Reasons for appearance
Pigment spots are dark-colored formations on the surface of the skin that arise due to problems with the concentration of melanin pigment, which is considered a protective barrier against ultraviolet radiation.
The main causes of stains are:
- active influence of ultraviolet radiation;
- metabolic features;
- diseases of the liver and digestive organs;
- endocrine disorders;
- low-quality cosmetics;
- taking hormonal contraceptives;
- pregnancy;
- consequences of taking medications;
- vitamin C deficiency;
- genetic reasons
Side effects
Unpleasant consequences of mesotherapy are rare and often occur due to the incompetence of the doctor. To avoid their occurrence, perform the procedure with a competent, trusted specialist.
Side effects include:
- bruises and hematomas;
- swelling;
- redness;
- allergy;
- necrosis.
Minor redness can be eliminated with ice from chamomile infusion.
The most severe negative effect is necrosis - tissue death. This occurs as a result of the injection of the drug into the muscle, which is a gross violation of the mesotherapy technique. The condition requires medical intervention.
If sterility standards are neglected, infection may occur, swelling and itching may increase. If you experience severe weakness, fever, or detect purulent discharge, immediately seek medical help.
Varieties
Depending on conditions and lifestyle, different types of age spots may develop on the face:
- Chloasma are spots of a brownish-brown hue with clearly defined boundaries and a smooth surface. Appear during pregnancy, liver and genital diseases, and prolonged exposure to the sun.
- Lentigines are dark brown raised spots of a genetic nature.
- Birthmarks or moles are present from birth and have different shapes, sizes and colors.
- Freckles are small golden spots that appear due to the influence of ultraviolet radiation.
- Vitiligo is white patches associated with pigmentation disorders.
Reviews
Marina, 36, years old, Omsk
“After the procedure there were some minor bruises, but they went away after a few days. The skin became smooth, roughness disappeared. However, the pigmentation could not be completely removed. But the fact that the spots have lightened is a fact.”
Arina, 29 years old, St. Petersburg
“I’m struggling with age spots after pregnancy. They appeared during lactation, and then remained so. I read a lot on forums about different methods of lightening, and decided to try mesotherapy. I was impressed by the whitening effect, although many write that they were not effective enough. I'm satisfied with the procedure."
Advantages of the technique
- Selective influence . The laser beam contacts only the pigmented area, without touching healthy tissue.
- Rejuvenation effect. The laser procedure promotes facial skin rejuvenation.
- Non-contact method of carrying out the procedure. The pigment is destroyed by exposure to a laser beam.
- Painless procedure. The technique does not involve the use of anesthetic drugs.
- Skin disinfection. There is no risk of inflammatory processes.
- Safety.
- Rapidity.
- Short rehabilitation period.
- No side effects.
- Complete removal of pigmentation on the face.
The advantage of the laser technique for eliminating pigmented areas on the face is the elimination of only pathological cells, without harming healthy skin.
As a result, blood circulation in the procedure area improves, facial tone is evened out, tissue tone is enhanced, minor defects are eliminated, and collagen production is stimulated.
How to prevent the reappearance of pigmentation
If the skin is prone to pigmentation, it will darken again and again. Most often this is caused by heredity or improper skin care. To prevent re-pigmentation of the epidermis, it is necessary to use drugs that will block melanin synthesis. Such products should include vegetable oils containing natural ultraviolet filters (jojoba oil, shea butter) and whitening agents (vitamin C, retinol, arbutin).
It should be noted that if you have permanent pigmentation, you need to use bleaching products regularly. Whitening products contain ingredients that can affect different stages of malanocyte maturation. For example, preparations with arbutin can be used for a year, and then both cosmetics based on it and the active substance can be changed. In this way, it is possible to influence different stages of melanin formation.
If pigmentation is permanent, then you should not try to cope with it yourself. It is better to visit an experienced professional so that he can decide on methods to eliminate it. Also, for preventive purposes, such skin (as well as any other) should be intensively protected from ultraviolet radiation using sunscreens with a high protection factor.
So, laser pigmentation removal is a simple and reliable procedure that will help quickly and effectively eliminate pigmentation on the face. Therefore, if you suffer from dark spots on your face, then a laser procedure will relieve you of it for many years.
Flaws
A noticeable disadvantage of the laser procedure is the fairly high cost, provided that several procedures are required.
The two-week rehabilitation period can be attributed to the second disadvantage, since the patient will have to plan in advance and, if necessary, reschedule all significant events and business meetings.
As you can see, the disadvantages are insignificant and completely cover the advantages of laser therapy.
Watch the video about the features of the procedure and its disadvantages.
Comparative characteristics of procedures
A comparison table will help you understand the pros and cons of methods to combat pigmentation.
