Brown Spots

Laser treatment for pigmented marks.

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Just about everyone has a few visible brown spots, otherwise called ‘pigmented lesions’, on their skin. They include freckles, sunspots, age spots, liver spots, and birthmarks. Although most brown spots are not harmful, you may want them reduced or removed to improve the tone or appearance of your skin.

About the condition

Melanin is what gives our skin colour. It forms brown spots when it’s abnormally concentrated in one patch of skin. These can be present at birth, but most form with age, as a result of hormones or exposure to the sun.

How it works

We use advanced medical laser treatments to lighten or remove pigmented lesions. A highly concentrated beam fragments the pigments, and the body eliminates the debris naturally. In general, superficial pigmented lesions are treated with shorter wavelength laser systems, and deeper pigmented lesions are treated with longer wavelength systems. Treatments with Pigment lasers are generally spaced 6 or more weeks apart to allow the immune system time to eliminate the shattered pigment.

Benefits

Superficial pigment often fades after only one treatment, but conditions that have deeper pigment may require several treatments. The treated skin is left looking uniform in colour and texture.

FAQs

Can all brown spots be treated?

The laser cannot be used for the removal of pigmented lesions that are or pose a risk of becoming, cancerous. If you have a past history of melanoma (or a first-degree relative has had a melanoma), we recommend you avoid laser treatment of brown spots. If there is any doubt, your doctor will discuss the appropriate treatment options with you. If patients have noticed any recent change in Brown Spots and/or have a personal or family history of Melanoma we highly recommend a Mole Mapping and an opinion from a Dermatologist before having any treatment.
What are the commonest areas treated?

The most frequent areas that people request treated are the face, chest and backs of hands. This is not surprising as these are the areas that tend to get the most sun exposure.
Do the Brown spots come back?

When a Brown spot has been completely removed that spot doesn’t come back. However, other spots can appear and they are often in a similar area as this is typically an area that has had sun damage in the past. Being careful of the sun and using sunblock going forward can help slow the rate at which brown spots appear and whether light spots darken, but much of the damage has already been done, and brown spots appear as a reflection of damage done to the skin many years ago.

Preparation

Avoid excessive sun exposure for 2 weeks before treatment and products or medications that can cause sensitivity to light for at least 48 hours before any Laser treatment.

Aftercare

If the Brown spots are in a sun exposed area be careful of excess sun in the week after treatment and a broad-spectrum sunblock can be used. It is important to minimise trauma to the treated area and not pick or scratch. A soothing and moisturising cream such as Centella, Aloe Vera or Vitamin E can be used. If Brown Spots on the hands have been treated with Laser use gloves if washing dishes whilst the skin is healing.

Before and after

Before and after images are presented purely as a reference point of the results that can be achieved. Everyone is unique and outcomes will vary and realistic expectations need to be discussed on a case by case basis.

Start Today, Book an Appointment

Got questions? Or ready to book in? Contact our experienced and friendly team to start your journey to healthy skin with us.

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