Pigmented Lesion l Vancouver Medi Spa
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Pigmented Lesion

Treatment Time

15-25 Minutes

Downtime

3-5 Days

Sessions Required

1-3

Discomfort Level

Mild-Moderate

At Vancouver Medi Spa the Er: YAG laser is used for the ablation of keratoses, moles, and other pigmented lesions, enabling the removal of the epidermis and superficial dermis in a controlled and relatively bloodless manner.

Lasers are a simple, fast, effective and safe tool for removing a wide variety of benign pigmented lesions, such as freckles, age spots, birthmarks, moles, certain vascular lesions, ephelides, melasma, seborrheic and actinic keratoses.

Clinical studies have shown that Er: YAG lasers are very effective for the treatment of keratoses, with the clinical and histological improvement of up to 93% after just one treatment.

Some of the most common questions that patients ask dermatologists are skin lesions. Skin lesions are remarkably common and the overwhelming majority of them are benign. However, where such lesions occur on the face they can be unpleasant and cause distress to many people. Among the most common of such lesions are Seborrheic and Actinic Keratoses, and Nevi (moles).

FAQ

How does laser work for pigmented lesions?

Laser Treatment for Pigmented Lesions in Vancouver

At Vancouver Medi Spa, we offer laser treatment for pigmented lesions using the Er:YAG laser. This advanced technology allows for precise, targeted treatment of various skin concerns.

How Does Laser Treatment Work for Pigmented Lesions?

The Er:YAG laser emits a specific wavelength of light absorbed by the water content in skin cells. This laser energy can be used in various modes, depending on the desired outcome:

  • Precise Ablation: For removing superficial lesions like age spots, the laser can vaporize targeted layers of skin with extreme precision, stimulating new collagen production for a smoother, tighter appearance.
  • Non-ablative Rejuvenation: For deeper concerns, the laser can deliver thermal energy deep into the dermis without ablating the surface, promoting collagen growth for overall skin rejuvenation.

Laser Treatment for Moles and Other Pigmented Lesions

Laser treatment is a safe and effective option for removing pigmented lesions like moles. Here’s how it works:

  1. Selective Absorption: The laser emits short, powerful light pulses that bypass healthy skin and target melanin, the pigment within the lesion.
  2. Pigment Breakup: The laser energy breaks down melanin clusters into smaller particles.
  3. Natural Removal: The body’s immune system, specifically macrophages (white blood cells), then eliminates these broken-down pigment fragments, gradually lightening and clearing the lesion.

Benefits of Laser Treatment for Pigmented Lesions

  • Precise targeting: Minimizes impact on surrounding healthy tissue.
  • Effective results: Removes or lightens pigmented lesions.
  • Minimal downtime: Most procedures allow for quick recovery.
  • Safe and versatile: Suitable for various skin concerns.
What are the traditional treatments?

Mole and Keratosis Removal Options in Vancouver

At Vancouver Medi Spa, we understand that moles and keratoses can be a cosmetic concern for many people. We offer various removal options to address your individual needs. Here’s an overview of common mole and keratosis removal techniques:

Surgical Excision:

  • Biopsy: This is often the first step for suspicious lesions. A small tissue sample is removed and examined for possible cancer.
  • Shave Excision: Suitable for some benign moles, this procedure involves numbing the area and shaving off the mole with a small blade.
  • Punch Biopsy: A specialized tool removes a small, circular section of the mole for biopsy or complete removal.
  • Excision Surgery: This traditional surgical method removes the mole and a margin of healthy skin for complete removal.

Non-surgical Option: Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen or dry ice to freeze and destroy the abnormal tissue. While effective, it may cause temporary pigment changes and rarely, scarring.

Choosing the Right Removal Method

The most suitable removal method for your mole or keratosis depends on several factors, including:

  • The size and depth of the lesion
  • Its location on the body
  • Whether a biopsy is needed
  • Your cosmetic preferences

Consultation is Key

During a consultation at Vancouver Medi Spa, our experienced practitioners will examine your mole or keratosis and recommend the most appropriate removal method based on your individual case. We will also discuss any potential risks and recovery expectations.

