As we age, various signs of aging naturally appear on the skin. In particular, pigmentation, or blemishes, that occur on the skin along with wrinkles, are a concern for many. As the head director of Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon, I also began to develop blemishes on my skin in my mid-50s, and was advised by others to seek treatment. Upon hearing that the new Reepot Laser had been introduced, I decided to personally undergo the procedure on my own face to experience its effects and process.
What makes the Reepot Laser special?
Although our clinic has various pigment lasers, there were two main reasons why I chose the Reepot Laser.
- Minimal damage to surrounding skin: The Reepot Laser allows for extremely precise laser irradiation. Thanks to this, it has the advantage of effectively treating only the desired pigment while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy skin tissue. Less damage to surrounding skin also means a reduced possibility of side effects.
- Ability to treat various blemishes: With conventional lasers, it can be difficult to treat faint pigments or slightly thick blemishes, as lasers are more effective when there is a greater color difference. However, the Reepot Laser can effectively treat not only faint blemishes but also thick blemishes, which can help resolve various pigment issues with a single treatment.
Reducing pain concerns, increasing comfort
Many people worry about pain during laser procedures. From my personal experience, the Reepot Laser did not cause significant pain compared to other lasers. With topical anesthetic cream, I felt almost no pain, just a stinging sensation like a rubber band snapping. I believe it could even be performed without anesthesia.
The secret to the Reepot Laser's reduced pain lies in its powerful cooling device. A device attached to the front of the laser cools the skin during the procedure, greatly alleviating discomfort during treatment.
From immediately after the procedure to post-treatment care
Immediately after the procedure, I could see that the color of the brown spots, precisely targeted by the laser, turned white. This is because the Reepot Laser uses powerful energy to act strongly enough to separate the epidermis and dermis layers. Air fills this space, causing the white appearance, which gradually turns into a brown scab over time.
After the procedure, a moist dressing such as DuoDERM is applied. Initially, there may be slight oozing and the area may swell a little, but after 2-3 days, it subsides and the area may appear slightly darker overall. The Reepot Laser also helps with vasoconstriction and reduces side effects through cryotherapy even after the procedure, so there was no significant discomfort on the skin post-treatment.
Important post-treatment care: Apply moist dressing for 2 weeks Since the Reepot Laser uses strong energy, wound care after the procedure is very important. Generally, a moist dressing must be applied for about 2 weeks. If the dressing falls off or is accidentally disturbed before 2 weeks, it should be disinfected immediately and a new moist dressing should be reapplied for another 2 weeks. Removing the dressing too early can lead to scars or secondary pigmentation, so caution is needed.
For recurrence prevention and continuous skin health
The areas treated with the Reepot Laser tend not to recur easily. Of course, new blemishes may appear as one ages or over time. Occasionally, pigmentation may temporarily appear in the treated area, which can vary depending on skin type.
To prevent such pigmentation and maintain skin health, daily UV protection is very important. Always apply sunscreen consistently, and after the procedure, it is best to use a mild cleanser for gentle washing rather than strong cleansing, to protect the weakened skin. These efforts can help reduce recurrence and prevent the formation of pigmentation.