Is Laser Toning Really Effective for Pigmentation?

Nowadays, people all around the world face various pigmentation related issues . The contributing factors to these skin problems are dirt, pollution, chronic stress, poor diet, hormonal issues, sun damage, pollution, as well as few medical conditions such as thyroid, diabetes and horomonal changes etc. Many skin creams and serums claim to reduce the pigmentation, but only a few actually bring any significant changes. Therefore, a technique increasingly used to lighten pigmentation, known as Laser Toning using a Q switched laser.

What is Laser Toning?

Laser Toning is based on the principle of subcellular selective photothermolysis. In this, the laser emits a specific wavelength of light that is well-absorbed by a particular chromophore being treated. This results in a reduction of epidermal melanocytes wherein the melanocytes remain intact, and only melanosomes are destroyed. The traditional methods lead to the destruction of pigment-containing cells in response to which inflammation follows and results in re-pigmentation or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). The heat generated is low, which reduces the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, though melasma can still recur.

The Q-switched laser is non-invasive that creates high-intensity pulsed beam light whose pulse lasts for a mere billionth of a second (hence called as Q switched). The laser targets pigment selectively; side effects such as redness, mottled hypopigmentation or rebound darkening can occur and are minimised with conservative settings. For patients with sensitive skin, the Q-switched Nd: YAG laser pulse is split into two modes with a 100microsecond interval between the two pulses to lower the discomfort (PTP Mode).

Benefits of Laser Toning
Laser Toning helps to address the following skin concerns.

Melasma: This pigmentation is commonly caused by hormonal imbalance. It is also known as a "Mask of Pregnancy" as it is common in women during pregnancy, though it can affect others. This can be characterized as grey-brown patches on the face. Laser Toning may lighten melasma in some patients when combined with topical therapy and strict sun protection, but relapse is common.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: A burn or an injury is followed by epidermal pigmentation condition referred to as PIH. These can be reduced with Laser Toning. For best results, we can pair the treatment with topical lightening creams.

Dark Spots: Prolonged sun exposure often results in dark spots. Laser Toning selectively targets the pigmentation and results in an improved skin tone.

Freckles: Since freckles are genetic, and laser toning has shown excellent results in diminishing their appearance.

Dark circles: Laser Toning may help pigmentation-type dark circles in selected patients. and are not able to effectively manage them with other treatments.

Precautions to be taken before and after Laser Toning

• Wear hats and sun-protective clothing to avoid direct sun exposure. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF of at least 30 and PA+++ during the entire treatment of laser toning and after completing the full course as well.
• Prime the skin with skin-lightening agents or other agents, as suggested by the dermatologist for at least 2-3 weeks before the treatment for better results.
• Avoid tanning in areas of the body which are to be treated with Laser Toning.
• Always take a patch test before undergoing the treatment to set the right indications.
• Avoid the use of harsh scrubs or abrasive soaps over the treated area.

At Divya Sharma's Skin & Hair Solutions, the aim is to provide a comprehensive solution for your skin and hair related issues without compromising on the safety. Under the direction of our expert dermatologist Dr.Divya Sharma, the clinic offers a unique blend of medical, procedural and lifestyle treatments which will help you get a healthier, more even-toned skin. Dr. Divya Sharma is renowned for her 360* approach in tackling tough pigmentation issues.

Nowadays, people all around the world face various pigmentation related issues . The contributing factors to these skin problems are dirt, pollution, chronic stress, poor diet, hormonal issues, sun damage, pollution, as well as few medical conditions such as thyroid, diabetes and horomonal changes etc. Many skin creams and serums claim to reduce the pigmentation, but only a few actually bring any significant changes. Therefore, a technique increasingly used to lighten pigmentation, known as Laser Toning using a Q switched laser.

What is Laser Toning?

Laser Toning is based on the principle of subcellular selective photothermolysis. In this, the laser emits a specific wavelength of light that is well-absorbed by a particular chromophore being treated. This results in a reduction of epidermal melanocytes wherein the melanocytes remain intact, and only melanosomes are destroyed. The traditional methods lead to the destruction of pigment-containing cells in response to which inflammation follows and results in re-pigmentation or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). The heat generated is low, which reduces the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, though melasma can still recur.

The Q-switched laser is non-invasive that creates high-intensity pulsed beam light whose pulse lasts for a mere billionth of a second (hence called as Q switched). The laser targets pigment selectively; side effects such as redness, mottled hypopigmentation or rebound darkening can occur and are minimised with conservative settings. For patients with sensitive skin, the Q-switched Nd: YAG laser pulse is split into two modes with a 100microsecond interval between the two pulses to lower the discomfort (PTP Mode).

Benefits of Laser Toning
Laser Toning helps to address the following skin concerns.

Melasma: This pigmentation is commonly caused by hormonal imbalance. It is also known as a "Mask of Pregnancy" as it is common in women during pregnancy, though it can affect others. This can be characterized as grey-brown patches on the face. Laser Toning may lighten melasma in some patients when combined with topical therapy and strict sun protection, but relapse is common.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: A burn or an injury is followed by epidermal pigmentation condition referred to as PIH. These can be reduced with Laser Toning. For best results, we can pair the treatment with topical lightening creams.

Dark Spots: Prolonged sun exposure often results in dark spots. Laser Toning selectively targets the pigmentation and results in an improved skin tone.

Freckles: Since freckles are genetic, and laser toning has shown excellent results in diminishing their appearance.

Dark circles: Laser Toning may help pigmentation-type dark circles in selected patients. and are not able to effectively manage them with other treatments.

Precautions to be taken before and after Laser Toning

• Wear hats and sun-protective clothing to avoid direct sun exposure. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF of at least 30 and PA+++ during the entire treatment of laser toning and after completing the full course as well.
• Prime the skin with skin-lightening agents or other agents, as suggested by the dermatologist for at least 2-3 weeks before the treatment for better results.
• Avoid tanning in areas of the body which are to be treated with Laser Toning.
• Always take a patch test before undergoing the treatment to set the right indications.
• Avoid the use of harsh scrubs or abrasive soaps over the treated area.

At Divya Sharma's Skin & Hair Solutions, the aim is to provide a comprehensive solution for your skin and hair related issues without compromising on the safety. Under the direction of our expert dermatologist Dr.Divya Sharma, the clinic offers a unique blend of medical, procedural and lifestyle treatments which will help you get a healthier, more even-toned skin. Dr. Divya Sharma is renowned for her 360* approach in tackling tough pigmentation issues.