Skin is the largest organ in your body and pretty much covers all of you. While the skin acts as a protective barrier for your internal organs, it is susceptible to damage like dark spot formation. Learn how to rejuvenate and whiten your skin with modern laser technology and identify which laser is best for skin whitening.
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What is laser skin whitening?
Naturally, the skin has natural elements and defense mechanisms to protect itself. In most cases, the skin is able to heal and restore itself. However, some skin damage is permanent and requires special attention to return it to the desired state.
Dark skin formation is one of the serious conditions the skin can automatically repair itself. Over the years, different whitening products and strategies have been used with varying degrees of success. More recently, dermatologists and skincare experts have turned to laser technology to repair damaged skin and eliminate dark spots.
Laser skin lightening is a simple procedure that redirects concentrated light energy beams on particular dark spots and removes the damaged layers. By directing different wavelengths of high-energy light, the laser creates heat that burns and destroys the black spots, leaving a clean and healthy layer of skin.
Laser skin whitening is highly effective and can work on most types of skin with little-to-no side effects. The number of appointments needed to eliminate dark spots from your skin largely depends on the extent of the damage and your skin type. One procedure takes about half an hour, and you might need a day or two to recover fully.
What causes skin discoloration?
In most instances, dark spot formation doesn’t require medical attention. However, if you feel like there’s a medical reason behind your skin discoloration, you can consult a skin specialist. More often, people choose to perform laser skin brightening procedures for cosmetic reasons.
Hyperpigmentation or dark spot formation is caused by various factors. Some of the prevalent causes of dark spots include;
Sun damage
Also known as solar lentigines, sun spots, or liver spots, overexpose to direct sunlight can result in dark skins. While not common, overusing tanning beds can have the same effect. The most affected areas are skin parts in direct contact with the sun, including the face, arms, and hands.
Wound healing
While most small wounds heal over time, some may remain for long and leave a dark spot even when healed. Burns, insect bites, and cuts are notorious causes of hyperpigmentation.
Hormonal changes
Melasma is a common skin condition affecting pregnant women and can lead to patches of discolored skin. Hormones present during pregnancy may trigger melasma.
Medication side effects
Certain medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), psychotropics, and tetracycline drugs can lead to dark spots and increase pigmentation.
Inflammation
Skin inflammation could result from different factors, including injury, acne, psoriasis, and eczema. The inflamed skin could easily result in hyperpigmentation.
Irritation
Continuous use of harsh hair and skin products can irritate the skin and cause the formation of dark patches.
Diabetes
Diabetes can cause the skin to darken and form black spots. Diabetes-related conditions like acanthosis nigricans can also lead to hyperpigmentation.
What are the advantages of laser skin whitening?
Admittedly, there are a few risks associated with laser treatment for skin whitening. While rare, you could experience side effects like bruising, swelling, itching, and pigment changes. If you have any concerns, bring them up with the professional prior to the procedure.
At the same time, there are numerous benefits of getting laser skin whitening. One of the significant benefits of this procedure is its high efficacy rate. Unlike many whitening products, laser skin operations are a surefire way to get rid of dark spots on your skin.
The other significant upside of laser skin brightening is that it can help treat and manage various skin conditions. These include uneven skin tones, wrinkles, melasma, and fine lines. This procedure also aids in the formation of new skin tissues which are healthy and even out your skin tone.
Types of laser treatment for skin whitening
Most people seeking this procedure will ask, ‘which laser is the best for skin whitening?’ In truth, to fully answer this question, you first need to understand the different types of skin whitening laser options available. One then, can you judge what works best for your skin type and preferences. Choosing the correct type of skin whitening laser procedure will improve the results, and the aftereffects will appear seamless and natural.
While there are a number of laser treatments for skin brightening, the most commonly used are three. Below, let’s look at what each of these has to offer.
1. Ablative laser resurfacing treatment
Ablative laser resurfacing treatment is a common type of laser skin whitening technique. This procedure is used by dermatologists to treat most dark spot conditions. The specialist can either opt for short ranges of light or high beams depending on the patient’s condition.
This treatment is widely used as it is considered one of the safest skin lightening procedures and can be used on most causative agents that lead to dark spots. Moreover, ablative laser resurfacing treatment boasts one of the highest effectiveness rates today.
By using this treatment, the doctor can eliminate the upper layer of your skin and target the affected area underneath. This treatment vaporizes the affected cells from the lower layers of the skin, facilitating healthy and even skin tone regeneration.
Since this treatment is highly effective, you will only need one procedure to fix the most damaged skin and eliminate dark spots. However, it is worthwhile to mention the procedure may result in some minor side effects. Ideally, the side effects should disappear within two to three weeks after the procedure.
Additionally, you cannot perform this treatment on yourself. First, you’ll need to visit a qualified and experienced laser surgeon expert to determine if the procedure is right for you. By monitoring your skin condition and type, the laser surgeon expert will advise on when to get the procedure as well as any aftercare tips and routines needed to facilitate a quicker and wholesome recovery experience.
2. Non-ablative laser resurfacing treatment
The main difference between ablative laser treatment and non-ablative treatment is the former removes the top layer of the skin while the latter doesn’t. With non-ablative laser resurfacing treatment, the dermatologist or skin expert inserts small laser lights into the skin. These non-ablative lasers do not affect or interfere with the top layer of the skin.
After the light lasers have penetrated the affected area, they tamper with the skin cells forcing the damaged cells to die off. The skin then regenerates new and healthy skin on the affected area. The duration of this healing process differs depending on your skin type, the extent of the repaired area, and the causative agent that led to the hyperpigmentation.
Since this procedure doesn’t interfere with the top layer of the skin, it is considered one of the most minimally invasive treatments. Moreover, of the three main laser skin whitening remedies, this is the safest one. Complications are relatively rare, but you should notify the specialist if you develop a rash or start itching after the procedure. Depending on several factors, the specialist may opt to use some types of treatments along with the procedure. Similar to the previous treatment option, your doctor will provide you with aftercare tips to maximize the procedure’s results.
3. Fractional skin resurfacing treatment
This procedure utilizes specific aspects of the other two treatments. The result is an effective treatment option that also takes less time to heal and recover.
Every dermatologist will have their interpretation of how much of the two treatment procedures they want to rely on. However, the decision is primarily guided by your skin pigmentation, the extent of the damage, and the causative agent. Moreover, it’s important to note this procedure may not be ideal for some patients with naturally dark skin. However, you can consult the dermatologist, and they will determine if it can work for you as well as any suitable alternatives.
How much does laser skin brightening treatment cost?
The true cost of this procedure could vary widely based on factors like the area of treatment, the intensity and type of treatment required, the types of lasers used, and the number of treatments necessary. Additionally, factors like your geographical location could impact the cost.
Once you’ve decided to go along with skin laser whitening procedures, finding a credible service provider is important. Next, book an appointment to discuss your options and get acquainted with the professional. Here, the specialist will also examine the dark spots and advice on the best course of action.
Ultimately, determining which laser is best for skin whitening is joined effort between you, the dermatologist, and a plastic surgeon when needed. This is the only way to ensure you get the desired look and avoid getting the procedure done one too many times. Also, remember this is an elective cosmetic procedure, so it will help to get professionals you’re comfortable with as your looks are important.