How does a medical spa remove brown spots?
A lot of Medical Laser Spas recommend laser treatment for brown sun/age spots. Laser resurfacing uses the power of light energy to reduce the appearance of dark spots. Dark skin cells absorb the light energy pulses emitted by the laser head. Once inside, the energy from the laser kills the dark skin cell.
Can laser remove sun spots?
Yes! Most Definitely! High-energy pulsing lasers, such as the alexandrite laser, can safely and effectively remove many unwanted brown and red spots on your skin, including liver spots, age spots, sun spots, broken capillaries, birthmarks, and angiomas (red spots). Once the lasers do their job, you can have a more even skin tone.
How long does it take for brown sun/age spots to fade after laser?
Immediately after the procedure, the skin is mildly red, for up to 2-3 hours. Within the first 24 hours post procedure, the brown spots will begin to darken, looking like ground pepper flakes. Within 2 weeks, the darkened spots fade or flake off.
Do brown spots come back after laser?
Not usually. In general, we find that laser removal using an alexandrite laser of age spots is permanent, however people do sometimes see new spots appear as they go back out into the sun. These are new spots forming as a result of age spots, not a recurrence of the old, removed spots.
Does laser treatment hurt?
While laser skin treatments do work incredibly quickly, they can be slightly irritating during the treatment itself. The pain is minimal and has been compared by patients to 'a rubber band snapping against your skin.' After a few minutes, your skin becomes used to the pain and you don't feel it anymore. But a numbing cream can be prescribed by your medical spa to use prior to the treatment.
Is laser treatment safe?
Laser treatment is extremely safe! Technological and medical advances in recent years have significantly lowered the chances of serious side effects.
How long should you avoid the sun after a laser treatment?
Avoid unprotected sun exposure for at least 30 days after your laser session. The skin is especially sensitive as it heals an re-damaging the skin is possible during this time. If possible, do not apply makeup immediately after the treatment. Using a SPF with zinc is extremely important to apply after the treatment and all during the healing time.
What are the post instructions?
Avoid very hot baths, showers, steam baths or saunas, and don't swim in strong chlorinated water for two or three days. Don't use Rx bleaching creams or perfume products for 2 weeks while healing. Avoid exfoliating or peels for one week.
What is the difference between melasma and brown sun/age spots?
Although it also is a type of condition characterized by darker patches of skin, melasma is differentiated from other forms of hyperpigmentation mainly by its cause; rather than just being sun related, melasma is caused in part by hormonal changes within the body.
Which cream is best for melasma and brown sun/age spots?
Hydroquinone! The number one choice! This medication is a common first treatment for melasma and brown spots. Tretinoin and corticosteroids: these enhance skin lightening, your laser technician/med spa may prescribe a second medicine. Other topical (applied to the skin) medicines: Your med spa may prescribe azelaic acid or kojic acid to help reduce melasma. A lot of Med Spa's have combination products that contain these products.