Pigment removal with SkinFirst Systems
Pigmented spots are coloured spots or patches on the skin caused by increased production of melanin, the dark pigment in the skin (sun spots, age spots, freckles, uneven skin tone). Some lesions are present at birth whilst others develop with exposure to sun or with age. Although most people want smooth, clear, youthful looking skin, sun damage is inevitable.
The SkinFirst MPL® differentiating factor is the inclusion of radio frequency technology within the MPL®. This perfect combination allows us to offer the most advanced technology available to remove the pigmentation. It is a technology more comfortable, safer and effective than traditional IPL machines.
How does the treatment work?
The MPL® energy is directed onto the skin through optical gel which is applied before treatment. The light is drawn to the melanin (the colour) of the pigmentation patch; the radio frequency follows the light down to the pigment adding extra heat to the target to break the pigmentation up.
Who can have pigmentation removal?
We can treat Fitzpatrick’s skin types 1-3. Your skin clinician will discuss this in detail with you.
How does the treatment feel?
You should feel what seems like an elastic band flicking against the surface of the skin. Due to the SkinFirst advanced technology the treatment is much more comfortable than traditional IPL or Laser machines. The skin can also feel tingly and warm after treatment.
How many treatments will I need?
On average we recommend between three and six treatments, however some people may need more than this; this can be due to the age and depth of the pigment. This will be discussed in depth with your skin clinician. Thereafter occasional maintenance treatments are advised.
How long do I have to wait in between treatments?
Treatments are spaced every 4 weeks.
What will happen after the treatment?
After the treatment you will have generalised redness around the pigmented area, the pigment lesion will look darker. Between 3 to 10 days after the treatment the darker pigment will come to the surface and flake off with the natural skin renewal. Any flakes must not be picked as this can lead to scarring. Once the pigment has flaked off it should leave the area clear with little trace of the patch.
What do I need to do in between treatments?
You must not use sunbeds or gain an active tan throughout the course of treatments if you do so you can only be treated 4 weeks before your holiday and 4 weeks after or until the tan has subsided. You should wear SPF 30+ with UVA and UVB every day during the course of treatments. Avoid using fake tan on the area 10 days prior to treatments; you can use it 24 hours after the treatment though.