Procedure | pros | Minuses |
Laser resurfacing | High efficiency. One procedure is enough to remove a small stain. | Aggressive nature of the impact. Significantly more expensive than other methods. |
Phototherapy | No pain | A whole course is required (from 6 to 10) |
Elos (two-phase exposure to wave current and infrared light) | Safety due to point impact. Complete destruction of pigment cells | High price |
Chemical peeling | Rejuvenating and cleansing effects. Getting rid of scars, wrinkles, roughness | High risk of re-pigmentation |
Mesotherapy | Pronounced rejuvenating effect. Good prevention of re-pigmentation. Skin hydration | The effectiveness of whitening is significantly lower than that of laser or peeling |
Contraindications
Before the laser therapy procedure, the patient must undergo a medical examination, during which the doctor determines the absence or presence of contraindications to its implementation..
The main contraindications are:
- systemic blood diseases (leukemia, hemophilia, thrombocytopenia, lymphoma);
- cerebrovascular accidents;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- the presence of malignant tumors;
- increased temperature due to a cold;
- tendency to seizures (epilepsy, psychosis);
- period of pregnancy and lactation;
- inflammation at the site of manipulation.
Contraindications to laser pigment spot removal
Although the procedure is considered harmless, it is worth checking to see if there are any health problems for which the laser beam is not recommended. And first of all, cosmetologists will advise you to wait until your 18th birthday - pigmentation removal is usually not performed on children.
If you want to even out your tone after tanning, you will have to wait at least 30 days after being on the beach.
The consequences of removing pigment spots with a laser are unpredictable if a person has skin problems - inflammation, cuts, acne, psoriasis or allergic dermatitis. So the cosmetologist will recommend curing the epidermis, and then sign up for a session. The main thing is that the area that will be treated is healthy.
Contraindications include cancer and autoimmune diseases, the formation of keloid scars. Even if a person is prone to tumor formations, it is better not to fight purely aesthetic defects.
The procedure is not performed for patients with tuberculosis and epilepsy. Pregnant women will have to postpone going to the salon; as during lactation, it is better not to rush to remove pigmentation.
The list of contraindications to laser removal of age spots also includes:
- blood diseases;
- severe damage to the cardiovascular system;
- diabetes;
- endocrinological diseases.
You should not go to a beauty salon during an exacerbation of mental illness. The procedure is not performed on people with a pacemaker. In case of severe varicose veins, the cosmetologist will also advise against using the method.
Devices used
Removal of age spots on the face in modern cosmetology is performed using various laser systems that differ in wavelength and depth of exposure.
Depending on the type, depth and etiology of the area of pigmentation, the condition of the skin and the doctor’s indications, a laser of a specific wavelength is determined.
This can be a neodymium, thulium fiber optic or erbium laser.
Neodymium laser is a hardware installation with a yttrium aluminum garnet crystal, which is activated by neodymium ions. The peculiarity lies in the length and power of the waves, varying from 1.06 microns to 1064 nanometers. The device allows you to perform manipulations at a depth of 6-8 mm deep into the tissue safely and effectively.
The erbium laser allows you to adjust the degree of beam penetration up to 5 microns with high precision. The level of exposure is often superficial, allowing treatment of the perioral and periorbital area.
Thulium laser is used for more delicate skin treatment and elimination of pigmentation in just 1-2 sessions.
Combined use with an erbium laser is effective for fractional rejuvenation, and gentle penetration and impact on the epidermis at a shallow depth allows you to treat up to 70% of the surface of the face in need of correction.
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How is the procedure performed?
Facial mesotherapy against age spots can be carried out in several ways:
- classic , that is, using a syringe with the drug;
- fractional , in which the face is first prepared for the effects of a cocktail using a device that makes micropunctures;
- needleless , when the product is applied to the skin and then stimulated to penetrate deeper with ultrasound.
Each time, the surface is first cleaned of makeup, wiped with an antiseptic and an anesthetic is applied. Then markings are made for needle insertion. After the main stage of exposure to the drug, a soothing mask is applied to the skin.
To learn how the facial mesotherapy procedure for pigmentation works, watch this video:
Operating principle
During the procedure, a laser beam directed at the pigmented area destroys melanin.
Cells with increased pigment content absorb quantum waves, heat up and are destroyed, and after 3-4 weeks they are removed from the body through the lymphatic system.
Before manipulation, to improve the effect of the cold emitter, the skin is treated with a colorless gel.
The laser disinfects the treated area and prevents the occurrence of inflammatory processes after the pigment spot is removed.
Algorithm for the procedure
A laser therapy session is carried out in the following sequence:
- A cosmetologist cleans an area of skin with an antiseptic drug.
- The area is then numbed (if necessary).
- The specialist and the patient must wear special glasses to protect their eyes from the light exposure of the laser.
- A special cosmetic gel is applied to the treated area.
- The damaged area is then treated with light pulses.
