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Age Spots/Brown Spots
Sunlight and the natural again process are both contributing factors to the development of freckles and
brown spots. Your face, hands and chest are the first parts of the body to show signs of aging because
they receive so much sun exposure. Age spots and freckles are forms of pigmented lesions. They have
an express production of melanin in the skin by cells called melanocytes.
Most of the lesions are just a cosmetic problem. Things that would make one suspicious are pigmented
lesions being precancerous or cancerous are irregular borders, scaling, bleeding, lesions of multiple
colors or large and increasing in size. All suspicious lesions should be biopsied .
Lasers and Intense Pulsed Light devices have been used with great success to remove brown spots or
age spots. The goal here is for the energy to be selectively absorbed by the pigmented areas, sparing
the non problem area surrounding skin. Treatment options such as bleaching agents, glycolic acid, and
retinoid can be irritating and are only minimally effective.
What is the Brown Spot/Age Spot removal process?
Unlike a laser, which emits one specific wavelength of light, IPL emits a broad spectrum of light with
each pulse. Advantages of using an IPL include minimizing downtime and a very low risk of
complications.
How does it work and what areas can be treated?
intense pulsed light (IPL) pulses can be directed at the pigmented spots. These specific wavelengths of
light heat the targeted pigment while sparing the surrounding healthy or normal tissue. The face, neck,
chest and hands can all be treated safely and effectively.
What should I do in preparation for the IPL treatment?
You should avoid sun exposure and tanning (including artificial tanning products and procedures)
before and after your treatments. Also, you should discontinue the use of blood thinners such as
aspirin or other types of anti-platelet or anti-coagulant herbal remedies including Gingko biloba and
Vitamin E.
Is the treatment Painful? Can I Go to work next day?
Most patients tolerate the procedure quite well and don’t require any topical anesthetic prior to the
procedure. You will see the brown spots darken immediately after treatment and then flake off during
the following week. There may be mild redness in the surrounding skin. You can immediately resume all
regular activities. By dividing the treatment into several sessions you get progressive improvement with
low risk.
How many treatments will I need?
This depends on several factors including skin tone and the extent of pigmented lesions. Typically
three treatments are performed at monthly intervals for optimal results, though we may see the
pigmented lesions clear sooner.
The IPL and Laser treatments offered at Advance Cosmedics are FDA approved to treat the full range
of skin concerns including unwanted hair, brown spots, age spots, varicose veins, spider veins, facial
flushing or redness in the skin (erythema), rosacea, acne even birthmarks such as port wine stains.
Sunlight and the natural again process are both contributing factors to the development of freckles and
brown spots. Your face, hands and chest are the first parts of the body to show signs of aging because
they receive so much sun exposure. Age spots and freckles are forms of pigmented lesions. They have
an express production of melanin in the skin by cells called melanocytes.
Most of the lesions are just a cosmetic problem. Things that would make one suspicious are pigmented
lesions being precancerous or cancerous are irregular borders, scaling, bleeding, lesions of multiple
colors or large and increasing in size. All suspicious lesions should be biopsied .
Lasers and Intense Pulsed Light devices have been used with great success to remove brown spots or
age spots. The goal here is for the energy to be selectively absorbed by the pigmented areas, sparing
the non problem area surrounding skin. Treatment options such as bleaching agents, glycolic acid, and
retinoid can be irritating and are only minimally effective.
What is the Brown Spot/Age Spot removal process?
Unlike a laser, which emits one specific wavelength of light, IPL emits a broad spectrum of light with
each pulse. Advantages of using an IPL include minimizing downtime and a very low risk of
complications.
How does it work and what areas can be treated?
intense pulsed light (IPL) pulses can be directed at the pigmented spots. These specific wavelengths of
light heat the targeted pigment while sparing the surrounding healthy or normal tissue. The face, neck,
chest and hands can all be treated safely and effectively.
What should I do in preparation for the IPL treatment?
You should avoid sun exposure and tanning (including artificial tanning products and procedures)
before and after your treatments. Also, you should discontinue the use of blood thinners such as
aspirin or other types of anti-platelet or anti-coagulant herbal remedies including Gingko biloba and
Vitamin E.
Is the treatment Painful? Can I Go to work next day?
Most patients tolerate the procedure quite well and don’t require any topical anesthetic prior to the
procedure. You will see the brown spots darken immediately after treatment and then flake off during
the following week. There may be mild redness in the surrounding skin. You can immediately resume all
regular activities. By dividing the treatment into several sessions you get progressive improvement with
low risk.
How many treatments will I need?
This depends on several factors including skin tone and the extent of pigmented lesions. Typically
three treatments are performed at monthly intervals for optimal results, though we may see the
pigmented lesions clear sooner.
The IPL and Laser treatments offered at Advance Cosmedics are FDA approved to treat the full range
of skin concerns including unwanted hair, brown spots, age spots, varicose veins, spider veins, facial
flushing or redness in the skin (erythema), rosacea, acne even birthmarks such as port wine stains.