Kiko Kono, M.D.
Profile
Graduated from Kawasaki Medical School. Worked as a dermatologist for about 20 years at core hospitals. After many years of experience and achievements, he became a cosmetic dermatologist. His practice style is to examine the skin thoroughly and pursue what is happening where on the skin and approach the problem. Her specialties include customized treatment, laser treatment, Botox, and skin growth injections. In her private life, she is a mother of two children.
The following is an explanation of the different types of spot removal lasers. As we age, skin blemishes become a concern. Many people are troubled by the fact that they do not fade easily with self-care. So, as a next step, why not consider treatment with a spot-removing laser? For those who have heard rumors that it can cause cancer and want to know which laser works best, we will now introduce the features of each type of blemish-removing laser. We have also summarized the treatment process, downtime symptoms, and cost rates. Would you like to lighten your skin problems with a blemish removal laser?
What is a spot removal laser anyway? How it works and who is suited for it
A spot removal laser is a laser beam thatTreatment to destroy melanin and improve blemishesIt is. To be more specific, the laser reacts with melanin and generates heat. The heat breaks down the melanin, and this is how the spots are approached. The laser destroys only the abnormal cells where the blemish occurred, so normal areas are not damaged.
Types of spots that can be treated with laser
Many blemishes are caused by melanin. Exposure to ultraviolet light stimulates melanocytes inside the skin to produce melanin, which is normally expelled by skin turnover. However, when turnover is disturbed, melanin is not processed properly and remains in the skin, becoming a blemish.
There are also spots that are caused by different factors. The following is a summary of the types and characteristics of blemishes that can be addressed by the blemish removal laser.
| Type of stain | feature |
| senile pigmentation | Caused by melanin increased by UV exposure
The area exposed to sunlight (cheeks, temples, etc.) is more likely to be affected. Brown with relatively well-defined borders |
| chloasma | Exposure to ultraviolet rays
Female hormone disruption is also believed to be involved. Symmetrical appearance on forehead and cheeks Light brown, fuzzy outline |
| post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation | Caused by large amounts of melanin produced by inflammation
The inflammation appears in the same place where the inflammation occurred. Brown or grayish brown |
| Freckles | Caused by heredity, exposure to ultraviolet rays, etc.
Tends to appear on the center of the face, back of the hands, and arms. Yellowish brown, several mm in size |
Characteristics of people who are suitable for spot removal laser treatment
Next, let's look at the characteristics of people who are suitable for laser spot removal.
- People who want to reduce the appearance of hard-to-remove spots.
- People who want a pinpoint approach to blemishes of concern.
- People who want to feel the effects in a short period of time
Laser spot removal is a treatment for those who are unable to realize the benefits of self-care and who want to make their spots disappear quickly.
Types and characteristics of spot removal laser equipment
*Image is for reference only.
Although there are some home-use laser devices for removing blemishes, there are three main types of medical devices that are active in the field of cosmetic medicine: 1.
- Q-switched ruby laser
- Q-switched YAG laser
- picolaser
The wavelength of light, spots that can be treated, and irradiation time differ depending on the type.
Q-switched ruby laser
Q-switched ruby laser is,Instantly generates a powerful laser to approach the affected areaThe wavelengths are highly absorbable by melanin. The wavelength has a high absorption rate to melanin and destroys dark pigment. It is suitable for the treatment of senile pigmented spots and freckles, and can also be used for ADM (acquired dermal melanocytosis) and birthmarks. Furthermore, the laser is not easily absorbed by normal tissues and blood vessels, so there is no significant burden on the surrounding skin.
| Wavelength | 694nm |
| irradiation speed | Billionth of a second (nanosecond) |
| Types of stains suitable for | Senile pigmentation, freckles |
| Typical equipment name | The Ruby Z1 Nexus, The Ruby nano_Q, etc. |
At YAYOI CLINIC, Q-switched ruby laser treatment is available with the advanced device "The Ruby Z1 Nexus".
