Melanin is what gives our skin its color. Dark or light complexioned, we all have varying amounts of melanin in our skin. Nearly every adult has at least a few obvious brown spots on their skin. Freckles, sun damage spots, age spots, liver spots, and various birthmarks are just a few of the commonly known marks, generally referred to as pigmented lesions. Although most pigmented spots are easily ignored, many are quite conspicuous and can detract from the skin's natural beauty.
Pigmented lesions can be successfully lightened or removed with modern laser/AFT technology, using light wavelengths specifically absorbed by the pigment. Pigmented lesions are either lightened or removed when the laser/AFT passes through the skin and is absorbed by abnormal concentrations of melanin. The rapid absorption of light energy destroys the melanin, reducing its concentration to a point where the treated skin looks uniform in color and texture.
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 FAQs |
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| How does the laser/AFT work? |
 A laser/AFT generates an intense beam of light. This beam brings energy to a specific site, through a small hand-piece connected to the laser console. The laser/AFT 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 a patient expect during and after treatment? |
 Treatment may vary, depending upon patient characteristics and the area being treated. In most cases, anesthesia is not required. Some patients report feeling a slight stinging sensation, often described as a rubber band being snapped on the skin, 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. In the meantime, normal daily activities can be resumed with only a slight redness evident at the treatment area.
| Are multiple treatments necessary? |
Multiple treatments are sometimes necessary for more darkly pigmented lesions. Small, lightly colored lesions are usually gone after one treatment.
| What conditions are treated with the laser? |
Vascular Lesions
- Telangiectasia - facial spider veins caused by a dialation of capillary vessels or arterioles
- Cherry Angiomas - slightly raised, red lesions
- Spider Angiomas - slightly raised, red spider-like lesions
- Rosacea - red facial lesions around the nose and cheeks causing a sunburn look
Pigmented Lesions
- Lentigines - flat, brown spots on the skin; present on skin with frequent sun exposure
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- Keratoses - slightly elevated pigmented spots often found on the back and hands
- Freckles - brownish spots on the skin; common on people with fair skin
- Dermatosis - Papulosis Nigra - small, black marks seen primarily on people of Asian or Africandescent
| Why should I choose Harmony? |
- Excellent and consistent outcome - minimal to no discoloration, swelling or complications
- Gentle treatment - typically performed without anesthesia or pain. Harmony's unique wavelength and pulse width capabilities allow it to treat pigmented lesions on any skin type (Fitzpatrick I-VI)
- Simple treatment - minimal care before and after treatment. More rapidly treat multiple or larger lesions, compared with other technologies
- Comfortable surroundings - treatment performed in medical office takes only minutes
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Other lasers are very useful in treating superficial vascular lesions because the laser/AFT's short burst of light energy is selectively and specifically absorbed by hemoglobin in red blood cells. The hemoglobin absorbs the high energy pulse and causes the blood to instantly boil, permanently sealing the vessel shut before the heat has a chance to dissipate and damage the surrounding tissue. There is minimal thermal effect on the overlying skin and surrounding tissue, producing a low risk of scarring or other side effects. Your body then gently breaks down the dead vessel and naturally clears it away.
