Starwalker Laser in San Diego, CA
What are Pigmented Lesions?
Some of the most common questions our patients have concern pigmented lesions. The most common lesions are keratoses, moles, freckles, sun spots and melasma. Sun spots also known as lentigines are harmless, flat brown discolorations of the skin which usually occur on the back of the hands, neck and face of people over the age of 40. These spots can exaggerate a person’s age and are caused by sun exposure over time. Melasma is an unrelated condition also characterized by dark pigmented patches on the face, but, is usually caused by hormonal fluctuations due to pregnancy or the use of oral contraceptives.
What is the Starwalker Laser/ How Is It Different From Other Laser Procedures?
The Starwalker laser treatment offers an effective, non-invasive means for the removal of pigmented lesions. The treatment is quick, painless and there is no need for any needles or anesthesia. The Starwalker laser offers the newest technology available. The Starwalker laser works by targeting the brown pigment or melanin present in the skin of these spots. This pigment absorbs the laser’s energy and becomes scattered within the skin’s tissues. The rest is done by the body’s own immune system as the skin’s cleansing cells, called “macro-phages,” digest the excess pigment and clear it from the area.
The Starwalker can treat the following
- Active Acne
- Acne Scarring
- Surgical Scarring
- Stretch Marks
- Sun Spots
- Pigmented Lesions
- General Skin Rejuvenation
How Many Sessions Can I Expect?
Usually sun spots require only one or two treatments for removal, although larger darker spots may require more. Nd:YAG (1064 nm) lasers are used for the removal of sun spots since the laser’s wavelength is absorbed by the melanin in the spots. Once treated the spots will not return. However laser treatments cannot stop the ageing of the skin and other age spots can appear in time.
For more difficult to treat pigment conditions such as melasma, Q switched (very short-pulsed and high powered) Nd:YAG lasers are especially effective allowing pigment removal to take place without ablating the skin. The Q switch technology is unique to the Starwalker laser making it different from any other laser in the world.
The patient experiences a comfortable, and quick laser procedure with little downtime. If you would like to know more about the Starwalker Laser treatment for pigmented lesions please call 858-264-1884 to schedule your complimentary consultation.