IPL and Laser Treatments for Uneven Skin Tone in Bellevue

But the fact of the matter is that our skin runs into pigment concerns, particularly as we age and factors such as hormones and sun exposure start to impact our cellular turnover. Fortunately, the experts at Inner Vitality in Bellevue, WA understand that the treatment of pigmented lesions can be simple with certain treatments.

Broadly speaking, most pigmented lesions can be adequately treated by any cosmetic intervention that addresses superficial skin concerns. If a treatment exfoliates the skin and accelerates cellular turnover, then it is likely a good fit for pigmentation concerns. That said, some pigmented lesions are more difficult to treat than others and many patients find that intense pulsed light (IPL) or laser treatments are highly effective to renew and even out skin tone and color. At Inner Vitality in Bellevue, we have the advanced Alpha Pro for IPL photofacials and high tech laser Fotona Starwalker MaQX.

When we talk about pigmented lesions, we are usually referring to spots or areas of skin that produce more melanin in the skin cells, which is what makes these patches appear darker than the surrounding skin. To be sure, most pigmented lesions do not go away by themselves, and some can even darken when left untreated.

For pigmented lesions like melasma, which are very challenging to treat with ordinary at-home products, the main cause can be easily traced back to inflammation, hormonal changes and sun exposure. Melasma is more common in women, particularly pregnant women, women on birth control, and women who are going through menopause. Sun exposure is known to worsen the appearance of melasma, as well as heat and visible light.

The Alpha Pro is a truly advanced photo rejuvenation system that uses  IPL to target pigment in your skin, combined with the comfort of superior surface cooling that results in safe and effective clearing of undesirable pigment that is more superficially located.  The Starwalker MaQx is a third-generation laser that is ideal for treating difficult pigment concerns such as melasma.  Both systems are highly intuitive and can be easily customized for each patient’s skin type, skin tone, and skin condition. The treatment itself is minimally invasive and has very little downtime. These treatments can fade the appearance of freckles, resolve sun damage and dark spots. The Starwalker MaQX laser can remove tattoos.

You can expect your treatment to take about 30 to 60 minutes to complete, based on the condition of your skin and the size of the treatment area. If you are using these treatments to address different types of skin concerns, such as melasma and sun damage, then you will likely need multiple treatments.

The first step of your treatment will be a consultation appointment where we will assess the condition of your skin to determine which treatment is an ideal option for your skin needs. We may ask about your skin history, such as when you first noticed your skin condition and previous treatments you have tried.

Preparing for any IPL or laser treatment means staying out of direct sunlight for at least two weeks before your treatment. It’s usually recommended that you also stop any activity that can darken the skin pigment, such as tanning beds or self-tanning products. Five to seven days before your treatment, you should discontinue the use of retinoids and other chemicals on the skin so your skin can be in the best possible condition for treatment.

After your treatment, you must avoid any direct sunlight. Your skin will be vulnerable to sunlight for at least two to four weeks after your appointment, so if you want to avoid any new pigmentation concerns, please wear SPF during the daytime. For most people, SPF 30 is an ideal amount of protection; if you have a history of freckles or sunburns, then SPF 40 or higher may be a better option.

The number of treatments you will need will depend on several factors, such as the severity of your skin condition and the type of condition you are trying to treat. For example, while most people who are treating freckles can benefit from one to three treatments, those who are seeking treatment for melasma and sun damage may require three to five treatments. For tattoo removal, the depth of the pigment will determine how many treatments you will need.

Under the right circumstances, the results for your treatment should last for several years or even a lifetime. Your results tend to last for as long as you can avoid new pigmentation concerns. For example, if you do well to limit unprotected sun exposure, you will be less likely to develop melasma, freckles, and other superficial skin concerns. Maintaining your results is the key to ensuring that your results will last for several years.

Most people with superficial pigmented lesions, such as melasma, freckles, or sun damage, are good candidates for this treatment. Patients should be in good health and should not have any active skin infections, such as eczema, on the day of their appointment. We will be able to determine your eligibility for the Alpha Pro IPL or Starwalker MaQX laser during your consultation.

If you’ve tried to treat melasma at home, then the chances are high that you haven’t had a ton of luck. Fortunately, the treatment of pigmented lesions can be simple when IPL or laser treatments are used.