This is a surgical stripping or excision of superficial epithelium using a scalpel blade. The denuded area heals by secondary intention where pink gums gradually replace it. This technique is simple and cost effective with less recurrence rate but post-operative pain and discomfort are its setbacks.

LASER gum depigmentation uses laser energy to peel off the gingival epithelium. This technique is minimally invasive causing less tissue loss and minimizes post operative complications like pain, swelling and infection. LASER cause less bleeding which improves visibility at the surgical site. After clinical depigmentation, chances of relapse is very less with the use of LASER.

Gum depigmentation is permanent. With the advent of lasers, gum depigmentation procedure has yielded good results. Chances of recurrence of pigmentation are almost zero with laser depigmentation technique. Although possibility of relapse is less, factors such as smoking, sun exposure and genetic factors influence the duration of relapse.