By the Doctor Miriam Drira Chamli
One of the primary causes of dermatological consultations in adult women is the treatment of pigmented spots and uniformity of skin tone. However, it is essential to diagnose the spots by differentiating between benign and malignant lesions. Adopting the proper treatment to achieve clear and radiant skin is essential. With Cutera’s Enlighten technology, we now have a powerful new tool to help us eliminate these pigmented spots.
What are benign pigmented lesions?
The appearance of spots is the consequence of the excessive production of melanin.
Benign hyperpigmented lesions are stimulated by sun exposure, changes in hormonal status leading to melasma or “pregnancy mask,” photoaging (solar lentigines), skin aging (senile lentigines), photosensitising drugs, “post- inflammatory” scars following acne, wounds, or burns…Lentigos, café au lait spots, or age spots are clear, uniform lesions that appear over time following the different sun exposures throughout life.
Why is it important to treat pigmented spots?
The skin is the mirror of our health and our aging. Over time, our skin thickens, becomes dull, pores dilate, wrinkles and age spots appear. However, we all want to achieve perfect skin and clear the signs of time to look younger.
Therefore, it is essential to refine the skin texture, have a brighter and spotless complexion, and have what we call “baby skin”.
Which types of treatment are offered in the clinic?
Spots can be improved by prescribing lightning treatments (Kligman’s trio), medium peels, specific mesotherapy to treat spots, and even microneedling.
In most cases, lentigos can be treated with liquid nitrogen, but the risk of skin depigmentation is highly significant.
However, it should be noted that melasma is always challenging to treat and can recur over the seasons. Therefore, it is interesting to combine treatments and take care of the skin prone to skin aging, using lightening products available in pharmacies.
Finally, an effective solution for pigmented lesions
This is a pico laser with two wavelengths, 532 nm, and 1064 nm. The photomechanical effect of the laser combines a photothermal and photoacoustic action.
This technology can effectively target spots with a spot size ranging from 2 to 8mm. The number of sessions required can be reduced by combining the two wavelengths, 532nm, and 1064nm.
Enlighten has the advantage of treating the skin holistically, as it is used to revitalise the skin, even out skin tone, and treat age spots. This feature is unique to Cutera and is called picogenesis. The pico genesis method is easy to use and treats all skin phototypes. It uses a wavelength of 1064 nm, allowing it to act in-depth and avoid downtime.
A protocol of three to four sessions spaced one month apart is recommended to treat blemishes, tighten pores, refine the skin texture, smooth fine lines, and stimulate collagen, resulting in long-lasting effects. The treatment is painless, and the radiance is immediately after the session.
The Enlighten can treat not only spots but also induce an overall rejuvenation of the skin. Whether combined with conventional treatments or not, the Enlighten is the ultimate solution to achieving healthy, youthful skin.
By the Doctor Miriam Drira Chamli
Dermatologist and venereologist based in Paris,
specialised in aesthetic dermatology, injections, and laser.
More information on centredelapeau.fr
