What Is Involved in Using a Laser for Age Spots?

Brown spots can form on the skin as a result of age and sun exposure. Many times they are not indicative of other problems, but people not comfortable with age spots often choose to have them removed. Many dermatologists use a laser for age spots during a procedure that often takes under a half an hour. Using a small handheld device, a laser beam can be directed to the affected area, while a sound such as a beep may indicate that the device is operating. Most of these laser skin treatments are just moderately uncomfortable and usually no anesthesia is needed.

To remove age spots, a technician can use a laser that is at just the right wavelength and intensity to penetrate the top layer of skin. Most of the time, the laser isn’t very painful and often feels like a slap on the skin. The discolored pigments below are exposed to the laser light, and particles from which skin pigment comes from, called melanosomes, are broken up. These are left in place and usually are removed by the immune system during the healing process.

The laser for age spots procedure generally takes a few minutes, and inflammation typically subsides within a couple of days. It can take up to three weeks to see the final results. Sometimes there is redness and swelling after laser for age spots, but usually little or nothing needs to be done in terms of post-treatment care. Sun spots and even wrinkles, which can occur with age, are often treated in a similar way.

In addition to removing spots, laser skin treatments can stimulate the production of collagen, which essential to maintaining skin integrity. Skin texture can be improved and the various signs of aging abated. During a generally minimal recovery period following a laser for age spots procedure, the marks may darken. The broken down pigments are usually removed by the body, causing the spot to fade, while the remains of it may peel or flake away. In some cases, multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired appearance.

Skin care after laser for age spots is done can be critical in maintaining skin health. Sunscreen often prevents new marks, which can include small dark spots called lentigines and other types of sun spots from appearing again. Protective clothing is usually beneficial for sensitive skin. Also, tanning beds can cause facial age spots and other marks to reappear, or new ones to form.