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Pigmented Lesions

We're all born with birthmarks (benign pigmented lesions), even if it's only a few freckles. Some of us are born with more prominent pigmented lesions, such as cafe-au-lait spots, that can be cosmetically troublesome if on the face, neck or some other visible area.

Age spots (solar lentigines), too can be cosmetically bothersome. They're caused by excessive exposure to the sun, and most adults eventually get them. Some women acquire unwanted pigmented lesions from the hormonal changes caused by pregnancy or birth control pills.

There used to be little you could do about pigmented lesions. But now laser technology has revolutionized treatment so that many pigmented lesions can be virtually erased.

Understanding Laser Treatment

A laser produces a beam of highly concentrated light. Different types of lasers produce different colors of light. The color of light produced by a particular laser is the key to the laser's effect on telangiectasias.

Different colors of light are absorbed by specific colors or pigments in the skin; for example, hemoglobin, found in blood, absorbs yellow-green light. The laser's light energy seals the vein shut, and the now-diminished telangiectasia is reabsorbed by the body.

What You Can Expect

The laser treatment itself feels like numerous little pinpricks. Most patients do not require anesthesia during the procedure. Topical or local anesthesia is provided for those who do.

The appearance of the treated area immediately after a laser session will vary from patient to patient depending on the extent of treatment. Immediate after-effects, if any, are minor. They may include redness, light crusting, or tenderness, all of which disappear in a short time. We will be happy to tell you more about your treatment and what you can expect.