Candela AlexTriVantage® Laser

Unwanted pigmentation along the face and body can be very frustrating and leave you feeling insecure in your own skin. Freckles and brown spots are common pigmented lesions that can develop due to the accumulation of excessive exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays. These dark spots can occur on the face, hands, shoulders, and neck. Sun damage can also lead to the premature development of signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. Tattoos done in your youth may no longer be appropriate or can leave you feeling embarrassed. Luckily, these skin concerns can all be addressed using the Candela Alex TriVantage Laser in Dr. Green’s private Upper East Side dermatology office.

The Alex TriVantage Laser is a Q-switched laser that uses three distinct wavelengths to treat benign pigmented lesions and unwanted tattoos: 532nm, 755nm, and 1064nm. These wavelengths are absorbed into the body as light energy to destroy excess pigmentation in skin cells. Treatment with the Alex TriVantage laser will be able to erase pigmentation and unwanted tattoos, leaving behind new, healthy skin for a rejuvenated appearance. This laser is non-invasive, safe, and effective, making it a gold standard for pigmentation removal. The treatment requires minimal downtime, and it is safe to resume your daily activities.

If you want to remove pigmentation such as sun spots, freckles, birthmarks, or unwanted tattoos, Dr. Green is here to help. With over two and a half decades of experience, Dr. Green has been treating patients with the most cutting-edge, non-invasive technology. She has consistently been recognized as a top NYC dermatologist by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, Super Doctors, and The New York Times due to her dedication and accessibility to her patients. In her private Upper East Side dermatology office, Dr. Green will work with you to create a customized treatment plan to suit your aesthetic goals and skin concerns best.

What is the Alex Trivantage laser?

The Candela Alex Trivantage is a gentle, non-invasive laser that removes unwanted tattoos and treats benign pigmented lesions such as sun spots, freckles, and birthmarks. The Alex Trivantage employs a long-pulse 755nm, Q-switched Alexandrite laser and 1064nm and 532nm Q-switched Nd:YAG wavelengths to destroy pigmentation and stimulate collagen production. The light energy is transformed into heat as it is absorbed by the melanin-rich lesions, shattering the pigmentation and resulting in new, healthy skin cells on the surface. The laser treatment also stimulated collagen and elastin production to create firmer skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The Alex Trivantage can be used on all areas of the body and face and works discretely, removing the pigmentation in the treatment area without damaging any surrounding skin. This laser requires little downtime and is gentle and safe for all skin types, including darker skin tones and Asian skin.

59 Year old female, Alextrivantage for dark spots – 3 weeks

Alex Trivantage for pigmented lesions and sunspots

Pigmented lesions are spots or growths on the skin caused by an overproduction of melanin in skin cells. Depending on the severity of the hyperpigmentation, these melanin-rich cells may be on the outer or deeper layers of the skin. Freckles and sun spots are two common forms of pigmented lesions on the skin. Excessive sun exposure can result in the formation of freckles or small brown spots on the skin. While freckles can fade over time, repeated sun exposure can cause freckles to coalesce and darken. Sun spots, also known as solar lentigines or age spots, appear flat, tan, or brown spots and are commonly found in exposed areas such as the face, arms, hands, and shoulders. Repeated exposure to UV radiation stimulates skin cells to increase melanin production, causing this hyperpigmentation on the skin. While freckles and sun spots are harmless, irregularities in skin tone can be distressing. The Alex Trivantage laser is an excellent treatment for removing these pigmented lesions to reveal new, healthy skin cells underneath.

Alex Trivantage for birthmarks

The Alex Trivantage laser can remove some but not all types of birthmarks. There are two general categories for birthmarks: pigmented and vascular. Pigmented birthmarks are defined as an overproduction or lack of melanin in the skin. The color or pigmented birthmarks can range from pink to black. Two common types of pigmented birthmarks include café au lait spots and congenital dermal melanocytosis. Café au lait spots appear as flat, oval-shaped marks with light brown pigmentation that can darken with excess sun exposure, grow larger, or fade over time. Congenital dermal melanocytosis, or Mongolian spots, are bluish-gray, flat spots commonly found on the lower backs and bottoms of those with darker skin tones. Nevus of Ota is another form of dermal melanocytosis that presents as blue-green, brown, or grey patches in and around the eye. Though typically present at birth, dermal melanocytosis can develop during childhood or early teenage years. Café au lait spots, Mongolian spots, and nevi of Ota can all be treated with the Alex Trivantage laser, which breaks down the clusters of excess pigmentation to be removed by the body’s natural immune system. After multiple sessions of laser treatment, the birthmark will be permanently removed.

Vascular birthmarks are defined by an unusual development of blood vessels under the skin. These vessels can appear wider than normal or can form clusters, leading to anywhere between a pinkish to a dark purple coloration. Some common vascular birthmarks include Port-wine stains, salmon patches, and hemangiomas. Vascular birthmarks cannot be treated with the Alex Trivantage laser, as the laser does not treat vascular lesions.

