Removal of benign pigmented lesions

Youthfulness is largely reflected in an even skin tone. Pigmentes lesions, which affect up to 40% of the population, can have a negative effect on our well-being and self-esteem.

Pigmented lesions can be congenital, but most of them are acquired and mostly caused by UV light. UV-induced pigment changes dramatically increase with age.

With the pigment-specific laser, these skin changes can safely and effectively be removed resulting in a radiant and youthful complexion.

It is important that only benign pigmented lesions are treated with the laser. This requires a sound knowledge of the different types of pigmentary changes and a thorough diagnosis with the dermaoscopy, an examination of the skin using skin surface microscopy. You can rely on us to give this principle top priority.

Today’s gold standard for the removal of pigmentary changes is their treatment with specialized, pigment-specific lasers. Ultra-short pulses in the picosecond range and selective absorption in the desired pigment and depth allow an effective and safe removal of pigmentations.

A true technological innovation with remarkable clinical impact has now been achieved with the Enlighten III laser from Silicon Valley-based company Cutera.

The Enlighten III laser from Cutera is one of the newest and most innovative lasers on the market for the removal of benign pigmented lesions, tattoos and permanent make-up.

The technological innovation includes an ultra-short pulse duration in the picosecond range, as well as the combination of three wavelengths for the therapy of pigment changes in all skin types.

In addition to the ultra-short pulses in the nanosecond range (10 -9 seconds), which have long been available on the market, the Enlighten now also emits extremely short and highly energetic pulses in the picosecond range (10 -12 seconds). A picosecond is one trillionth of a second and 1000 times shorter than the nanosecond lasers currently available on the market. The Enlighten III is the only laser in its class capable of emitting pulses in the nanosecond and picosecond ranges. This significantly improves effectiveness and safety in the removal of benign pigmented lesions and minimizes damage to surrounding tissue.

As a further innovation, the Enlightenment III is the only laser that combines three different wavelengths in one device, allowing treatment of all skin types.

Available wavelengths are:

• 1064 nm for benign pigmented lesions for all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI)
• 670 nm for benign pigmented lesions for light skin types (Fitzpatrick I-III)
• 532 nm for benign pigmented lesions for lighter skin types (Fitzpatrick I-IV)

With the help of 660 or 750 picosecond or 2 nanosecond pulses, pigment particles are photo-acoustically broken up, shattered and finally removed by our lymphatic system. Depending on the pigmentary changes, the pigment is either removed or gradually lightened after each treatment.

The following benign pigmented lesions can safely and effectively be removed:

• Age spots (Lentigines solares)
• Freckles
• Seborrhoeic keratoses
• Café-au-lait spots
• Melasma

The laser allows us to individually select energy, pulse duration, wavelength and spot size according to your clinical needs and to determine the ideal treatment plan for you.

If you are disturbed by pigmentary changes, whether these are flat or spotted and if depigmenting creams and other procedures have not improved your issues in any way, then a treatment with the Enlighten III is a good treatment option for you.

In the vast majority of cases, you can expect a complete removal of your pigmentary lesion within ont to a few treatments. Unfortunately, there are always special findings that do not allow a complete removal even with the most innovative laser.

Many pigment changes, such as age spots, can be safely and effectively removed in 1-3 treatments. For the complete removal of certain other pigmentary disorders, such as melasma, several treatments at 4-6 week intervals may be required.

In a detailed first consultation we will examine your skin and pigmented lesion(s) clinically and with dermaoscopy in order to make an exact diagnosis and ensure the benignity of the lesion. The top priority is to laser only benign pigmented lesions. In cases of doubt, we will therefore also perform a small biopsy. After making a diagnosis we analyse the depth oft he pigment, extent of pigmentation and your skin type. Based on all these parameters as well as your needs, we will jointly draw up a treatment plan.

As a second step before the treatment we will inquire your medical history to make sure that there are no contraindications for a treatment with the Enlighten III.

The actual treatment is performed in our treatment room specially designed for the Enlighten III and lasts a maximum of 30 minutes, depending on the extent of the treatment. In order to make the treatment as painless as possible for you, the skin can be pretreated with an anaesthetic cream 20 minutes in advance. Additional cooling during and after the therapy also helps to reduce discomfort.

Subsequently, the treatment is performed with the individual settings determined for you in advance. To protect your eyes, you will wear special protective glasses.

After the treatment, the treated region will be cooled. This reduces pain and prevents unwanted side effects. A nourishing cream will then be applied.

Before each treatment we take a digital photograph to objectify and document the progress.

For the first 2-3 days after therapy we ask you to apply a recommended cream daily, which you will receive from us. Redness and slight swelling, rarely also superficial crust formation are frequent and heal spontaneously within a few days. We ask you to avoid sun exposure and to apply broadband spectrum sun protection (UVA/UVB) with SPF 50.

Otherwise there is nothing special to consider. You can immediately immerse yourself in everyday life again.

The risks of laser therapy for pigmentary changes are usually minimal. Very rarely, undesired effects can occur, which usually heal spontaneously. During the treatment you will feel slight discomfort and possibly a burning sensation. Redness, swelling and superficial crust formation are common and heal spontaneously.

Rare side effects:

• Local bleeding, spot bleeding (purpura)
• Blistering
• Hyperpigmentation/Hypopigmentation
• Infection
• Scarring
• Incomplete removal of pigment changes

If you are interested in the treatment with the Enlighten III, we will be happy to assist you as an objective consultant.

Get in touch with us.

Arrange a non-binding appointment online here.