Lasers: Pigment conditions

The "Lasers: Pigment Conditions" course provides a comprehensive understanding of the application of laser technology for pigmentary skin conditions. Delivered by Dr. Anthony Rixon, an expert in skin and cosmetic medicine, the course integrates theoretical foundations with practical insights to enhance treatment efficacy and patient safety.
Key topics and considerations covered in the course include:
- Laser Physics and Safety: A detailed introduction to the principles of laser wavelengths, absorption spectra, and safety protocols. Emphasis is placed on understanding how laser light interacts with melanin and differentiates between superficial and deep pigments.
- Choosing the Right Laser: Guidance on selecting between Q-switched, picosecond, and IPL lasers based on pigment type, depth, and skin type. Explores the advantages of different laser technologies for epidermal versus dermal pigmentary conditions.
- Epidermal Pigmentary conditions:
- Treatment of lentigines, freckles, and café au lait spots.
- Management of melasma, including considerations for mixed epidermal-dermal pigment and vascular components.
- Dermal Pigmentary conditions:
- Strategies for addressing deeper pigments like Nevus of Ota and Hori’s nevus.
- Challenges and solutions in treating congenital dermal lesions.
- Laser Techniques for Various Skin Types:
- Adjusting fluence, pulse duration, and spot size for Fitzpatrick skin types I–VI.
- Importance of test patches to minimise adverse effects.
- Patient Assessment: Diagnosing pigmentary conditions accurately using tools like dermatoscopes and Wood’s lamps to avoid mistreatment.
- Managing Side Effects: Identifying and managing complications such as purpura, hypopigmentation, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation through cooling methods, topical therapies, and careful follow-ups.
- Combining Modalities: Integrating topical treatments, chemical peels, and other technologies with laser therapies to optimise results for conditions like melasma.

Participants will gain practical skills in laser application for pigmentary conditions, empowering them to deliver safe, effective, and patient-centred care. This course is ideal for practitioners looking to expand their expertise in aesthetic dermatology and enhance patient satisfaction through advanced laser treatments.