Skin Concerns | Laser Aesthetics | Pulse Specialist Care

Sun Damage

Skin Pigmentation

This topic includes Freckles, Sunspots, Age Spots and Melasma.

Skin pigmentation is caused by melanin which is a brown pigment released by cells in the skin called melanocytes. These cells are also responsible for freckles, sun spots, age spots and blotchy skin discolouration (Melasma). Melanin production by melanocytes is increased by sun light UVB radiation exposure and hormonal influences. The terms Sun Spots and Age Spots are used synonymously.

Treatments for Pigmentation

At Pulse Laser Aesthetics, we treat freckles, sun spots and age spots with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Laser. Recurrence is common after further sun exposure and using sun block with an SPF>50 is important after treatment.

Melasma

Melasma is more common in darker skin types, women aged 30 and over, in pregnancy, and with the oral contraceptive pill or HRT. Sometimes make-up and face creams can irritate the skin and cause or worsen melasma, especially in combination with UVB radiation from sunlight exposure.

Typically, good sunscreen and avoidance of any initiating make-ups or creams is recommended. The results of IPL Laser are often unpredictable in melasma, and it is not a first-line treatment.

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Results

Pigmentation: Before and After

Before

After

Vascular

Facial Veins

Facial veins (telangiectasia, spider veins, broken capillaries) develop when small superficial blood vessels dilate or weaken. Common causes include genetics, sun damage, and natural ageing, which thins the skin and reduces collagen support. Rosacea, chronic flushing, and temperature extremes can also trigger vessel expansion over time.

Lifestyle factors such as alcohol, hot beverages, spicy foods, and vigorous scrubbing may worsen visibility. Repeated trauma (e.g., picking skin), steroid creams, and certain hormonal changes are additional contributors.

Treatments for Facial Veins

Facial veins are best treated with laser and pulsed light therapies. Vascular lasers (such as Cutera Excel V or Nd:YAG) and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) safely heat and collapse visible vessels, allowing the body to clear them over several weeks. Most patients need 1–3 sessions, depending on vessel size and density.

Treatments are quick with minimal downtime — typically mild redness for a few hours. Sun protection is essential before and after treatment to ensure optimal results and reduce recurrence.

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Results

Facial Veins: Before and After

Before

After

Redness

Rosacea

Rosacea is a skin condition that causes flushing or redness on the face. Underlying this is an excessive immune response by the skin to certain stimuli. This is often associated with a burning sensation and some mild swelling.

Rosacea typically affects people with fair skin from 30 years of age. Male sufferers often have thickened nose skin as well.

Redness of the cheeks, neck and nose is common. The redness often takes the form of flushing and broken capillaries. Sometimes there is an inflammatory component which resembles acne. Typical aggravating factors are spicy foods, stress, alcohol and exercise.

Treatments for Rosacea

At Pulse Laser Aesthetics, we offer Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment for rosacea. This can be very effective in reducing facial flushing and redness, and in alleviating some of the other features of rosacea such as burning, swelling and the acne-like process that occurs in some people.

Other components of managing rosacea involve avoiding triggers, using water-based skincare, make-up and sunscreen, and avoiding sun exposure.

Occasionally, antibiotics may be needed if there is a strong acne-like reaction. Azelaic Acid ointment (Skinoren or Finacea) may also be prescribed in this situation.

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Results

Rosacea: Before and After

Before

After

Texture

Acne Scars

Acne is typically active in the teen and early twenties years. Acne scarring results from the inflammation and fibrosis caused by active acne. About 1 in 3 people with active acne will get some degree of scar formation.

Treatments for Acne Scarring

Active acne requires treatment first. This takes the form of good skincare with Salicylic Acid, Vitamin C, Benzoyl Peroxide, Retinoids and Alpha Hydroxy Acids. Sometimes antibiotics are required. More severe acne is effectively treated with an oral form of Vitamin A called Isotretinoin.

Laser Genesis for acne scarring is effective at promoting new collagen growth under the skin surface, resulting in a smoothing effect on acne-damaged skin. Loosening of the underlying scar tissue which holds the skin down is also useful with Dermal Fillers.

Hypertrophic scars or keloid scars can be treated with topical steroids or a steroid injection.

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Results

Acne Scarring: Before and After

Before

After

Rejuvenation

Tired Skin

As the skin ages it loses its elasticity and volume. This is caused by a natural reduction in elastin and collagen which occurs with age, and by environmental factors such as sun exposure and smoking.

All of this manifests as sagging skin, dryness, wrinkles, pigmentation, facial veins and loss of skin lustre.

Treatments

At Pulse Laser Aesthetics, a range of skin treatments are available for skin rejuvenation. These include Medical-grade Skincare Products, Facials and Chemical Peels, Laser Genesis and IPL, Dermal Fillers, and Botox.

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Hyperhidrosis

Excessive Sweating

Excessive sweating is also called hyperhidrosis. Just why it affects some people and not others is not well understood, and it tends to run in families. It generally affects the armpits, the palms and the soles of the feet. Clinical concerns range from mild discomfort, through social embarrassment, to significant skin problems related to excessive moisture.

The underlying cause is overactivity of the nerve that controls sweating in the armpits, palms and soles of the feet. Control of this nerve is centred in the brain, and this type of sweating is also called “nervous sweating”.

Treatments for Hyperhidrosis

Treatments for excessive sweating range from strong aluminium-based antiperspirants, oral medications, Botox®, to surgery. A person’s level of concern and symptoms dictate the most appropriate type of treatment.

Botox Injections: Very effective, but have a limited duration of effect — usually about 12 months on average. Well-tolerated in the armpits, but less well-tolerated in the palms and soles.

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Mandatory Information

Botox® is a prescription medicine for the treatment of hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Botox has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if Botox is right for you. If you have side effects, see your doctor. You will need to pay for Botox® and clinic fees will apply. For details on precautions & side effects consult your healthcare professional or the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) at www.medsafe.govt.nz. Botox® treatment lasts about 4–6 months and further courses of treatment may be necessary. Should only be administered by trained medical professionals. Allergan (NZ) Limited, Auckland.

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