Age Spots
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 hyperpigmentation). 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.
Age Spot Treatments at PFRANKMD by Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank
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 multiple treatments over a number of weeks.
While 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.
Our providers at PFRANKMD by Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank are fully accredited and trained to provide laser treatments to reduce unwanted spots on the skin. When you meet with your provider during your skin consultation, your provider will suggest the best options for resurfacing for your unique skin.
Types of Age Spot Treatments
Brown spots are non-reactive to creams; only certain categories of laser treatments can efficiently reduce age spots. Fractional rejuvenation with the Fraxel laser has been a successful treatment for reducing brown spots, especially those who have been looking to reduce fine wrinkles, improve skin texture, and treat acne scars as well as distinct skin diseases.
Part of the PFRANKKMD Pigment Protocol, PICO Laser effectively targets age spots by using ultra-short pulses of laser energy to break down pigmentation in the skin. This non-invasive procedure stimulates the body’s natural healing process, gradually fading age spots and promoting a more even skin tone without damaging surrounding tissue.
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. Your provider at PFRANKMD by Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank ensures all patients are comfortable with the level of intensity of the laser before, during, and after the treatment.