Alex Trivantage for tattoo removal

While a tattoo may initially seem fun and appealing, it may become inappropriate or embarrassing as we age. As many as 50% of people who get a tattoo later regret the decision and want it removed. The Alex Trivantage laser is a gold standard for removing unwanted tattoos. This laser is safer than traditional tattoo removal methods, as it only treats the tattoo while leaving the surrounding area unaffected. Over time, the body naturally tries to remove tattoos, as white blood cells break down and absorb ink particles, leading to tattoos fading. The Alex Trivantage laser helps this process, using light energy to break down the pigmented ink to be absorbed by the body. The Alex Trivantage laser can remove tattoos of all colors, including red, blue, and green inks that are known for stubbornly staying embedded in the skin. Depending on the age, depth of pigmentation, and size of the tattoo, multiple sessions may be needed to remove the tattoo from the skin fully. It is important to note that not all tattoos may be able to be removed with laser technology, as tattoo inks can contain various organic and inorganic ingredients that may not respond well to laser treatments.

Who is a good candidate for Alex Trivantage laser treatment?

A good candidate for the Alex Trivantage laser is an individual in good health seeking cosmetic enhancement by removing benign pigmented lesions or unwanted tattoos. Individuals should not be pregnant or breast-feeding as the effects of Alex Trivantage laser treatments on pregnant and/or breastfeeding individuals are unknown. Individuals with recently tanned skin or who have recently used self-tanner should not be treated with the Alex Trivantage laser, as the laser can cause blistering or hyperpigmentation. The tan should fade away prior to any laser treatment. Individuals should not have any open sores or infections in the targeted treatment area or adjacent areas. The tattoos should be at least 6 – 8 weeks old for individuals removing unwanted tattoos. Additionally, individuals must wait six months after completing an Accutane regimen before being treated with the Alex Trivantage laser.

35-44 year old female Alex TriVantage (1 treatment) and Cosmelan (5 months)

What is the procedure for the Alex Trivantage laser?

During your initial consultation, Dr. Green will view the pigmented lesion or tattoo you want to be treated and confirm that you are a good candidate for the Alex Trivantage laser. Same-day treatment can be done, and a topical numbing cream will be sent to your local pharmacy to be applied to the treatment area one hour prior to your appointment. The area will then be sterilized in the office, and protective eyewear will be placed on the face to prepare for treatment. The handpiece from the laser system will be placed onto the treatment area, and the laser will be activated. Most patients describe the sensation of the laser as a snap of a rubber band on the skin, but the numbing cream will help to minimize any pain or discomfort during the procedure. The duration of the procedure will depend on the size and pigmentation of the treated area – on average, each session will generally take 15 minutes. After the procedure, Aquaphor will be applied to the treated area, and you will be given skin care instructions post-treatment to ensure that the area heals properly.

Does the procedure have any downtime?

Most patients can resume their daily activities immediately after the laser treatment session. Following the procedure, redness may occur, and small scabs will form in the treated areas. It is important to apply Aquaphor or another barrier repair to the scabs, avoid sun exposure, and refrain from applying makeup to the treated area. These scabs typically take around one week to heal completely.

Are there any side effects?

The AlexTrivantage laser is a non-invasive, safe, and effective laser with few side effects. Patients may experience some tenderness and redness in the treated area that will resolve on its own shortly after the treatment session. Patients are advised to avoid direct sun exposure to the area as UV radiation can damage the skin and cause hyperpigmentation. It is also common for patients to experience temporary discoloration at the treated sites. Long-term skin discoloration during tattoo removal is rare but may occur with some blistering. While rare, paradoxical darkening of cosmetic tattoos can occur due to a laser reaction with titanium dioxide or iron oxide. Although the AlexTrivantage is excellent in reducing pigmented lesions such as sun spots and freckles, it should not be used on melasma – laser treatment on melasma will cause the pigmentation to become further entrenched in the deeper layers of the skin and make it harder to remove. Consulting with a board-certified dermatologist such as Dr. Green is important to minimize the risks of rare side effects.

When will I see any results after the laser treatment?

You will typically start to see results one to two weeks after your treatment session. If you are treating benign pigmented lesions such as freckles or sun spots, one session may be enough to eliminate the pigmentation from the skin. If you are removing an unwanted tattoo, multiple sessions may be necessary to see the effects of the laser treatment.

Before and After Photo of AlexTrivantage laser used for dark spots on face: 6 months

Which laser is best for removing brown spots?

