This generally makes the skin in these areas markedly darker than the surrounding normal skin tissue. Pigmented lesions vary widely in size, shape and depth, and can be either raised or flat. An excess of pigment in the skin, commonly due to sun exposure, aging or congenital factors, typically causes these benign pigmented lesions. Pigmented lesions are usually a cosmetic rather than a medical concern. Physicians also treat tattoos as a type of pigmented lesion.
Tattoos vary in depth, size and ink color and can be found virtually anywhere on the body.
Although tattoos are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, yesterday's fashion statement can become today's embarrassing eyesore. Not surprisingly, many individuals choose to have their tattoos removed later in life. Therefore, a variety of different lasers are generally used. The general effectiveness of lasers has been somewhat inconsistent, primarily due to the fact that each laser emits a single light wavelength and is therefore limited in its clinical efficacy. Both clinical and cosmetic results of these methods have varied, depending on the color of the patient's skin and the color, location and depth of the lesion.