Dr. Anup Nangia

Over the past few years, the use of Q-switched laser technique for removing brown spots from the skin has gained popularity. This procedure is used for laser skin treatments like laser skin toning and photo facial and has been observed to offer dramatic results. Whether it’s the sun freckles or the unwanted brown spots on the facial skin, the billionths of seconds laser energy pulse that that is projected on the skin, known as the Q-switched laser, release the skin pigment in such a way that it gets naturally reabsorbed by the body, which leads to its natural disposal.

Q-switched laser for photo facial
The term photo facial refers to a skin treatment, where light-based technology is used in order to treat the brown spots on the skin, eliminate broken capillaries and boost the collagen production. And when the Q-switched laser is used for photo facial, it makes the laser treatment more ideal for people suffering from skin issues like discolored spots, freckles, fine lines, etc. Q-switched photo facial is considered to be effective against sun spots on areas like the legs, chest, arms and other broader skin areas as well.

Q-switched laser for laser toning
Laser toning is another light-based treatment procedure that is known for its effectiveness in correcting the most stubborn of acne spots, sun spots and skin conditions like melisma that interferes with the pigmentation of the skin. The Q-switched laser for laser toning refers to the use of Q-switched lasers for skin rejuvenation. In this procedure, multiple passes of the Q-Switched laser are passed through the large spotted skin areas, to remove the blemishes. The procedure also gives you brighter and tighter skin post the process. So, you get numerous benefits from one method.

Benefits of Q-switched laser
The significant advantage of Q-switched laser for photo facial as well as laser toning is that one single treatment can remove more than 75% of the dark and brown spots. Depending on the skin condition of the patient, one may need to opt for more than two or three Q-switched laser treatments in order to get the desired skin tone that is completely even and flawless.
One must remember, that Q-switched laser treatments may not be ideal for people who have recently taken any skin treatment medications such as Accutane or women who are pregnant. So, check if you are the ideal candidate for the procedure with your physician and seek expert assistance to proceed with the treatment to achieve the desired outcome without a glitch.
 

Do you ever wish you could start all over and take better care of your skin? A chemical peel could give you that chance. Peels can dramatically reduce lines, wrinkles, acne scars, dark spots, and roughness caused by years of sun.

A chemical peel is a solution applied to the face to remove the outermost layer or layers of skin. It's a technique used to improve the appearance of the skin on the face, neck or hands. A chemical solution is applied to the skin that causes it to exfoliate and eventually peel off. The new skin that grows in its place is softer, smoother and has fewer imperfections. The new skin is also temporarily more sensitive to the sun.

There are three basic types of chemical peels:

Superficial or Lunchtime Peel: Alpha-hydroxy acid or another mild acid is used to penetrate only the outer layer of skin to gently exfoliate it. The treatment is used to improve the appearance of mild skin discoloration and rough skin as well as to refresh the face, neck, chest or hands.

Medium Peel: Glycolic or trichloroacetic acid is applied to penetrate the outer and middle layers of skin to remove damaged skin cells. The treatment is used to improve age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, freckles and moderate skin discoloration.

Deep Peel: Trichloroacetic acid or phenol is applied to deeply penetrate the middle layer of skin to remove damaged skin cells. The treatment removes moderate lines, age spots, freckles and shallow scars. A thorough evaluation by a dermatologic surgeon is imperative before embarking upon a chemical peel.

When is a chemical peel appropriate?

Chemical peels are used to treat a number of conditions including:

1. Pigmentation on face or body
2. Tanning
3. Dyschromias
4. Fine Wrinkles
5. Acne
6. Acne marks and scars
7. Dullness
8. Aging skin
9. Crow's feet
10. Sagging skin

Who should not opt for chemical peels?

Generally, light-haired and fair skinned people are the best candidates for chemical peel. The procedure is not recommended for individuals with infections, active skin disease, cut or broken skin, or sunburns. Other contraindications include patients who are:

1. Nursing or pregnant.
2. Have taken Accutane in last six months.
3. Have psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis or rosacea.

Possible complications

Temporary change in skin color, particularly for women on birth control pills, who subsequently become pregnant or have a history of brownish facial discoloration.

Changes are transient and easy to take care of if taken care properly.

1. Scarring
2. Reactivation of cold sores
3. A variety of chemical treatments can be used to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin.

Depending on the depth of treatment required, your surgeon may choose one of the following peels:

1. Alpha-hydroxy acid peel (AHA)
2. Trichloroacetic acid peel (TCA)
3. Phenol peel
4. Croton oil peel

Aftercare and recovery

Your dermatologist will discuss how long it will be before you can return to your normal level of activity and work. After surgery, you and your caregiver will receive detailed instructions about your post-surgical care, including information about:

1. Normal symptoms you will experience
2. Potential signs of complications

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Acne scars look bad and often interfere with your bright looks, as they make you feel embarrassed and unfresh. You use more makeup to cover them or avoid going out in order to hide them. However, instead of hiding your face or the scars, you may try these treatment options to remove the scars instead and feel brighter and better.

1. Chemical peels: This method involves the application of a chemical peel on the skin. The acid in it removes the superficial skin layer to improve the appearance of the scar. This works well on lighter scars, and a licensed medical practitioner, nurse or cosmetologist can do this procedure.
2. Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion: This technique involves using a high-speed brush on the skin to polish the portion of the scar and make that part of the skin even, so that the scar looks lighter. If your skin doctor feels that you don't need serious dermabrasion, then he may use a microdermabrasion where small crystals are sprayed onto the skin surface to remove the skin cells over the scar and improve appearance.
3. Fillers: Fillers are used on the skin which gets depressed due to the acne or scars. There are some binding materials like collagen or Hyaluronic acid, which can be injected through an injection, and this keeps the skin smooth, scar free and elevated for some time after which the injection has to be repeated. This has to be a continuous treatment until your skin starts to appear normal again.
4. Retinoid creams: The retinoid creams are especially beneficial on scars if applied patiently for a prolonged period. These creams come with little side effects like burning, drying or peeling of the skin, but over a medium to long-term application, all scars do get removed.
5. Laser treatment: A combination of a few types of laser treatments or just one type depending on the acne stage or redness is used. This smoothens the skin and removes the acne scars by removing skin cells from the area.
6. Punch Excisions and Skin grafting: This is a surgical technique. The acne scar can be removed by cutting a portion of the skin, and removing it. Normally, this procedure is combined with skin grafting, where the hole created by the acne is filled up either through stitches, or through grafting of the skin. This is actually the most invasive process to remove scars and only done when you have a serious, permanent and stubborn scar which can't be effectively removed by other techniques.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!