An even, bright and smooth skin tone is one of the most visible signs of a healthy, well-groomed appearance. However, many factors such as the sun, ageing, hormonal changes and genetics can cause dark spots and tone irregularities on the skin. Laser pigmentation treatment aims to gradually remove these irregularities with advanced laser technologies that target the pigment forming the spot, and to give the skin a more even, vibrant appearance. The key to success is the correct identification of the spot and the choice of the method suitable for it.
Why do skin spots form?
At the root of skin spots lies the excessive production or accumulation of the melanin pigment, which gives the skin its colour, in certain areas. This process has many triggers:
- Sun (UV) exposure: The most frequent and most important cause of spots; it also darkens existing spots.
- Hormonal changes: Spots related to pregnancy and hormones, especially the type called melasma.
- Ageing: ‘Age spots’ that appear over the years, especially on the face, back of the hands and décolleté.
- Post-inflammatory pigmentation: Dark marks remaining after acne, irritation or injury.
- Genetic predisposition and some medications.
Whether the spots are superficial or deep, their type and cause directly affect the treatment plan. For this reason, a detailed skin evaluation carried out before starting treatment is the most critical step of the process.
How does the laser act in spot treatment?
The basic principle of laser pigmentation treatment is ‘selective targeting’. The laser device directs light energy of a certain wavelength to the pigment forming the spot. This energy is absorbed by the pigment and the melanin accumulations separate into very small particles. The broken-down pigment is over time removed from the area by the body's own cleansing mechanisms; or, as in surface spots, it is shed and expelled with skin renewal.
Modern laser and light systems are designed to focus the energy only on the target pigment. Thus the surrounding healthy tissue is protected as much as possible. According to the type of spot, the Q-Switch laser, broad band light (BBL) or fractional technologies can be preferred.
Which types of spot can be treated?
Laser- and light-based treatments can be effective in many pigment problems:
- Sun spots (solar lentigo) and age spots
- Superficial tone irregularities and skin dullness
- Some birthmarks and discolouration
- Dark marks remaining after acne
Spots of hormonal origin such as melasma are a special situation. This type of spot can be more resistant to treatment and can tend to recur with the wrong approach. For this reason, in melasma the laser is mostly used not alone but together with light protection and appropriate skin care, within a careful plan.
How does the treatment process proceed?
Treatment begins with skin evaluation and determination of the type of spot. Before the application the area is cleaned; if necessary a topical anaesthetic cream is applied. During the procedure most people describe a mild stinging or warmth sensation. The duration of a single session varies according to the size of the area treated and is usually short.
Depending on the type and depth of the spot, more than one session may be needed. A certain time is left between sessions for the skin to renew. For this reason spot treatment should be thought of as a process that requires patience and progresses gradually; the results usually become increasingly pronounced over the sessions.
What to expect after the application
After the application, temporary redness and mild tenderness can occur in the treated area. Some superficial spots may first darken slightly after the procedure and then crust over and flake off; this is an expected process. During this period, not picking at the crusts, moisturising the skin and using the care products recommended by the physician are important.
Permanence and sun protection
The laser can lighten existing spots markedly; however, no treatment makes the skin permanently immune to the formation of new spots. Since the strongest trigger of spots is the sun, the most critical step in preserving the results after treatment is regular sun protection.
In spot treatment, as important as the laser is the sun protection applied afterwards. It is not realistic to expect a lasting result without protection.
For this reason, an inseparable part of the treatment plan is the regular use of a high-factor sunscreen, appropriate skin care and, when necessary, supporting products that suppress spot formation. This holistic approach both preserves the result and reduces the likelihood of new spots forming.
Who is it suitable for?
Laser pigmentation treatment is a suitable option for many people bothered by their spots. However, skin type, the nature of the spot, sun-exposure habits and general health determine suitability. In particular, it should not be forgotten that not every change of colour may be a ‘harmless spot’; for this reason, dermatological evaluation of the lesion before treatment is essential for safety.
The importance of realistic expectation and patience
Perhaps the most important issue in spot treatment is to set out with a realistic expectation. Spots usually form over months, sometimes years; therefore it is not right to expect them to disappear completely in a single session. In most cases several sessions are needed and the results become pronounced gradually. Especially in deep or hormonally originated spots, the process may require a more patient approach.
In some people the aim is, instead of the spot disappearing completely, for it to lighten markedly and for the skin tone to be evened out. For this reason, when creating the treatment plan, the person's spot type, skin characteristics and expectations are discussed openly. Transparent planning is one of the most important factors determining satisfaction at the end of the process.
The contribution of home care to treatment
The laser treatment applied in the clinic is only one part of the process. The correct skin care applied at home makes an important contribution to both speeding up and preserving the results. Regular sun protection, moisturising suitable for the skin type and the supporting products recommended by the physician directly affect the success of the treatment.
Conversely, going out in the sun unprotected during treatment or using uncontrolled products can both disrupt the existing result and pave the way for new spots. For this reason spot treatment should be thought of like a teamwork in which clinic and home care are carried out together.
In which season should spot treatment be done?
For laser and light treatments, the autumn and winter months, when the sun is less intense, are mostly more suitable. Because after treatment the skin becomes more sensitive to the sun; intense sun increases both the risk of side effects and the likelihood of new spots forming. Treatment in the summer months is not entirely impossible, but in this period sun protection must be followed much more meticulously and suitable technologies must be chosen. The most correct timing is planned individually during the skin analysis, taking your lifestyle into account as well.
At the clinic of Dr. Burcu Çelen, spot treatment is carried out with a detailed skin analysis, a technology choice suitable for the type of spot and a holistic care plan that also includes subsequent sun protection. You can make an appointment to evaluate the spots on your skin and to determine the most suitable treatment plan for you.