- During the session, the patient may feel a slight tingling sensation in the treated area.
- After the session, the cosmetologist applies a cooling cream with disinfectant ingredients to the treated area.
- After a few hours, pigment spots may darken, which is a natural protective reaction of the epidermis.
Preparation for the procedure
The safety and effectiveness of laser removal of age spots on the skin of the face depends on careful preparation, which begins with a visit to a dermatologist.
According to the patient’s individual characteristics, a skin correction program is selected, taking into account age, type of epidermis and the nature of pigmented areas.
Before the procedure, the patient must adhere to simple rules:
- do not sunbathe two weeks before laser treatment;
- do not visit the solarium;
- do not perform chemical peeling or deep facial cleansing;
- do not use decorative cosmetics;
- give up alcohol and do not smoke so that the pressure on the blood vessels is minimal.
In consultation with a doctor, the need to first take glycolic acid, as well as other medications, will be clarified.
If your skin tone is dark enough, a specialist may recommend a whitening cream to make the peeling effect more noticeable.
The dermatologist will determine the number of laser therapy sessions for a good result. To eliminate typical skin imperfections, 1–5 procedures are sufficient, carried out every three months.
Laser pigment spot removal results
Reviews of laser pigment spot removal best confirm the effectiveness of the procedure. After completing a course recommended by a cosmetologist, clients are pleased with the evenness of their skin color. It becomes light, natural shade.
It must be emphasized that the laser does not just temporarily lighten the skin, it is a painless destruction and removal of melanin. Therefore, cosmetologists achieve excellent results that last for a long time, if not forever. Chemical peeling can demonstrate a similar effect, with the difference that it does not penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin. In addition, alternative methods can be traumatic, unlike laser removal of age spots: reviews indicate that it is painless and without a long recovery period.
Moreover, gentle exposure to the beam generally has a beneficial effect on the epidermis. Laser energy helps activate the production of collagen and elastane. Therefore, in the photo after removing pigment spots with a laser, not only lightening, but also smoothing of the skin is noticeable.
For the procedure to proceed safely, you should choose a salon with good recommendations. The priority is given to new generation laser devices: they are characterized by increased power, while being gentle on the skin, eliminating adverse effects.
To consolidate the result, a professional and experienced cosmetologist usually gives recommendations on how to maintain the epidermis to prevent the appearance of new spots. If you follow his advice, you will certainly be able to avoid a recurrence of hyperpigmentation.
Execution technique
The procedure for removing pigmentation on the face using a laser is carried out by a qualified doctor in a salon or cosmetology clinic.
Laser therapy is a low-pain procedure. But if pigment spots occupy a large area or depth, then an addition in the form of local anesthesia is likely.
The manipulation itself consists of the following stages:
- A special gel is applied to the surface of the skin, ensuring close contact of the epidermis with quantum rays;
- the doctor irradiates the pigment spot using a laser;
- the treated area is disinfected with an antiseptic;
- to prevent the appearance of scars and to speed up repair, the area is covered with a sterile bandage with medicinal substances.
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Follow the link https://cosmetolog-expert.ru/plastika-litsa/feyslifting/inektsii/bioarmirovaniya-chto-eto-takoe.html if you are interested in the technique of bioreinforcement of the face with hyaluronic acid.
Types of devices
Initially, lasers were used only in surgery. But with the introduction of new technologies, devices have become safer, more functional and easier to use, and they began to be used not only for medical, but also for aesthetic reasons.
Cosmetologists use various types of solid-state surgical lasers to remove skin lesions. These include optical quantum generators in which the active element is a substance in a solid state (glass, crystal):
- Fraxel installations. Using Fraxel devices of thulium and erbium type, the procedure of fractional thermolysis is performed. With the help of such lasers, hyperpigmentation, fine wrinkles, and scars are eliminated.
- Diode. The effect is achieved due to the effect of high temperatures on melanin. Diode optical generators are also used for photorejuvenation, spider vein removal, and hair removal.
- Neodymium. It is believed that Nd:YAG devices are the most popular. In cosmetology, neodymium laser is used to remove age spots, tattoos, and also for carbon peeling.
- Picosecond. The peculiarity of lasers is that the pigment is destroyed not due to thermal effects, but due to disintegration into small particles. In addition to lightening age spots, picosecond lasers smooth out superficial wrinkles and eliminate cicatricial changes in the skin.
There are other types of lasers that can be used to remove pigmentation, but the ones listed above are the most common.
Rehabilitation
The average duration of the rehabilitation period is no more than 2 weeks, during which the swelling on the face goes away. A week after the procedure, a crust forms at the site of the pigment spot, which subsequently disappears, leaving no scars or scars.
According to patient reviews, the consequences and traces of the pigment spot are not visible after 2 weeks. At this time, as prescribed by the doctor, the areas exposed to the laser beam are treated with restorative drugs like Panthenol and Bepanten cream.
