What is a pigmented lesion?
Melanin is a dark pigment present in the skin and is produced by melanocyte cells. Pigmented lesions occur when an abundance of melanocytes are found in the skin. When dark pigment multiplies, it forms freckles, brown age spots and moles which may be flat or slightly raised.

Types of pigmented lesions include:
- Lentigines - a flat, brown spot present on skin with frequent sun exposure

- Keratoses - slightly elevated pigmented spots often found on the back and hands

- Freckles - brownish spot common on people with fair skin

- Dermatosis Papulosis Nigra - small, black marks seen primarily on people of Asian or African descent

How does the laser work?
A laser generates an intense beam of light which brings energy to a specific site, through a small handpiece connected to the laser. The laser light is absorbed by oxyhemoglobin (bright red blood cells carrying oxygen) and melanin/pigment (black or brown pigment found in the skin) causing decomposition or destruction by heat of unwanted cells while leaving healthy cells intact.

What should I expect during and after treatment?
Treatment may vary depending upon patient characteristics and the area being treated. You will be asked to wear special goggles to protect your eyes from the intense beam of laser light. You will be placed in a reclined position, depending on the location of treatment. The doctor will use a pencil thin handpiece to direct a beam of laser light to the lesion. In most cases, anesthesia is not required. Some patients report feeling a slight stinging sensation during the treatment followed by some redness. This usually goes away in 2 to 4 hours. Some swelling may also be experienced and may last 1-2 days. There will not be any purple skin discoloration or bruised appearance to the treated skin. Postoperative care is minimal. Your doctor may ask you to use an anti-bacterial ointment on the treated area for a short period of time and will suggest that you stay out of the sun.

What is a vascular lesion?
A vascular lesion is formed by abnormally large or numerous blood vessels located directly under the surface of the skin. These vessels may be visible through the skin or result in a red appearance of the skin.

Types of vascular lesions include:

How does the laser work?
A laser generates an intense beam of light. This beam brings energy to a specific site, through a small handpiece connected to the laser. The laser light is absorbed by oxyhemoglobin (bright red blood cells carrying oxygen) and melanin/pigment (black or brown pigment found in the skin) causing decomposition or destruction by heat of unwanted cells while leaving healthy cells intact.

What should I expect during and after treatment?
Treatment may vary, depending upon patient characteristics and the area being treated. You will be asked to wear special goggles to protect your eyes from the intense beam of laser light. You will be placed in a reclined position, depending on the location of treatment. The doctor will use a pencil thin handpiece to direct a beam of laser light to the lesion. In most cases, anesthesia is not required. Some patients report feeling a slight stinging sensation during the treatment followed by some redness which usually goes away in 2-4 hours. Some swelling may also be experienced and may last 1-2 days. There will not be any purple skin discoloration or bruised appearance to the treated skin.
Postoperative care is minimal. Your doctor may ask you to use an anti-bacterial ointment on the treated area for a short period of time and will suggest that you stay out of the sun during the healing process. Final treatment results should be evident within 10-14 days after treatment for vascular lesions. In the meantime, daily activities can be resumed with only a slight redness evident at the treatment area.