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Q&A Pigmented Lesions
Q: Will my insurance cover laser treatment of pigmented lesions?
A: Most cosmetic laser procedures are considered elective surgery by insurance unless there is some medical necessity for the treatment. Few insurance companies will cover some or all of the fees associated with birthmarks such as café au lait, Becker's nevi or Nevus of Ota. We will be happy to copy your insurance card and send a letter of preauthorization to the insurance company to help you to determine benefits. Fees are payable at time of treatment and are the responsibility of the patient. Any insurance payments will be reimbursed directly to you from your insurance company. Many patients use their tax deductible flex plan benefits for cosmetic laser surgery.
Q: How uncomfortable is the laser treatment?
A: Pigmented lesion laser treatments are performed in our laser treatment rooms with a topical anesthetic. The anesthetic is put on 30 minutes before your treatment and helps dull the sting of the laser. Patients describe the treatment as feeling like "a sizzle or slight burning sensation. There is a little stinging discomfort after the treatment that may last about an hour after the treatment. The treated area is bandaged if possible for one to two days with total healing time about 7-10 days. Allow time for healing if treatment is in visible areas.
Q: Will I be able to drive home after my procedure?
Y: Yes. You will experience mild discomfort - mostly a hot feeling if large areas are treated - but you'll be able to drive immediately.
Q: Is this treatment permanent?
A: In most treatments of pigmented lesions, the laser is destroying melanin at the surface of the skin. Some of these layers of melanin may be too deep to see or too deep for the laser to reach in one treatment. Multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve the fading that you desire. A touch up appointment down the road may be helpful in keeping the faded tone that you want to see. In the initial consultation, our staff will give you realistic expectations and discuss fees to achieve your goals.
Q: Do you treat children and at what age?
A: Yes and generally, the younger the better. In children with pigented birthmarks, laser is most effective when the skin is the thinnest and the birthmark is small. Children should be seen in consultation around the age of 4, before starting school Dr. Mixter probably treats more children in this area than anyone. We love seeing children and work very hard at making them and you feel comfortable in our practice. If treatment is started at a preschool age children when they are young, they never live through the social stigma of these birthmarks. |
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