incredible-marketing Arrow
Age Spots, Hyperpigmentation, Melasma & Sun Damage

Age Spots, Hyperpigmentation, Melasma & Sun Damage

Age spots and areas of dark pigment can occur with age or overexposure to the sun’s damaging rays. Some spots can be easily ignored, but many are quite conspicuous and can detract from your skin’s natural beauty. Don’t despair — we are here to help! Contact us today to schedule your free screening with Dr. Manu B. Aggarwal, MHSA, MD, a board-certified and aesthetic-laser-certified family physician, at the Vein Care Center, serving residents of Lima, OH.

What Are Age Spots?

Our skin color is determined by melanin. Age and sun spots are dark in color because melanin is abnormally concentrated in one area of the skin. Although they usually appear on people with lighter skin, darker-skinned people get them as well. They may be as small as a freckle or as large as a half-inch. Sometimes, they form in clusters, making the discoloration more noticeable.

Age spots most often appear on the face, arms, neck, chest and back. Age spots that are flat, round and smooth to touch are typically called lentigines; these are usually due to sun exposure. Other types of age spots are scaly, can be raised, cracked in appearance and itch. These are typically called seborrheic keratoses. ***Often times age spots are pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions. It is imperative to have areas that are changing in appearance evaluated prior to treatment. At your free screenings, this will be discussed with you. An easy way to determine if your concerned area(s) needs further evaluation, is to use the ABCDE method:

A is for asymmetry. Look at the spot you are concerned with. Can you imagine cutting it in half and it is equally the same shape, size and color? If not, it needs further evaluation.

B is for border. The spot you are concerned with should have a smooth border and not jagged or irregular edges.

C is for color. The spot you are concerned with should have a uniform color. Areas of dark and light coloring can indicate the area is changing and needs further evaluation.

D is for diameter. If your spot is larger than 6mm, it needs to be further evaluated.

E is for evolution. If the spot has been evolving, or changing in appearance, it needs further evaluation.

If you feel either of the ABCDE applies to your spot(s), then we will determine the best plan of care with you.

How Are Age Spots Removed?

Dr. Aggarwal uses a Cutera® laser to treat patients with all skin tones and types. The laser looks like a pen, and it’s used to direct an intense beam of light to the area of dark pigmentation. Discomfort during the procedure is minimal. It feels like a quick flick over the area treated. Over the next five to seven days, the spots will darken and then begin to flake or peel off. The skin will appear to be pink in color as it heals. You should not peel off the pigmented skin as this serves as a protective cover. Treatment sessions usually last between 10 and 15 minutes. Treatments can also be done on freckles or unwanted pigmented areas (like birthmarks and conditions like nevus of Ota, melasma, Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN), etc.). Again, options and diagnoses will be determined at your appointment.

Will My Results Be Permanent?

Yes! Laser treatment for age spot removal usually banishes them for good – but that doesn’t mean that more won’t appear – or re-appear – on places of your body where there is previous sun damage. That’s why it’s so important to wear sunscreen after your treatment and to avoid prolonged sun exposure or tanning. We’ll provide you with a complete list of instructions to follow after your age spot removal procedure.

Dr. Aggarwal will perform your treatment and then reassess if another touch up session is needed. Treatment in Ohio is required to be done by a physician.Typically, one to two sessions rids you of your brown spots. Some spots are stubborn and may need cryotherapy (freezing treatment using liquid nitrogen). This is typical of age spots that are thicker and raised, typically called seborrheic keratosis(es).

What Is the Cost of Age Spot Removal?

Age spots are a cosmetic issue, not a medical one (unless we suspect skin cancer or another diagnosis). For this reason, age spot removal is considered an elective procedure which will not be covered by insurance. We are dedicated to providing quality, affordable care for all of our patients. We accept cash, personal checks, money orders and major credit cards.

We have been in the business of helping people in Lima, OH, look and feel their best for more than 10 years. Nothing makes us happier! Thousands of men and women have trusted our team to provide them with excellent results and improve their quality of life. It would be an honor to help you, too! Our caring, experienced staff will take great care of you when you schedule your free screening and treatments with us. Contact us today!

The information about age spots, hyperpigmentation and melasma was reviewed by Dr. Manu B. Aggarwal. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.

View All Of Our Patient's Testimonials

Testimonials

Contact Dr. Manu B. Aggarwal and her team today!!