laser for pigmentation and fine lines

see adore beauty GWP here
http://promo.adorebeauty.com.au/adore-beauty-promotions-1/

Miss Margaret if you don’t mind, can you share the name of your doc?
seems like pigmentation is very common.

Love your detailed review!

how many treatments do they recommend to remove the pigmentation?

Just updating this thread as I posted the original question and I have since had laser 2 weeks ago. I will also post on the pigmentation thread but it is super long and can be difficult to find specific posts.

2 weeks ago I underwent laser for my pigmentation ONLY (as I have stated on other threads I have pigmentation all over my face – freckles, sundamage and post inflammatory pigmentation).

Now since originally posting this question I have come to learn that there are many, many different types of lasers with different functions. The laser that had previously been recommended to me was fraxel or fractional laser which involves down time and is quite expensive. However it is multi-functional in that it can remove many types of pigmentation, reduce the appearance of pores as well as boost collagen production to help reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

The laser I had after a lengthy consultation and discussion on what result I was after we decided on the Candula Gentle Max Pro which is an American Machine (worth around $200,000!). This machine only focuses on the areas with pigmentation. It can be used for hair removal as well as pigmentation removal. It does not work on the reddish post-inflammation pigmentation. With this is mind we decide to only under go a half face treatment focussing on my forehead, under my eyes, upper cheeks and nose. All of the pigmentation on my lower cheeks, chin, around mouth is the result of previous and current acne breakouts and will eventually fade on it’s own (Although post inflammation pigmentation can take up to and over 24 months to fully disappear! and that’s providing you don’t have any other breakouts in that area).

The cost for this was $200 which I feel is incredibly reasonable (and the best $200 I have ever spent on myself!). During the consultation my skin was assessed, photos were taken, I was taken through the procedure, likely results and potential risks. My clinic are very thorough and allowed an hour for the whole thing, even though the procedure itself only took minutes.

During the procedure I had my eyes covered as a Dermal Nurse performed the laser over the required areas. It was over quickly but it was very very painful. Like super painful! There is no numbing or anything before hand but during and after gel ice packs are applied and they gave my one to take home to continue icing until I felt comfortable. Straight after my skin looked quite red and felt hot and ‘stingy’ like bad sunburn. When I went home I continued to ice for a little while. Within 2 hours all discomfort and redness was gone. I used a gentle cleanser and my regular facial oil and moisturiser. There is no done time with this type of laser and normal skincare/makeup routine can be done straight away however retinol and AHA products should be avoided for around 5 days.

Right before bed I noticed my freckles looked darker. Over the week the freckles got darker then seemed to disappear. The larger ones just flake off and some of the smaller ones are just re-absorbed and gotten rid of by my body. The laser works by shattering the melanin into tiny tiny particles so that your body can do it’s thing to get rid of them! Only the dark patches are effected so unlike other lasers/peels/etc. your whole face does not peel. I just looked like I had more spots then usual as they were darker. By 10 days all the dark patches had gone. I am now just over 2 weeks past treatment and the areas under my eyes which were very badly sun damages still have a couple of dark patches but I would say they are about 60-70% faded. Many spots have completely disappeared!

I would highly highly recommend this type of laser! I wish I had of discovered it sooner. Often several treatments are required but I am really happy with where my skin is at. I will continue to focus on SPF, AHA, retinol and vitamins/antioxidants to help maintain and hopefully continue to improve my results. I will re-evaluate in a year or so if I want another treatment although next time I many only need a 1/4 face for the area under my eyes/upper cheek.

Happy to answer any questions anyone has as I know when I was researching it was really challenging to get good info 🙂

Jess R, the recovery wasn’t too bad as I thought it would be. Immediate effects were redness and slightly swollen face but that subsided after 5 or so hours. The first 5-6 days I spent at home and strictly did not go outdoors, only because my skin looked looked like it was punctured with tiny holes making my skin look like a canvas – like surface! And that the skin was more prone to sunburnt because it was so ‘raw’ or ‘exposed’.
After2 weeks, my skin healed and you could tell it was producing new skin from beneath, I didn’t experience dramatic peeling like layers of my skin coming off mainly bits of flakiness here and there.
I did Fraxel all over my face too, I would say it is an uncomfortable experience and the noise of the laser isn’t pleasant either. Beauty is pain!
Would love to hear how your experience went!

Hi Jess R, I’m probably a little late in replying but just letting you know I got Fraxel done around 10 months ago.
Fraxel aims to ‘rejuvenate’ the skin by having laser aimed on the skin’s surface creating ‘scars’ or ‘pixels’ which then encourages skin resurfacing and thus giving you a refined and glowing skin along with smooth skin surface.
My therapist suggested this treatment to me because I wanted to get rid of my pigmentation and freckles and ultimately evening out my skin tone.
My skin looks spectacular for about 6-7 months, I was happy to walk out of the house with no makeup on (maybe just a bit of concealer under the eyes).
But up until now, my skin has resorted back to looking uneven toned despite my pigmentation gone lighter but not completely gone. I didn’t return for another session because I felt it was darn too expensive ($800 for an one off treatment plus take home products) and didn’t get the result I thought I would get for that price.
Even though Fraxel is considered the choice for treatment, it didn’t meet my expectations sadly.. Definitely will be looking at IPL and hoping for a better consultation
My best bet is do your research and feel free to ask any concerns or questions and most of all shop around! Goodluck!

Oh how lovely Jess!! Im sooo excited for you and your family.

Your very welcome :D! Its a shame you cant get some of those deals close to you but that sounds like a pretty good one. Let me know how you go if you get round to trying it out. It be good that you can do something nice for yourself cause now I understand us mummys really need that special pampering time when we can get it!
All the best Jess and take care x

Hi Jess. Congratulations!! How far along are you?
Yes my sister has noticed reduction in those areas. You can also get specialised treatments focusing on any of those probs. I think you have to have one treatment per week for about 10 weeks to get good results which is where it can get pricey as it can cost from 50 to 100 per session. I keep an eye out on local deals (you know scoopon and others) to see if theres any specials and get my sis to let me know when her salon has good deals on. You can try Googling LED therapy or omnilux for further info too.
Heres some BH links too
http://www.beautyheaven.com.au/skin-care/anti-ageing/putting-omnilux-to-the-test-blog-9580
http://www.beautyheaven.com.au/forums/skincare/omnilux-light-therapy
http://www.beautyheaven.com.au/forums/skincare/omnilux-what-do-you-want-to-know
You might also find this thread a nice one seeing your having a bubba! This thread started last year 4 days before I had my little one. Shes 1 in two weeks (Omg where did the time go!!)
http://www.beautyheaven.com.au/forums/babycare/bio-oil-r-mums-to-be-group
I hope these help. Have a lovely weekend!

Hi Jess R. I dont know much about fraxels, but my sister has regular Omnilux treatments. You know the light therapy? Supposed to help with fine lines and facial pigmentation. She swears by its benefits. She got a special deal through one of the deal websites with Ella rouge. She has a bit of redness afterwards, but it settles relatively quickly.I would like to get it done myself. Im asking her to let me know when they have their specials again so I can try it out. I know these sort of treatments can be pricey.