What Causes Age Spots?
Age spots, also known as liver spots, solar lentigines, and sun spots are generally a result from prolonged exposure to the sun. This increases the production of melanin and leads to the generation of rough pigmentations on uncovered parts of the skin. Pigmentation is color of the skin generated by the melanin, which is the natural pigment responsible for the generation of eye as well as hair color. But when excess melanin is generated in a certain area, it leads to a brownish spot on the skin (brown spots or hyper pigmentation). This hypopigmentation is a deficiency of skin color which takes place because of the reduced proportions of melanin.
Excess generation of melanin can be stirred up by ultraviolet light of the sun or artificial tanning salons, which is why significant long-term exposure to the sun and can be correlated to some degree with a risk for skin cancer.
Treatment of Choice
Although age or liver spots pose no medical threat, they are cosmetically unappealing. Lasers have been a universal equipment of choice when it comes to reducing age spots. Commonly known as laser skin rejuvenation, these methods can usually be completed within an hour, while others might take two hours*. Depth of pervasion or the amount of skin treated would determine the recovery time. Resurfacing in light proportion can treat very quickly, while deeper resurfacing might require a couple of weeks*.
Even though effects of the treatment for age spots with laser therapies are often long lasting, some patients may notice new spots appearing. After the treatment, patients should avoid prolonged exposure to the sun to keep skin free from future sun spots.
Dr. Frank is one of the best surgeons who provide laser treatments to reduce unwanted spots on the skin. He will suggest the best option of resurfacing for your skin.
Before and After Photos
*Disclaimer: Results may vary from individual to individual and cannot be guaranteed*
Types of Age Spot Treatments
Brown spots are non-reactive to creams. Only certain categories of laser treatments can efficiently reduce age spots. The best laser therapy for reducing age spots on the face are Q-switched lasers such as the Q-switched Alexandrite Laser.
Fractional rejuvenation with the Fraxel laser has been a successful treatment for reducingbrown spots- especially those who have been looking to reduce fine wrinkles, improve skin texture, and treat acne scars as well as distinct skin diseases.
Intense Pulse Light sources (IPL) or Photofacials also have the ability to treat stubborn age spots. But this form of treatment requires at least 3-5 sessions and is not as effective as laser treatment*.
Are Laser Treatments Painful?
Patients have different thresholds for pain, but most patients report that there is little to no pain involved with laser treatments*. Dr. Frank is a skilled surgeon who will make sure his patients are comfortable with the level of intensity of the laser before the treatment.
