Laser treatments have been an effective treatment for melasma and pigmentation. With several types of lasers on the market, which laser treatment is best for treating pigmentation problems. Let’s find out.

Before diving into the suitable laser for your treatment, let us first understand the causes of pigmentation or melasma. Melasma is a skin disease that causes brown or dark grey pigmentation spots of discoloration on our skin.

Pigmentation disorders could be a cosmetic nightmare for the patients. So, it would be best if you visited an experienced doctor to give you an accurate diagnosis and choose the suitable laser treatment for your condition.

What is Melasma and What Causes It?

As a result of its prevalence in pregnant women, melasma is known as the ‘mask of pregnancy or chloasma. However, this can happen to anyone as well. As one of the factors in the development of melasma is sun exposure. This skin condition can commonly appear in sun-exposed areas such as cheeks, upper lips, chin, forehead, and neck.

It is usually caused by melanocytes in the skin, creating extra pigmentation. Women with darker complexions typically get affected by it as they tend to have more melanocytes.

Another factor behind melasma includes hormonal imbalances, such as during pregnancy, contraceptive pills, hypothyroidism, phototoxic drugs, and prolonged exposure to LED screens.

There are three types and forms of melasma:

  • Epidermal Melasma: occurs on the top layer of the skin as dark brown patches.
  • Dermal Melasma: occurs in the deep layers of the skin as blue patches.
  • Mixed melasma: occurs in both dermis and epidermis layers of the skin as a combination of blue and brown patches.

Laser Equipment for Melasma / Pigmentation Treatments

The most frequently asked question will be which laser is good for melasma? According to Dr. Chiam at Ensoul Medical Clinic the fact is there is no best laser for pigmentation treatment. As the selection of laser(s) is determined by the doctor depending upon factors such as extent, depth, age, gender, and causes of pigmentation, low fluence Q-switched lasers are most used in treatment.

1. Q-switched Nanoseond Nd YAG laser

This is an effective and safe laser for treating pigmentation at superficial levels of the skin and the deepest permissible levels below the skin surface. Operating at wavelengths of 532nm and 1064nm on a uniform beam pattern, it distributes a consistent laser beam to achieve optimal results with minimum side effects.

2. Picosecond Q-switched Nd Yag / Alexandrite Laser

Similar to Q-switched lasers, it also operates wavelengths at 532nm and 1064nm. However, picosecond pulses are ten times more effective than longer nanosecond pulses, thus reducing the number of treatment sessions and improving cosmetic results.

3. Picosure 755nm Ultra-short Picosecond Laser:

This is a pigment-seeking laser that is also effective in treating sunspots. Operating at 755nm wavelength, this treatment has a better absorption when dealing with pigmentation. It uses ultra-short laser pulses, each lasting one trillionth of a second, making the treatment safe and effective without damaging superficial layers of the skin.

4. Pro Yellow Laser

This laser uses a 577nm wavelength laser to treat spots, pigmentation, and blood vessels. Unlike the 532nm wavelength of green lasers, yellow lasers produce 40% greater blood absorption a comfortable treatment suitable for all skin types.

5. Fotona Nd: YAG and Er: YAG Laser

Operating at two complementary laser wavelengths, this treatment treats both epidermises and the dermis layer of the skin. The Nd: YAG treatment generates thermal energy to break up the melanin pigments into smaller particles and excrete them through the body’s immune system. While Er: Yag treatment helps resurface the skin and regenerate new skin cells. This treatment helps lighten pigmentation and improve overall skin tone and texture.

All these pigmentation lasers target the different depths of the skin. As every face is unique, there is no one laser that can treat all your pigmentation concerns. Some patients may require multiple lasers combination for their pigmentation problems. Therefore, speak to an experienced doctor to help and study your skin condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment and the laser type according to your specific problem.

Disclosure: This article, other beauty and fashion tips on SheBegan are contributed by experienced fashion professionals, beauty & cosmetics experts. Read our full research and editorial process here. Also, our posts may contain affiliate links, read our full affiliate disclosure

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