Q-switched YAG laser
The Q-switched YAG laser has the feature of being able to switch between long and short wavelengths. Lasers with longer wavelengths reach deeper into the skin and are more effective. Conversely, the shorter wavelengths work on spots in the shallow areas. Therefore, not only spots and freckles,Approaches a wide range of pigmented lesions such as melasma, moles, and birthmarksThe skin can be cleaned with a low risk of damage to the surrounding tissues. The risk of damaging the surrounding tissue is low, so care can be taken with less stress on the skin.
| Wavelength | 532nm/1064nm |
| irradiation speed | Billionth of a second (nanosecond) |
| Types of stains suitable for | Senile pigmentation, freckles, melasma |
| Typical equipment name | TriBeam Premium, MedLite C6, etc. |
YAYOI CLINIC's TriBeam Premium (Q-switched Nd:YAG laser) can be used to treat various blemishes as well as to improve skin tone.
picolaser
The pico laser, which is irradiated in as short as one trillionth of a second, shatters pigment with a strong shock wave. Due to less pain and heat effects,Attractive in that it is light on the skin and has a short downtime.will be. The spots that can be treated include senile pigmentation, freckles, and melasma. There are three types of spot treatments that can be performed with the picolaser: "picospot," which is a high-power, localized laser irradiation; "picotoning," which is a low-power, gradual reduction of melanin; and "picofractional," which involves making minute dot-like holes in the skin.
| Wavelength | 532nm / 670nm / 1064nm etc. |
| irradiation speed | One trillionth (picosecond) |
| Types of stains suitable for | Senile pigmentation, freckles, melasma |
| Typical equipment name | EnLightnIII, PicoWay, etc. |
Blemish removal laser treatment flow and downtime
This is followed by a description of the treatment process and downtime symptoms.
General blemish removal laser treatment flow
The treatment of spot removal laser generally proceeds as follows
- Counseling and medical examination
- face-washing
- Laser irradiation
- Explanation of aftercare
After counseling and consultation with the doctor, the patient undergoes the procedure. After the laser irradiation, you will receive instructions on how to take care of your skin at home, and then the procedure is over. Depending on the clinic, regular checkups may be scheduled after one month or three months.
Downtime period and symptoms after spot removal laser irradiation
Individuals vary, but after the spot removal laser, the skin will return to its normal state.7-10 daysIt will take The following is a summary of symptoms that commonly appear during downtime.
- pain
- blush
- swelling
- scab
- Blemishes become darker.
If pain, redness, or swelling is bothersome, cool the affected area. After some time, the irradiated area will scab over, but do not forcefully peel it off. Also, since the skin after laser irradiation is delicate, be sure to protect it from ultraviolet rays.
In addition, some people feel that they "shouldn't" do this after spot removal laser treatment because in some cases the spots seem to have darkened, but this is due to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by the laser stimulation. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is,3-6 monthsIt will calm down over time.
Answers questions about spot removal lasers
To avoid regretting that the spot removal laser was a "mistake," it is important to understand the market price and other treatment options.
What is the cost of laser spot removal?
The following is a summary of cost estimates for each type of blemish removal laser.
| Types of Blemish Removal Lasers | irradiation range | cost price |
| Q-switched ruby laser | About 1 to 5 mm | ~10,000 yen |
| Q-switched YAG laser | About 1 to 5 mm | ~10,000 yen |
| Picolaser (Picospot) | About 1 to 5 mm | 3,000-10,000 yen |
| Picolaser (picotoning) | whole face | 10,000-40,000 yen |
| Picolaser (Picofractional) | whole face | 10,000-70,000 yen |
Please consider the cost as a guide only. In some cases, fees are based on the number of spots to be treated or the course of treatment, rather than the area to be irradiated.
Which is better for blemish removal treatment, cosmetic dermatology or cosmetic surgery?
Cosmetic dermatology is recommended for blemish removal treatment. Cosmetic surgery can also remove blemishes, but cosmetic dermatology has doctors with expertise in skin care and are specialized in the treatment of skin problems. Please note that cosmetic blemish removal treatment is not available at general dermatology clinics.
Are there other treatments besides laser to make spots less noticeable?
In addition to lasers, there are three other treatments that can be used to reduce the appearance of blemishes
| medicine for external use | Apply a topical medicine such as "hydroquinone" to the skin that is expected to have a whitening effect. |
| medicine taken internally | Take "L-cysteine," "tranexamic acid," "vitamin C," etc. |
| phototherapy | Light is irradiated to the face to address melanin. |
YAYOI CLINIC offers a multifaceted approach by proposing doctor's cosmetics and using the Selleck V IPL (optical light) treatment device, in addition to laser blemish removal.
