots appear later in life. There is no real minimum age for laser treatment. Minors who wish to have pigment spots removed with the laser require a signed declaration from their parents and/or a legal guardian.
What can I do before and after the treatment to achieve a good result?
The skin therapist will give you useful tips and advice along the way. Sunlight on the treated area increases the risk of side effects. Cover the treated skin with clothing or use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or 50 for about 6 weeks before treatment and 12 weeks after treatment. If the treated skin is swollen after the laser treatment, you can carefully cool it according to the doctor's instructions. The swelling will automatically subside. As long as there are crusts and/or wounds on the skin, you should not apply foundation and/or powder. The skin should be able to breathe.
When can I remove pigment spots with a laser or chemical peel?
Both laser treatment and chemical peeling are suitable for removing pigmentation spots. Different types of pigmentation spots can be removed with these treatment options. The skin therapist will recommend the best treatment for your pigment spots. Depending on the depth and type of pigment, a combination of different treatments may also be suggested.
How does a pregnancy mask develop and how do I get rid of it?
A pregnancy mask, also known as melasma, does not only occur during pregnancy. It can occur in families or after prolonged, unprotected exposure to the sun. Melasma can also be triggered by external factors such as stress, medication and extreme heat. Melasma cannot simply be lasered away. Depending on the depth and shape of the melasma, a suitable treatment will be suggested. The skin therapist will advise you on this. Your wishes and expectations will always be taken into account.
Can I remove a birthmark with a laser?
Moles can be removed with a laser, but only if the spot is level with your skin. Thick, overlapping moles are not usually removed with laser treatment. Do you have any doubts? The skin therapist will give you expert advice. If necessary, have the mole examined by a dermatologist.
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