Throughout the entire rehabilitation period, you should not be exposed to direct sunlight, and also avoid exposure to artificial ultraviolet irradiation, that is, you should not visit or sunbathe in a solarium.
It is also recommended to use high-quality cosmetics with an increased protection factor against UV rays.
Recovery period
Usually there are no problems after the procedure. The skin may turn red, and then the spot will begin to peel off (lasting no more than 7 days) and disappear completely or become almost invisible.
It is important during and after therapy to eat properly, consume a balanced amount of elements, and refuse or limit the consumption of coffee and tea.
Before going outside (especially in sunny weather), you need to apply a cream that protects against ultraviolet radiation. Women are not recommended to use low-quality cosmetics.
Despite the fact that laser removal is a very effective and safe procedure, it is better to prevent the disease from developing than to treat it. It is recommended to be careful about your health, create a healthy diet and regularly undergo medical examinations.
Price
The cost of laser peeling varies from 15,000 to 55,000 rubles and depends on certain factors:
- reputation, location, status of the clinic or salon;
- types of laser device used;
- number of procedures performed;
- additional maintenance needs.
It is important to remember that too low the cost of a laser procedure may hide the incompetence of a specialist or low-quality equipment. Is it worth the risk?
The video provides information about the effect of laser on pigment spots.
Indications
The procedure is prescribed strictly after consultation with a dermatologist. Indications for injections:
- scarring;
- freckles;
- lentigo;
- moles;
- pigmentation;
- age-related skin changes;
- loss of tone;
- unhealthy complexion;
- spider veins.
You can start mesotherapy at the age of 25-30 years. Whitening results depend on the individual complexity of pigmentation, the number of sessions and compliance with medical recommendations.
Phototherapy or flash therapy
Pigment spots can be removed in a less radical way - with photoflash pulses. These devices are divided into 2 types: with IPL and AFT technology.
The first technology acts on the pigment with light (without ultraviolet) - this type of energy is absorbed by molecules, chromophores, which are part of melanin. When excess energy is absorbed, the molecule is destroyed, thereby allowing the whitening effect to be seen.
The second technology is used to target aged collagen fibers. After their destruction, the skin begins to activate its metabolism and, as a result, the process of melanin formation is normalized.
Causes of dark spots
- Abuse of sun exposure
Melanin, a natural dye of the human body, is produced in the skin mainly in the sun. This protects us from the aggressive effects of ultraviolet radiation. But the tan we all love is useful in moderate doses. Otherwise, age spots cannot be avoided.
- Hormonal imbalances
Pregnant women often develop dark lumps on the face or a darkening line running from the navel to the lower abdomen. After the birth of a child, with the restoration of hormonal levels, these changes most often resolve on their own.
Sometimes the appearance of dark spots is provoked by oral contraceptives. True, with modern technologies such incidents arise less and less often.
More severe cases include persistent hyperpigmentation in women with impaired functions of the reproductive or endocrine systems. For such patients, mesotherapy helps in combination with the regulation of hormonal levels.
- Neurosis and vitamin deficiency
The accumulation of melanin can be a consequence of nervous tension, stress or depression. Sometimes pigment deposition signals a vitamin C deficiency. After all, the skin does not get many vitamins with food. Therefore, mesotherapy is an additional recharge.
- Diseases of internal organs
Increased pigmentation is caused by disruptions in the gastrointestinal tract and various liver diseases. The appearance of dark skin formations is especially fraught with pathologies of the biliary tract, which are responsible for pigment metabolism in the body.
- Skin damage
Injuries are common causes of blemishes on our skin. At risk are people who deal with explosive, piercing, cutting, and flammable objects, as well as those who like to squeeze out acne themselves. A simple tight bandage can lead to traumatic pigmentation.
In hot weather, perfumes can cause dark spots on the face, neck, and chest. The components included in their composition increase the sensitivity of the epithelium to solar exposure. Insect bites and injections also leave behind dark marks.
- Photoaging
A slowdown in metabolism in people aged 40+ is often accompanied by dysregulation of melanin production. The pigment accumulates in excess in the cells.
Therefore, the faces and bodies of older people become covered with dark spots. The most popular aesthetic procedure at an elegant age is mesotherapy against pigmentation on the hands.
- Complications after cosmetic procedures
Beauty therapy performed without taking into account professional requirements can lead to skin pigmentation. We are talking about seasonal procedures such as chemical peeling, laser resurfacing, photorejuvenation, which cannot be done in the summer. Photoepilation can also result in the appearance of spots on the skin if you start sunbathing a couple of weeks after it.
Look at the photographs showing some cases of skin pigmentation on the human body before and after a mesotherapy session.
Photo No. 1: Facial pigmentation
photo No. 2: Hand pigmentation
photo No. 3: Body pigmentation