Conclusion
A blemish-removing laser that can soften the presence of prominent blemishes. Although there is downtime, it is less likely to damage normal tissue and can pinpoint blemishes. However, there are different types of blemish removal lasers, with different characteristics and types of blemishes they specialize in. Therefore, it is important to use the laser device that matches your blemish. Based on the type of blemish removal laser, discuss your treatment plan at the clinic.
Aesthetic Dermatology, Cosmetic Medicine, Cosmetic Surgery, Art Makeup in Hiroshima YAYOI CLINIC offers treatments for different skin, body, and facial concerns.
In order to offer a better option for everyone, we will assess each person's skin condition and formulate a treatment plan that meets their needs in terms of treatment duration, budget, and acceptable downtime.
If you have any concerns, please come for a counseling session first.
Description of treatment] Q-switched ruby laser
Q-switched ruby laser
Duration and number of treatments] Usually one treatment.
Cost】Spot removal 1 shot ¥1,500, procedure fee ¥10,000, unlimited spot removal ¥98,000
Risk and side effects] Redness, pain, petechial hemorrhage, hyperpigmentation
Equipment used.
Q-switched ruby laser treatment includes procedures using domestically unapproved drugs or medical devices.
Drugs and medical devices used for treatment were imported from Jeisy Medical Inc. under the judgment of our doctors.
Please refer to the following for information on medicines and other items of note for personal importation.
https://www.yakubutsu.mhlw.go.jp/individualimport/purchase/index.html
Machinery and equipment (31) Medical cauterizer Highly controlled medical device Ruby laser (36189000)
Specified maintenance controlled medical device Installation controlled medical device The Ruby Z1 Nexus
There are no other domestically approved drugs with the same ingredients or performance.
Medical device approval number: 30200BZX00022000
There is a possibility that serious risks, side effects, etc. have not been identified.
In the unlikely event of serious side effects, the drug is not covered by the government's Adverse Drug Reactions Relief Program.
Description of treatment] Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (laser toning)
Our equipment] TriBeam Premium
Treatment period and frequency] Once a week, about 5 to 6 times in total
Cost] 1 time ¥21,780
Risks and side effects] Redness, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, scar formation, depigmentation, etc.
Equipment used.
TriBeam Premium treatments include procedures using domestically unapproved drugs or medical devices.
Drugs and medical devices used for treatment were imported from Jeisy Medical Inc. under the judgment of our doctors.
Please refer to the following for information on medicines and other items of note for personal importation.
https://www.yakubutsu.mhlw.go.jp/individualimport/purchase/index.html
There are no other domestically approved drugs with the same ingredients or performance.
In the unlikely event of serious side effects, the drug is not covered by the government's Adverse Drug Reactions Relief Program.
Description of treatment] Pico Laser
Duration and number of treatments
Picotoning: every 2 weeks to 1 month, about 5 to 10 times in total
Pico-Fractional: Every other month, 3 to 10 times in total
Pico spot: 1 to 3 times
Approximate cost
Picotoning: 5,000 to 20,000 yen per session
PicoFractional: 1 time ¥15,000- ¥80,000
Pico spot: ¥5,000 to ¥30,000 per visit
Risks and side effects] Redness, swelling, hyperpigmentation, etc.
*This treatment is not available at our clinic.
Description of treatment] IPL (Photofacial)
CEREC V
Treatment period and frequency: Every 2 to 4 weeks for a total of 3 to 10 times.
Cost] 1 time for the whole face ¥21,780
Risks and side effects] Pain, skin damage, hyperpigmentation, scarring, excessive edema, erythema, purpura, etc.
Equipment used.
CEREC V treatment includes procedures using unapproved drugs or medical devices in Japan.
Drugs and medical devices used for treatment were imported from Jeisy Medical Inc. under the judgment of our doctors.
Please refer to the following for information on medicines and other items of note for personal importation.
https://www.yakubutsu.mhlw.go.jp/individualimport/purchase/index.html
There are no other domestically approved drugs with the same ingredients or performance.
Information on safety, etc. in other countries. The following certifications have been obtained
CE (2018.10)MFDS (2017.8)
There is a possibility that serious risks, side effects, etc. have not been identified.
In the unlikely event of serious side effects, the drug is not covered by the government's Adverse Drug Reactions Relief Program.
