Laser light treatment is a flash, similar to a camera flash. This frequency of light is best absorbed by dark pigmented spots on the skin. The surrounding light skin, which has no pigment, does not absorb this light well, so the dark pigment cells absorb almost all of the light’s energy and fall off after a few days.
The laser treatment takes about 30 minutes and is slightly uncomfortable. The sensation you feel is like a rubber band snapping against your skin. One treatment is often enough to be effective, but some people may want to do as many as three treatments depending on the level of sun damage.
It’s not uncommon for people to have brown spots on their hands, arms or face. The pigment is consistent and you usually can’t feel them because they’re flat, not raised.
These brown spots are often referred to as age spots, liver spots or sun spots. In medical terms, these brown spots are known as lentigines, which are basically sun spots caused by damage to the skin. Lentigines tend to make our skin look old and unsightly.
Laser treatment costs
Costs vary depending on the area affected and the number of treatments you need. Larger areas of skin will cost more, while smaller areas of skin will not be as expensive. Additionally, many treatments are on sale. So the price per treatment will decrease as you schedule more procedures.
Types of Laser Treatments
Laser treatment for dark spots uses an intense pulsed light laser (IPL). The laser head (about the size of a postage stamp) emits light that is absorbed by dark skin cells. The darker the skin cell, the more energy it absorbs, which in turn kills that particular cell.
The dead skin cells then move to the surface of the skin and fall off. When they fall off, you just need to remove the brown spots.
Surrounding skin cells are not damaged. Because they do not have black pigment, they do not absorb laser energy.
This treatment is perfect for lighter skin tones. Because the laser can clearly distinguish normal skin from dark spots, it is very effective.
Chemical peels can also help lighten dark spots. If you have darker skin, you may choose a chemical peel instead of laser treatment, as it is safer for more pigmented skin.
Does laser hurt?
IPL can cause discomfort. It feels a bit like a rubber band breaking and because it keeps “popping” around the entire treatment area, we recommend using a numbing cream. You will apply it to the area to be treated to make your treatment much more comfortable.
What to Expect After Laser Treatment
Redness and swelling are normal the day after your laser treatment. Then, within 4-7 days, these spots will begin to flake off like coffee grounds.
Whether you choose IPL or a chemical peel, dark spots will come back in the sun. Be meticulous about wearing sunscreen to prevent them from returning, especially in the weeks following your treatment.
Even if you’re just driving on a sunny day, apply sunscreen. Your windshield doesn’t stop the sunlight from affecting your skin.
If you’re not careful about sun exposure, the effort you made to remove the spots will be in vain. They’ll only stay away with diligent sun protection.
Are Dark Spots Cancerous?
If you have brown spots, it does not mean you have cancer. However, when these skin areas are damaged, you can get skin cancer. It is important to get checked if you notice a new brown spot that has changed and has a different color and shape from other moles on your body.
To the untrained eye, most moles and dark spots look the same, which is why we encourage people to get checked when they first notice dark spots. Sometimes it can take a long time to realize something is wrong and early detection is essential.
Additionally, you should not attempt to diagnose yourself based on photos and information you find online. It is important to be examined by a qualified dermatologist.
Consequences of not treating dark spots
If left untreated, dark spots will continue to accumulate on your skin over time. The longer brown spots accumulate, the more difficult it is to treat.
If you have dark spots on your skin at this time of year, they will usually disappear during the winter months because you spend less time in the sun. Then you can take steps in the spring and summer to prevent these spots from appearing.
Continuous treatment to prevent dark spots
In addition to laser removal, dark spots on the skin often require ongoing daily treatment because the damage is often caused by daily sun exposure.
Obviously using sunscreen is important. We also use retinol to remove dark spots on the skin, as well as pigment blockers to prevent dark pigmentation from appearing. It’s part of your daily care regimen that can help you maintain clear, glowing skin.
Laser light treatment is a flash, similar to a camera flash. This frequency of light is best absorbed by dark pigmented spots on the skin. The surrounding light skin, which has no pigment, does not absorb this light well, so the dark pigment cells absorb almost all of the light’s energy and fall off after a few days.
The laser treatment takes about 30 minutes and is slightly uncomfortable. The sensation you feel is like a rubber band snapping against your skin. One treatment is often enough to be effective, but some people may want to do as many as three treatments depending on the level of sun damage.
It’s not uncommon for people to have brown spots on their hands, arms or face. The pigment is consistent and you usually can’t feel them because they’re flat, not raised.
These brown spots are often referred to as age spots, liver spots or sun spots. In medical terms, these brown spots are known as lentigines, which are basically sun spots caused by damage to the skin. Lentigines tend to make our skin look old and unsightly.
Laser treatment costs
Costs vary depending on the area affected and the number of treatments you need. Larger areas of skin will cost more, while smaller areas of skin will not be as expensive. Additionally, many treatments are on sale. So the price per treatment will decrease as you schedule more procedures.
Types of Laser Treatments
Laser treatment for dark spots uses an intense pulsed light laser (IPL). The laser head (about the size of a postage stamp) emits light that is absorbed by dark skin cells. The darker the skin cell, the more energy it absorbs, which in turn kills that particular cell.
The dead skin cells then move to the surface of the skin and fall off. When they fall off, you just need to remove the brown spots.
Surrounding skin cells are not damaged. Because they do not have black pigment, they do not absorb laser energy.
This treatment is perfect for lighter skin tones. Because the laser can clearly distinguish normal skin from dark spots, it is very effective.
Chemical peels can also help lighten dark spots. If you have darker skin, you may choose a chemical peel instead of laser treatment, as it is safer for more pigmented skin.
Does laser hurt?
IPL can cause discomfort. It feels a bit like a rubber band breaking and because it keeps “popping” around the entire treatment area, we recommend using a numbing cream. You will apply it to the area to be treated to make your treatment much more comfortable.
What to Expect After Laser Treatment
Redness and swelling are normal the day after your laser treatment. Then, within 4-7 days, these spots will begin to flake off like coffee grounds.
Whether you choose IPL or a chemical peel, dark spots will come back in the sun. Be meticulous about wearing sunscreen to prevent them from returning, especially in the weeks following your treatment.
Even if you’re just driving on a sunny day, apply sunscreen. Your windshield doesn’t stop the sunlight from affecting your skin.
If you’re not careful about sun exposure, the effort you made to remove the spots will be in vain. They’ll only stay away with diligent sun protection.
Are Dark Spots Cancerous?
If you have brown spots, it does not mean you have cancer. However, when these skin areas are damaged, you can get skin cancer. It is important to get checked if you notice a new brown spot that has changed and has a different color and shape from other moles on your body.
To the untrained eye, most moles and dark spots look the same, which is why we encourage people to get checked when they first notice dark spots. Sometimes it can take a long time to realize something is wrong and early detection is essential.
Additionally, you should not attempt to diagnose yourself based on photos and information you find online. It is important to be examined by a qualified dermatologist.
Consequences of not treating dark spots
If left untreated, dark spots will continue to accumulate on your skin over time. The longer brown spots accumulate, the more difficult it is to treat.
If you have dark spots on your skin at this time of year, they will usually disappear during the winter months because you spend less time in the sun. Then you can take steps in the spring and summer to prevent these spots from appearing.
Continuous treatment to prevent dark spots
In addition to laser removal, dark spots on the skin often require ongoing daily treatment because the damage is often caused by daily sun exposure.
Obviously using sunscreen is important. We also use retinol to remove dark spots on the skin, as well as pigment blockers to prevent dark pigmentation from appearing. It’s part of your daily care regimen that can help you maintain clear, glowing skin.