Excessive skin pigmentation occurs when the body produces too much melanin. This can be triggered by a number of factors, including excessive sun exposure, hormonal changes, skin trauma, and certain congenital conditions.
Pigmentation can often appear uneven and affect the overall appearance of the skin. There are now a range of laser-based treatments available to help improve the appearance of pigmentation. The choice of treatment depends on the type and depth of pigmentation, as well as the individual’s skin type.

• Intense Pulsed Laser (IPL):
  IPL technology targets pigmented cells with controlled light energy, causing microscopic damage to the area. This triggers the skin’s natural wound-healing response and encourages the production of new skin cells to replace the damaged ones.

• CO₂ Laser:
  CO₂ laser resurfacing can significantly improve sunspots and sun-damaged skin with fewer treatments. The intensity of the laser can be adjusted according to the individual’s needs, giving the practitioner flexibility in targeting pigmentation and signs of sun damage.

• Fractional Laser:
  Fractional laser uses computer-guided precision to create microchannels in the skin. This stimulates the body’s healing response, encouraging new collagen and elastin production. The surrounding skin remains intact, which supports rapid healing. Fractional laser can also be used to reduce wrinkles, target scars, and improve discolouration, resulting in fresher and more evenly toned skin.

The Procedure

Laser facial rejuvenation is a clinic-based procedure. You may choose to treat individual areas or your entire face and chest. In some cases, a topical anaesthetic cream may be applied to numb the area before treatment.
Treatment of smaller sections typically takes 30–45 minutes, while a full-face treatment can take up to two hours. Swelling is normal after laser skin resurfacing, and sleeping on an extra pillow at night can help to reduce it.
Recovery time varies depending on the type of laser used and the extent of the treatment. Your practitioner will provide specific guidance for your situation. As a general guide, most facial skin will heal within 7–10 days.

Risks and Complications

Possible risks and complications of laser rejuvenation include:

• Burns or injury from the laser’s heat

• Scarring

• Changes in pigmentation (areas of darker or lighter skin)

• Reactivation of herpes (cold sores)

• Bacterial infection