REDUCTIONS

(Pigmentation and Lentigo)

What are pigmentation inconsistencies?

There are two main types of pigmentation inconsistencies; hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation.

What is hyperpigmentation and what causes it?

Hyperpigmentation is where patches of the skin appear darker than the skin’s normal colour.

Hyper-pigmentation is caused by an increase in melanin, the substance in the body that is responsible for colour. Certain conditions such as pregnancy may cause a greater production of melanin. Exposure to sunlight is also a major cause of hyperpigmentation, and will darken already pigmented areas.

An example of hyper-pigmentation is melanoma; this condition is characterised by tan or brown patches typically on the face. It can also appear during pregnancy, and often disappears after.

What is hypopigmentation?

Hypopigmentation is where patches of the skin appear lighter than the skin’s normal colour.

Hypopigmentation is characterised in three groups:

Vitiligo – small, smooth white patches on the skin.
Albinism – an inherited disorder where the enzyme producing melanin is not existent, causing a complete lack in skin pigmentation and hair.
Skin damage – infections, blisters, burns and other traumas to the skin can cause the pigment to take a long time to return to the skin.

What are lentigenes?

Lentigines are flat brown lesions which do not darken following sun exposure. They may be any size from 5-20mm and may be irregular in shape.

Can lentigenes be removed?

Lentigines can be removed using advanced electrolysis.

How does advanced electrolysis work?

Advanced electrolysis involves sending an electric current down a thin needle to destroy the targeted cells to remove the blemish.

Does advanced electrolysis hurt?

Advanced electrolysis is relatively painless, though some people may feel mild discomfort.

We recommend you apply a topical anaesthetic cream thickly, covered with a plaster one hour prior to the treatment to minimise discomfort during the treatment. Such creams are available from any chemist or pharmacy, such as Emla or Amitop.

Are there any side effects from the treatment?

There is no recovery time as such from advanced electrolysis; you can return to work and normal activities immediately after a treatment.

Depending on the particular skin condition being treated and the size of it, you can expect some post treatment discomfort and scabbing as the area heals.

If the area being treated is on your face, you may wish to plan treatment around social events if you do not wish to attend them before post-treatment healing has completed.

Is there any danger of infection?

Any instrument used in contact with the skin is disposed of after each use. This is especially important with the needle and the needle holder. All areas are sterilised, at least twice, with a specialised skin and instrument disinfectant.