The YAG laser can treat brown based birth marks such as Café au lait spots,
and pigmented lesions. This laser was designed to target the abnormal
concentrations on melanin in the skin and remove it.

The YAG laser emits short pulses of light energy, targeting the excess pigment
or melanin, which are found in the superficial layers of the skin. The area being
treated will absorb this light, destroying and breaking down that pigmentation.
This does not affect the surrounding areas, as it will only target the abnormal
concentrations of pigmentation. The result will leave the skin with a more uniform
colour and texture. This treatment can also be combined with other treatments
such as bleaching agents, peels, however this must be pre-determined by the
physician.

Patients with darker pigmented skin do risk some changes to the natural
pigment in their skin in some cases. A small test patch can be performed prior
to treatment to see how the patient will respond. Patients who have trouble with
healing, or who tend to scar may want to consider the risks very carefully, as
this may not be the appropriate procedure. If any of the spots are suspected of
being malignant or pre-malignant, the physician will perform a biopsy prior to
treatment to determine if it is safe to proceed.

Patients will feel slight discomfort during the treatment, similar to that of an
elastic band snap with each pulse. Patients may also feel the sensation of slight
sunburn after treatment. Redness can remain for 2-4 weeks. Any discomfort will
subside within a day or two. Blistering may also occur, or very minor pinpoint
bleeding this is very rare. Antibacterial ointment is applied to the area post
treatment. The area must be kept clean, and the ointment should be applied
regularly. Showers can be taken the following day, but the area should not be
scrubbed. Please ask questions if the instructions are not clear. The risk of
scarring is between one and five percent and the risk of increased or decreased
pigmentation is as high as 30%, although this is usually only temporary.

It is very important that all patients apply sun protection, and try to avoid any
excess sun exposure, up to 6 weeks following their treatment. An SPF of 60 is
preferable. The laser treatment will make the treated area photosensitive, which
means more susceptible to the sun. This can counteract what the treatment is
trying to achieve, and leave the area darker in appearance.




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