Laser for Brown Spots Treatment Options: What is Laser for Brown Spots Treatment?

What Causes Brown Spots or Hyperpigmentation?

Whether you call them age spots, liver spots, or brown spots, just about everyone wants them gone. Hyperpigmentation – “hyper” means more and “pigment” means color – is a common condition that makes parts of your skin darker than others.

Your skin gets its color from a substance called melanin, which is produced by skin cells. When those skin cells are unhealthy or become damaged, they can produce too much melanin, causing that particular area to appear darker.

Hyperpigmentation occurs for a variety of reasons, including:

• Genetics
• Sun damage
• Hormonal changes
• Skin injuries
• Medications
• Vitamin deficiency

What Does Laser for Brown Spots Treatment Do?

While there are many cosmetic products and DIY home options that claim to reduce or eliminate brown spots, lasers are one of the most effective treatments for hyperpigmentation. By using a laser, your Forefront dermatologist can penetrate more deeply to affect the pigment on the surface as well as the collagen found deeper in the skin.

Laser treatment directs short, concentrated beams of light at blemishes on your skin, removing the outer layer of your skin (the epidermis) and heating the layer underneath (the dermis). This process helps remove brown spots and stimulate the growth of new collagen, resulting in new clearer, smoother skin.

Is Laser for Brown Spots a Non-Surgical Treatment?

Yes, Forefront Dermatology performs all laser treatments on an outpatient basis.

Once the area being treated is fully cleaned and the necessary anesthesia takes effect, your Forefront dermatologist will begin the procedure. The time it takes will depend on the area(s) you want to treat – some patients only want one or two brown spots treated, while others opt for their entire face or more. A full-face treatment usually takes about two hours.

What’s Involved with Laser for Brown Spots Aftercare?

Although it’s a non-surgical procedure, laser treatment does require at least a few days of healing time (some patients take up to 10 days to recover). You may experience redness, swelling, itching, or stinging. Depending on your treatment, your skin could also blister. Never scratch or pick at skin that crusts over, which could cause scarring or infection.

Cleanse the treated area as instructed by your Forefront dermatologist. You can also apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment twice a day as needed. Using a cool compress or ice pack, especially during the first few days, can help reduce swelling.

What Laser for Brown Spots Treatment Results Can You Expect?

The good news: you should see an immediate difference in your treated skin.

About a week after laser treatment, your skin will dry out and begin to peel. The new skin will have a pinkish color at first, but should begin to lighten up over the next several weeks. Many laser treatment patients continue to see improvements for up to a year, and the results can last several years. During this time, avoid the sun as much as possible and apply sunscreen every day.

When normal aging eventually leads to new brown spots, contact your Forefront dermatologist for additional laser treatment.

Schedule Your Laser for Brown Spots Treatment Consultation

While our board-certified dermatologists can’t stop the aging process, we can help patients feel better about it. Say goodbye to brown spots and hello to healthier skin. Find a Forefront Dermatology office near you to schedule a consultation today.

Ready to ban your brown spots? Book a consultation with a skin specialist today.