How many treatments do I need for laser pigmentation removal?
Normally it takes around 3 to 8 treatments to remove your pigmentation, but it also depends on what types of pigmentation and what laser technology you use. Skin pigmentation is a common problem and it can be an unpleasant issue for many. If home remedies aren’t working for you, it is advisable to seek help from an experienced medical professional.
The types of pigmentation
There are different types of pigmentation in different skin layers, learning the type of pigmentation you have is important as it will ensure a more effective pigmentation treatment. There is a popular classification of the pigmentation depending on the skin layers. An epidermal, dermal, and mixed layer of both.
1. Epidermis pigmentation
Epidermis pigmentation means the pigmentation is located in the epidermal, it is easy to remove. We can use an IPL machine or Q-switched ND yag laser machine to remove it. Common epidermis pigmentation as below:
- Freckle
- Age spot
- Sunspot
- Coffee spot
- …
2. Dermis pigmentation
Dermis pigmentation means the pigmentation is located in the dermis layer, it is difficult to remove compared to epidermis pigmentation. IPL cannot remove the pigmentation in the dermis, we suggest using a pico laser machine and Q-switch laser machine to remove it. Common Dermis pigmentation is as below:
- Nevus of Ota
- Nevus of ITO
- Acquired dermal melanocytosis (ADM)
- …
3. Mixed layer pigmentation
Mixed layer pigmentation means the pigmentation is located in the epidermis and dermis layer both, it is the most difficult to remove. A Pico laser machine is the best option to remove it. Common Dermis pigmentation is melasma.
The types of laser pigmentation removal machine
There are 3 popular technologies for removing the pigmentation, IPL, Q-switch laser, and Pico laser machine.
IPL machine uses intense pulse light to remove the epidermis pigmentation, the Q-switch laser machine uses the 1064nm Q-switched ND yag laser and the pico laser is the newest technology, its pulse width only picoseconds.
Suggestion treatment times(Sessions) for laser pigmentation removal
Types of the pigmentation | Laser technology | Sessions |
---|---|---|
Pigmentation in epidermis | IPL | 4 to 8 sessions |
Q-switched Laser | 3 to 6 sessions | |
Pico laser | 3 to 5 sessions | |
Pigmentation in dermis | IPL | / |
Q-switched Laser | 4 to 8 sessions | |
Pico laser | 4 to 6 sessions | |
Pigmentation in mixed layers | IPL | / |
Q-switched Laser | 6 to 8 sessions | |
Pico laser | 4 to 8 sessions |
Image | Product | Technology | Laser Wavelength | Pigmentation Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
EO Active Q-Switched ND YAG Laser Machine | Q-switch lasers | 1064nm/532nm/1320nm/755nm | Pigmentation in the dermis and epidermis | |
Picosure laser machine | Pico laser | 1064nm/532nm/1320nm/755nm | Pigmentation in the dermis and epidermis | |
IPL pigmentation removal machine | IPL | 560nm-1200nm | Pigmentation in epidermis | |
IPL skin rejuvenation machine | IPL | 560nm-1200nm | Pigmentation in epidermis |