FAQ: Laser Pigment Removal
How do the pigment removal lasers work?
An intense light from the laser passes through the top layer of the skin and is selectively absorbed by brown, black or blue pigment particles within the skin. The energy emitted by the laser light when it is absorbed causes the melanosome in the pigment cells, or the ink of a tattoo, to break into minuscule particles which are removed by the body’s 
immune system.
Do the treatments with the pigment lasers hurt?
The light from the laser is emitted in pulses. Each pulse feels like someone has snapped an elastic band against the skin. Both children and adults vary in their level of pain tolerance. An anesthetic cream (EMLA) may be obtained at a pharmacy, without a prescription, for use by patients with a low pain threshold to minimize discomfort. In some cases a local anesthetic, injected into the treatment site, may be necessary.
How does the skin look and feel after a treatment with pigment removal lasers?
After each pulse of the laser light the targeted skin is grey in appearance. There may be some superficial bleeding. Subsequent blistering and crusting is resolved as the top layer of the skin turns over. The length of time it takes for the crust to be sloughed depends on the depth of the pigment in the skin and the location of the lesion on the body. The pigment does not necessarily fade evenly, and several sessions may be required before all the pigment disappears.
How many treatments are required and what will it cost?
The number of treatment sessions depends on the size, location, depth and color of the pigmented lesion or tattoo. These factors also determine the cost.
Superficial lesions, such as age spots, usually require fewer sessions than a deeper lesion such as a congenital nevi. The latter often requires a layered approach, which will take several sessions. In certain instances, not all of the pigment can be removed.
Treatment sessions are spaced three to six weeks apart. This allows the garbage collecting cells of the immune system to gather up the maximum amount of left over pigment between each session.
Are the pigment removal lasers safe?
Yes, these lasers are safe. Safety goggles must be worn by both the patient and the laser surgeon during the procedure to protect the eyes from the bright light.
A potential complication with this procedure is hypopigmentation, where the treated area ends up being lighter than the surrounding tissue. The risk of scarring is very low because the laser light is absorbed by the targeted pigment, leaving the surrounding tissue relatively untouched. Infection is possible, but unlikely if the lesion is properly cared for by the patient after the treatment.
