How Does Laser Toning Remove Pigmentation?

All of us are born with soft, smooth, glowing, and overall healthy skin. But ageing can take a toll on our skin. Our skin aesthetics may suffer not only because of ageing but also from other factors. We may experience skin pigmentation irregularities when our skin is exposed to UV rays from sunlight and subjected to hormonal changes, pollution, poor diet, and/or improper skincare routine. 

In the aesthetic industry, medical-grade lasers have gained popularity, shares a dermatologist in Hyderabad, Dr Ravali Yalamanchili, practising at Neya Skin Clinic. She adds that these lasers are the ideal solution to correct stubborn pigmentation irregularities and leave the skin evenly toned. 

Want a pigmentation-free, youthful, radiant skin? Watch this video by Dr. Ravali Yalamanchili, in which she explains how undergoing laser skin toning can help you achieve the same-
 

What is laser toning?

Laser toning is a popular skin rejuvenating procedure that uses Q-switched laser technology to make the skin look glowing, youthful, and brighter. The laser toning benefits are countless. It safely and effectively removes various pigmentation issues of all skin types by focusing low energy on a Q-switched laser. Laser light is a high-intensity light of a specific wavelength that can break down extra melanin in the superficial skin layers, thereby correcting the skin tone.  

Moreover, as the laser light generates heat, the thermal energy reaches the dermis to stimulate fresh collagen and elastin production. Laser toning can effectively rejuvenate the skin texture superficially and deeply and even treat superficial and deep pigments. It can be done all over the body. However, commonly treated body parts include the face, neck, arm, and legs.

Benefits of Laser Toning Treatment 

  • Laser skin toning enhances the skin tone and texture
  • Help in acne management and even acne scars
  • Target premature signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines
  • Target pigmentation conditions like age spots, tanning, and melasma
  • Improve the appearance of open pores by increasing collagen production.

What pigmentation concerns are treatable with laser toning?

Various pigmentary conditions that can be treated with Q-switched laser toning include:

  • Sun tanning
  • Melasma
  • Freckles
  • Lichen Planus Pigmentosus 
  • Pigment cosmetic dermatitis
  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (secondary to acne marks).

How does laser toning help treat pigmentation?

Laser toning pigmentation removal treatment uses focused energy of a low fluence laser beam directed to the skin for a few microseconds. To treat pigmentation, the procedure uses a laser beam with a precise wavelength (534 nm) that penetrates deep into the skin. Melanin is a natural, coloured pigment in the skin that can absorb laser light. Usually, brown or grey-coloured pigments absorb energy from the laser. The laser beam generates thermal energy that further degrades extra melanin deposits in the skin. The unwanted melanin pigments break off into smaller fragments in the skin and are naturally disposed of by the body and skin. 

The amount of melanin pigment present determines the colour of our skin. People with darker skin have more melanin than fair-skinned people. Laser toning helps lighten the skin tone and makes the skin fairer and brighter.

Many people nowadays, also going for carbon laser toning treatment for managing various skin aesthetic issues from enlarged open pores to pigmentation. As the treatment uses the power of carbon and lasers, the treatment offers best outcomes and a rejuvenated look.

What happens in a laser toning treatment session?

The laser toning for face involved in Q-switched laser toning treatment for pigmentation are as follows:

1. Clean-up: First, the candidate's skin is thoroughly cleansed using a gentle cleanser to ensure no extra oil, debris, dirt, or remains of skin cosmetics. A carbon emulsion is used to unclog the pores, as dried carbon can best adsorb to all impurities in the skin and help clear skin pores.

2. Numbing of the treatment area: A topical numbing lotion is applied over the skin of the treatment area to numb it and ensure comfort during the treatment session.   

3. Using a laser to treat pigmentation issue: A Q-switched laser device at a specific laser energy setting blasts away the extra melanin in the skin, thereby correcting pigmentation. Based on the candidate's skin type and condition, the safe and effective wavelength of the laser beam is determined. The laser light is focused onto the pigmented area for a few microseconds.  

4. Soothing the treatment area: Once the laser light has been focused on the entire area, a hydrating, soothing skincare product is applied. 

If you want to know more about laser toning and how this treatment can help you achieve the flawless skin of your dreams, get in touch with Dr. Ravali Yalamanchili at Neya Skin Clinic

Frequently Asked Questions On Laser Toning

Who is a suitable candidate for laser toning? 

Laser toning is a suitable treatment for anyone who wants to rejuvenate or improve their appearance and has aesthetic skin flaws like hyperpigmentation, acne, melasma, stretch marks, enlarged pores, and others. The good candidates are those who are overall healthy and have realistic expectations from their treatment results. 

What results do you expect after laser toning treatment?

The results of laser toning for face for pigmentation may vary among candidates depending on their skin condition, age, skin type, and laser wavelength. The procedure has multiple positive effects. It makes the skin appear brighter, plumper, revitalised, and even-toned by promoting subdermal elastin and collagen formation. 

Which laser device is used in laser toning for pigmentation?

Tri-Beam laser is a conventional Q-switched laser device, a USDA-approved laser technology popularly used in laser toning treatment for pigmentation by dermatologists worldwide. It is the best option for anyone having pigmentation concerns because of its safety and effectiveness. It can safely and effectively work to treat various kinds of pigmentation. 

What is the recovery time for laser toning? 

Laser toning treatment requires no extensive downtime. Most patients resume their normal daily activities and return to work shortly after their treatment. 

How long do the results last? 

Laser toning is a gradual approach to treat pigmentation irregularities and provide long-lasting results. Avoiding sun exposure before and after treatment can help maximise and extend the longevity of the results.

Is laser toning painful?

Laser toning involves using non-ablative Q-switched laser technology, which does not harm the skin surface by heating it. It is associated with minimal pain or discomfort both during and after the treatment. To ensure a painless procedure, topical anaesthesia is used before the laser is applied. 

Is laser toning safe?

Laser toning is generally safe for all skin types, even darker skin tones, as it involves using US-FDA-approved Q-switched laser technology, which is gentle on the skin. The laser toning procedure induces subcellular-specific photo thermolysis of excess melanin, thereby protecting the skin from laser injury throughout the treatment.

Safety depends upon the dermatologist's expertise and experience in performing laser toning and the suitability of the candidate. However, laser toning treatment may produce mild, temporary  laser toning side effects, such as redness.  

What is the cost of laser toning treatment for pigmentation?

The laser toning treatment cost for pigmentation varies among candidates. It depends upon the size and scope of the area being treated and the number of treatment sessions. Each session can cost from Rs. 5000- 10,000, based on one’s needs. To get an estimate of the cost of your laser toning treatment, speak to a cosmetic dermatologist. 

How many laser toning sessions will I need to remove my pigmentation?

For most patients with pigmentation irregularities, 4-6 sessions of laser toning can provide optimal results. 

Conclusion

Each pigmentation issue is different, and so the treatment plan will vary accordingly. Therefore, it is advised to consult a qualified cosmetic dermatologist to understand the type of pigmentation you are having, the treatment options, and the best outcome. 

If you are interested in laser skin toning treatment for your pigmentation, schedule a consultation today with our top-notch dermatologist, Dr. Ravali Yalamanchili. 

Want to reap the benefits of laser treatment for pigmentation removal? Visit Neya Skin Clinic.
 

For enquiries you can get in touch with us at contact@neyaclinic.com