Brown spots, more commonly known as sun or age spots, are flat areas of excess pigmentation caused by an accumulation of sun damage. These spots will not fade over time and require treatment such as the Alex Trivantage laser. The light energy from the laser breaks apart the melanin in deep layers of the skin, effectively erasing the spots from the skin’s surface. The AlexTrivantage laser is best used for discrete spots on the skin. For brown spots that cover large areas on the face or body, the Fraxel Dual laser may be combined with the Alex Trivantage laser for the most effective treatment. The Fraxel Dual laser is a non-invasive, fractionated laser that emits light energy to heat melanin-rich cells, causing them to be destroyed. The Fraxel Dual laser uses two distinct wavelengths: the 1550nm Erbium laser and the 1927nm Thilium laser. The 1550nm setting treats acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, and overall skin texture, while the 1927nm setting is best for hyperpigmentation such as brown or sun spots. The Erbium and Thulium laser can also be used in tandem to treat multiple skin conditions simultaneously. The Clear + Brilliant laser, dubbed the mini-Fraxel, is another safe and effective option for removing brown spots, especially for those with darker skin tones. The Clear + Brilliant laser uses fractionated light energy to treat sun spots and sun damage, removing dead skin cells and stimulating collagen production to rejuvenate the skin.

No one laser is best for removing brown spots from the skin. Dr. Green may suggest combining treatments, such as one or two sessions of the Fraxel Dual laser followed by a session of the Alex Trivantage laser, for the most effective sun spot treatment. During your consultation, Dr. Green will assess your skin concerns, the severity of your hyperpigmentation, and the size of the affected area to determine a customized treatment plan best suited for you.

Is laser tattoo removal effective?

The Alex Trivantage laser effectively removes tattoos, including multicolor tattoos. Black, blue, and green ink pigments respond the best to treatment, as the darker pigmentation better absorbs the light energy from the laser. Lighter-colored tattoos can reflect the wavelengths of light and may require more sessions to treat the area fully. The size of the tattoo and the density of pigment will also contribute to the amount of sessions needed for tattoo removal.

How many sessions are needed for tattoo removal?

It is hard to say how many treatment sessions you may need to remove your tattoo permanently. The size, location, depth, color, age, and skin condition of the tattoo are all factors that can contribute to the amount of sessions needed. During your consultation with Dr. Green, she will assess the characteristics of your tattoo and your medical history and skin type to determine how many sessions may be needed for complete tattoo removal.

Which laser is best for removing tattoos?

The AlexTrivantage laser is a unique Q-switched laser/nd-YAG that is a gold standard for tattoo removal. The laser emits high-intensity light beams to the deeper layers of the skin, breaking apart the pigmented cells to be absorbed and expelled by the body. Unlike traditional tattoos, the AlexTrivantage laser is non-invasive, allowing you to resume regular activities with little downtime or side effects. The Picosure laser is another treatment option for tattoo removal, using light energy to break apart pigmented cells.

Alex Trivantage laser versus Picosure laser

The Alex Trivantage and Picosure lasers are excellent laser systems for treating pigmented lesions and unwanted tattoos. Both systems use photothermic energy to damage melanin-rich cells, destroying the melanin and allowing the body to eliminate the pigmented cells. These laser systems are also discrete, only damaging the pigmented cells in the treated area to ensure the surrounding skin is unaffected. One of the main differences between the Alex Trivantage and Picosure lasers is their pulse durations. While both the AlexTrivantage and Picosure systems use 532nm, 755 nm, and 1064nm wavelengths, the AlexTrivantage laser has a nanosecond pulse duration while the PIcosure laser has a picosecond pulse duration. The Picosure laser also employs a Focus Lens Array technology to create microscopic photomechanical reactions in the epidermis, stimulating the body’s natural healing process and promoting collagen and elastin production.

What is the best freckle removal laser treatment?

There are many different laser treatment options for freckle removal. The Alex Trivantage is an excellent treatment for removing pigmented lesions like freckles. The wavelengths of light from the laser are converted to heat energy in the skin to destroy the pigmented cells that create the appearance of freckles. The body then absorbs and eliminates the pigment through the waste system. After the treatment sessions, the freckles will be “erased” or removed from your skin. If the freckles extend over a large area of your face or body, the Fraxel Dual laser or Clear + Brilliant laser may be another option for freckle removal.

Before and After Photo of AlexTrivantage laser and Fraxel

How to get started with Alex Trivantage laser skin rejuvenation today

Benign pigmented lesions such as sun spots and freckles are some of the most common skin concerns Dr. Green treats in her private NYC office. As we age, sun damage accumulates in our skin, leading to the development of brown or sun spots. Tattoos can also become unsightly as we age, creating feelings of frustration about our own skin. If you are concerned about pigmentation or unwanted tattoos, treatment with the Alex TriVantage may be right for you. In your initial consultation with Dr. Green, she will assess your skin concerns and aesthetic goals to determine an individualized plan for treatment for you.

Dr. Green has employed non-invasive laser treatments such as the Alex TriVantage laser in her private dermatology office for over 25 years. She offers many additional laser treatments, such as Fraxel or Clear + Brilliant, and injectable filler treatments, such as Botox and Juvederm, for overall skin rejuvenation. Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, Super Doctors, and The New York Times have all consistently recognized her as a top board-certified dermatologist due to her expertise and excellent patient care. She works with the most discerning men and women worldwide to provide a more youthful-looking appearance. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Green and learn more about Alex Trivantage and other skin rejuvenation laser treatment options, call the NYC-based office at 212 535 3088 or contact us online today.