Treatments for Pigmented Lesions
Questions and Answers about Pigmentation Treatments

Intense pulsed light (IPL) systems can be used to treat certain pigmented lesions, in particular freckles and lentigines (also known as ‘sunspots’, ‘liver spots’ or ‘age spots’), which often occur secondary to sun exposure. They tend to appear on sun exposed areas of skin, especially the backs of the hands, the face and the ‘V’ area of the chest.

How does the system work?
The system consists of intense light that is emitted in a series of short pulses. The pulsed light contains wavelengths which are predominantly absorbed by melanin contained within freckles or lentigines (also known as ‘sun spots’ , ‘liver spots’ or ‘age spots’) when fired onto the skin. This causes them to be heated up, resulting in damage to the lesion whilst causing minimal damage to the surrounding skin. Following treatment, the damaged lesions turn darker and may crust. Over the following weeks they will gradually flake away from the skin leaving little trace of the original mark.

How is the treatment carried out?
It is necessary to apply a thin layer of gel to the skin prior to treatment. This helps to cool the skin, as well as ensuring optimal transmission of light from the applicator to the skin.

The rectangular quartz applicator is placed in contact with the skin surface over the target lesion. The light is pulsed through the quartz and onto the skin. During treatment you must wear protective eye goggles.

Which patients can be treated?
Almost everyone can be treated, apart from very dark skinned or tanned individuals. However, not all pigmented lesions can be treated. Your pigmented lesions will be assessed by the doctor, who will decide on their suitability for treatment.

Does it hurt?
As the light energy is absorbed by the skin, it heats it up, and creates a sharp pinprick, burning sensation. Most patients describe the discomfort as moderate and acceptable. No anaesthesia is usually required.

What should I expect after the treatment?
Redness and a slight burning sensation are normal after treatment. A cooling pack will be applied to the skin to ease these symptoms. The lesions will darken after treatment and may appear more obvious at first, but gradually the marks will ‘flake' away. It should be noted that continued sun exposure may result in recurrence of the original mark and sunscreen should be used to prevent this happening.  

What are the side effects?
The visible light is completely safe so no special precautions are needed apart from glasses for the brightness. The skin of some patients becomes quite red immediately after treatment. However, most patients experience no side effects and the redness usually disappears within hours to a few days. Very rarely hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, scarring or blistering may occur.

How do I prepare for treatment?
Patients should avoid strong sunlight during the course of treatment and for at least 3-4 weeks afterwards. It is recommended that an SPF 30 is used on treated areas. Tanned skin cannot be treated and patients must not use any fake tan 6 weeks ahead of and during the entire treatment period.

How long does treatment take?
The length of each treatment will depend on the type and size of lesion present, but a typical session will take in the region of 15 to 30 minutes.  

How many treatments are necessary?
The length and number of treatments will depend on the type and size of pigmented mark present, but typically 3-5 treatments will be needed. Treatments should take place approximately every 3 to 4 weeks.