Pigmented Lesions: Age & Sun Spot Removal
Enhance Your Health & Appearance at Elan MediSpa and The Dermatology Center at Old Bridge
What Pigmented Lesions?
Brown
spots that appear on the skin are known by many names: sunspots,
age spots, liver spots, and freckles. "Age spots"
or "liver spots" are flat, brown areas are called
lentigines. They have nothing to do with the liver –
they are caused by the sun and usually appear on the face,
hands, back and feet. They are generally harmless. They
may look like melanoma and therefore may require evaluation.
Commercial "fade" creams will not make lentigines
disappear, but effective prescription medications and surgical
resurfacing treatments are available to treat them.
A few scattered freckles on the face might be considered cute, but when years of sun damage begin to add up, the results are anything but. Most pigmented lesions can be directly attributed to overexposure to the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays. Preventative measures should always be taken by using sunscreen and avoiding the sun. This won't correct any damage already done, but it can help keep pigment problems from getting any worse.
How Are Pigmented Spots Removed?
There are different treatments available to reduce unwanted brown spots. The type of lesion will determine the best method for removing it. The information here will lay out the general methods:
Laser Removal: Individual sunspots and freckles respond very well to laser treatment. The laser light is absorbed by the pigment, thereby lightening or destroying it, and leaving the skin looking uniform in color and texture. Most patients tolerate the treatment very well, describing the sensation to be like the snap of a rubber band. After treatment, the area may feel similar to a slight sunburn. Within an hour to a day, discomfort disappears. Results are seen within 2 to 30 days, depending on the lesion and exact type of laser used.
Cyro Surgery: Some types of skin lesions like actinic keratoses or warts, for example, are best removed by freezing with liquid nitrogen. There is mild discomfort and a brief healing period with this type of treatment, and it offers a good outcome with little risk of scarring.
Intense Pulsed Light: When sun damage or pigment is more widespread, a series of Intense Pulsed Light treatments may be recommended. This non-invasive, no downtime approach offers other benefits as well. It can reduce facial flushing and broken capillaries, increase your skin's own natural collagen, and help to improve fine lines and wrinkles.
Schedule a consultation to discuss our Pigmented Lesions Treatments
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