In a sentence: enlighten uses ultra-fast pulses (plus nanosecond options) to break up unwanted pigment and tattoo ink—clearing brown spots and multicolour tattoos with little downtime.
Who it’s best for
- 20s–40s: freckles/sun spots; unwanted tattoos.
- 50s–60s: stubborn pigment patches (clinic-selected settings).
What it can do
- Fade/clear benign brown spots and tattoos (including difficult colours with additional wavelengths).
- Offer “pico” + “nano” pulses to tailor treatment to different pigment sizes and depths.
What it can’t do
It won’t tighten skin or resurface texture by itself; pair with fractional lasers if texture is a concern.
How it works (in brief)
Very short pulses fracture pigment; enlighten platforms include 1064/532 nm, with select systems adding a 670 nm wavelength for certain pigments.
Treatment & sessions
- During: Quick pulses; small areas often under 15 minutes.
- How many: Sun spots 1–2 sessions; tattoos and deeper pigment require several spaced treatments.
Healing time & aftercare
- Downtime: mild redness; treated spots may darken then flake over a few days.
- Aftercare: SPF, gentle skincare; avoid picking; follow antiviral advice if cold-sore-prone.
Safety in deeper complexions
Often treated with 1064 nm and conservative settings to reduce PIH risk. Choose clinics experienced with Fitzpatrick IV–VI.
Possible side effects
- Common: redness, temporary darkening, flaking.
- Less common: PIH/hypopigmentation, blistering, crusting.
- Rare: scarring or persistent colour change.
Who should avoid (or delay)
- Active infection, recent tanning, or photosensitising meds—discuss timing.
- Pregnancy/breastfeeding: usually postponed.
- History of keloids or pigment disorders—needs cautious planning.
At-a-glance
- Best for: brown spots, multicolour tattoos.
- Sessions: 1–3+ for spots; several for tattoos.
- Downtime: low; darkening/flaking for a few days.