LASER REMOVAL FOR BROWN SPOT AND SUN DAMAGE
What is a Brown Spot?
Brown spots are sun damaged areas that are also called “age spots”, “liver spots” and “lentigines.” These are localized collections of pigment within the top layers of the skin.
These are more common as a person ages. The most common areas are the hands and the face, but the arms and legs may also have these spots.
How may brown spots be removed?
The brown spots can be removed with creams containing Retin A, Alpha-hydroxy acids and Vitamin C. They also may be removed with chemical peels and lasers. Laser is very effective in treating the brown spots, especially deeper and darker spots.
Nd: YAG Laser
The YAG has become the standard brown spot removal laser. Nd: YAG laser has many types currently available, but only the Q-switched lasers are effective at removing brown spots. Although this laser may emit several colors of laser light, the green light wavelength is most effective at removing brown spots.
The Treatment
The brown areas are quickly treated using the Nd:YAG and they immediately develop a white color. This will later turn into a small scab. Usually only one treatment is needed. After one week on the face and up to two weeks on the hands, the scabs will fall off. There may be a light red discoloration for several weeks, but this will also resolve, leaving healthy new skin in its place.
The only expected side effects are scabbing at the site of the treatment. There may be some slight changes in the color of the skin after the treatments, but this usually returns to normal after several months.
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