discoloration

Medlite Laser

This popular and powerful laser offers patients a safe and effective way to remove unwanted brown spots, discolorations, tattoos and sun damage. In just one or two treatments, the dermatologist can completely remove these unwanted lesions with a minimal risk of scarring.

What to expect during your Medlite laser appointment?
◦ First you or your doctor will wipe away any lotions or make up from the lesions.
◦ Your physician may apply a numbing cream for a few minutes to help tolerate the tattoo removal procedure; if prefer to have this cream applied, please arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
◦ The doctor will evaluate the lesion(s) to assure that it is appropriate for treatment.
◦ You will be given goggles to protect your eyes from the laser light.
◦ After the treatment, your doctor may apply ice or a calming cream to the area.
◦ Immediately after the treatment, the areas may look white. This white color will fade to red and eventually turn into a scab/crust.
◦ After the treatment, your doctor may apply ice or a calming cream to the area.

How many treatments might be needed?
◦ For sun spots and freckles, usually one to two treatments are required.
◦ Melasma is very stubborn and difficult to treat. Therefore it can require several treatments to reduce the pigment. Unfortunately, it is likely that the pigment will come back over months to years.
◦ Tattoo removal may take 6-12 treatments, depending on the color of the tattoo, and the depth of the tattoo pigment.

What brown spots are NOT suitable for the Medlite laser?
◦ Moles/Nevi.
◦ Dysplastic nevi.
◦ Melanoma. 

After-care instructions:
◦ Follow the instructions of your dermatologist.
◦ Avoid exfoliating or rubbing the skin with anything harsh that could pull off the scabs before they naturally peel away; avoid retinol creams.
◦ Mild gentle cleansing and mild moisturizing is helpful.
◦ Daily sunscreen is necessary to prevent a tan while undergoing the treatments.
◦ Steaming the skin and applying petroleum jelly may help the areas to heal slightly faster.

Risks and side effects:
◦ If you have a history of cold sores and if the laser treatment is on the face, the virus can be reactivated by the laser treatment and the infection can spread throughout the treated area; this could lead to scarring.
◦ Discuss this with your doctor; it may be recommended that you take a preventive dose of an antiviral medication.
◦ Scarring, infection and blistering is VERY rare.
◦ There is a small risk of scarring in tattoo removal.
◦ The most common side effect is redness and scabbing, which is expected.