Overview
Pigmented lesions may include tattoos, age spots, birthmarks and more. There are two different lasers that treat pigmented lesions on your skin: the Enlighten® (Cutera) and the Fraxel® DUAL (Solta).
The Enlighten (available at Cleveland Clinic Main Campus) laser is unique in that it has three different wavelengths in one device (532, 670, 1064 nm). It’s the gold standard for treating pigmented birthmarks and tattoos of many colors. Pigmented lesions that this laser can treat include age spots, flat, brown spots and pigmented birthmarks. The laser light shatters the pigment into tiny particles, which then stimulates your immune system to clear away the pigment debris. Specific wavelengths on this device have also been shown to help improve the appearance of melasma.
The Fraxel DUAL laser (available at Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, Avon – Richard E. Jacobs Family Health Center and Twinsburg Family Health Center) is a non-ablative fractional laser with two distinct wavelengths that increase skin cell turnover, stimulate collagen and promote the breakdown and exfoliation of pigment. This laser can treat sunspots, age spots, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.
Why choose us?
Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center can help you explore options to rejuvenate or refine your appearance (and your self-confidence). To get the best results from any cosmetic procedure, you need the highest quality team. You can rely on our experts, who are nationally ranked for their expertise and care.
Learn more about Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center.
How to Prepare
Pigmented lesion laser treatment is a good option if you:
- Are physically healthy.
- Have a positive outlook and specific, realistic goals in mind for changing your appearance.
The best way to determine if you’re a candidate for laser and light-based treatment is through a consultation with an expert at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center.
How do I prepare for laser and light-based facial treatment?
Preparation for laser treatment at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center includes:
- Avoiding sunbathing, tanning beds, waxing and any chemical peels or collagen injections for two weeks before the procedure.
- Avoiding perfumes, deodorants, retinoids or any potential irritants in the treatment area before and after treatment.
- Avoiding aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements due to increased risk of bruising.
- Taking photographs of treated areas before and after your procedure to evaluate improvement.
Experts at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center will also carefully consider your natural skin color and type. This will help determine the treatment best suited to minimizing the risk of adding or losing pigmentation (whitening of the skin).
What to Expect
Laser treatment at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center is generally performed in an outpatient setting (meaning you’ll go home the same day). Depending on the device being used, numbing cream may be applied before treatment to help minimize discomfort. Treatment time may range from several minutes to 30 minutes depending on the surface area needing treatment.
Results
Individual results vary per patient and optimal results may require multiple treatments.
What is involved in recovery?
Your recovery from laser treatment will vary depending on the type of procedure you have. After treatment with Enlighten, treatment areas will be red, swollen and/or bruised for several days (followed by slight crusting).
Recovery and downtime from non-ablative treatment (such as Fraxel DUAL) is minimal, ranging from a “flushed” look to redness and swelling for three to four days. Many people choose to have one to three days of “social downtime” at home following treatment, while others immediately return to daily activities.
Insurance & Financing
Insurance rarely covers the cost of elective cosmetic surgery and procedures. Please call 216.444.4004 and ask to speak with one of our financial representatives who can explain payment options, including CareCredit financing.