Important Considerations

While surgical excision offers the most definitive removal, it may leave a scar. Non-surgical options like cryotherapy are less invasive but might have a higher chance of recurrence.

What are the advantages for this treatment?

Benefits of Laser Treatment for Pigmented Lesions

Laser treatment offers several advantages for removing pigmented lesions like moles, age spots, and sun damage:

  • Quick and Sutureless: Compared to traditional surgical excision, laser treatment is often faster and doesn’t require stitches.
  • Rapid Healing Time: Most laser procedures allow for quick recovery and minimal downtime.
  • Excellent Results: Laser treatment can achieve excellent cosmetic outcomes, removing or significantly lightening targeted lesions.
  • Suitable for All Skin Types: Advanced lasers like Nd:YAG and KTP Nd:YAG are safe and effective for various ethnicities, minimizing the risk of hyperpigmentation. This is especially beneficial for Asian skin tones, which are more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation with certain laser treatments.

Progressive Treatment and Lasting Results

Laser treatment for moles is often a gradual process, frequently requiring multiple sessions to achieve optimal results. Around 70% of patients experience a significant improvement in the appearance of their moles after laser treatment. Generally, newer and shallower lesions respond better than older or deeper ones.

Long-Term Improvement

Studies suggest that the appearance of moles may continue to improve for up to 3-6 months following laser treatment. This highlights the ongoing positive effects of laser treatment for achieving a clearer, more even complexion.

What are Seborrheic Keratoses?

Understanding Seborrheic Keratosis: Common Skin Growths

Seborrheic keratosis (SK) is the most common type of benign (noncancerous) skin growth affecting adults. While the exact cause remains unknown, SKs are more prevalent in older individuals, often appearing on sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, and torso.

What Do Seborrheic Keratoses Look Like?

SKs typically appear as:

  • Brown or black bumps
  • Crusty or wart-like growths
  • Rough and waxy to the touch

It’s not uncommon for SKs to occasionally ooze or bleed if irritated. While some people might mistake them for skin cancer, seborrheic keratoses are entirely harmless and pose no malignancy risk.

Seborrheic Keratosis Removal

Many people choose to have SKs removed for cosmetic reasons due to their appearance. Fortunately, since they’re superficial, removal is typically a simple procedure.

What are Actinic Keratoses?

Actinic Keratosis (AK): Precancerous Skin Lesions

Actinic keratosis (AK) is a precancerous skin condition that appears as rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed areas. These lesions are more common in people with fair skin who have had significant sun exposure throughout their lives.

Where Do Actinic Keratoses Appear?

AKs most frequently develop on areas like:

  • Ears
  • Forehead
  • Hands
  • Neck
  • Nose

Actinic Keratosis: Early Detection and Treatment

While most AKs remain unchanged for years, some may transform over time, becoming thicker, itchy, and occasionally bleeding. These changes can signal a potential transformation into squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. It’s important to note that only about 1 in 50 AKs develop into cancer.

Early diagnosis and treatment of AKs are crucial for preventing skin cancer.

What are navi lesions?

Understanding Moles (Nevi): Common Skin Growths

Moles, also known as nevi, are a very common skin finding. Most people have between 10 and 40 moles, and they typically appear in childhood or young adulthood (ages 2-20). These collections of pigment cells (melanocytes) can vary greatly in:

  • Size
  • Shape
  • Color (brown, black, tan, or even flesh-toned)
  • Presence of hair

Moles can appear anywhere on the body, including the head, neck, torso, and even in less noticeable areas. While some moles may fade or disappear over time, most remain stable throughout a person’s life.

Moles and Melanoma Risk

The vast majority of moles are benign (noncancerous). However, it’s important to be familiar with the appearance of your moles and to monitor them for any changes. The ABCD rule can be a helpful guide for mole self-screening:

  • Asymmetry: Does one half of the mole look different from the other half?
  • Border: Is the border irregular or blurry?
  • Color: Is the mole one color, or does it have several different colors?
  • Diameter: Is the mole larger than the size of a pencil eraser (about 6 millimeters)?

If you notice any changes in a mole using the ABCD rule, or if you have any concerns about a mole, it’s essential to consult a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis.

Early detection is key for melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.

Before & After