1. What methods are available to treat these pigmented lesions?

Some brown spots can be treated with a laser or with Intense Pulse Light (IPL). Others can be lightened using cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen) or a mild acid peel.

2. What types of pigmented lesions can be treated?

Examples of pigmented lesions that can be lightened or removed include:
Lentigines: flat, brown spots on the skin; present on skin with frequent sun exposure
Keratoses: slightly elevated pigmented spots often found on the back and hands
Freckles: brownish spots on the skin; common on people with fair skin
Dermatosis Papulosis Nigra: small, black marks seen primarily on people of Asian or African descent.

3. What will the area look like after the procedure?

Most procedures that treat brown spots will cause a darkening of the treated lesion.  This may take approximately 10 days to resolve.  Generally no post-treatment care is necessary but it is important to avoid the sun following these procedures.

4. Can large areas be treated?

The Ellipse/Intense Pulse Light is ideal for treating large areas of altered pigmentation such as the face, chest or backs of hands.

5. What postoperative care is necessary?

Sun avoidance is the most important factor in treating pigmented lesions, because even the slightest exposure of the treated area to the sun may result in repigmentation. Usually the treated area is kept moist with a heavy moisturizer for a short period of time.  Some patients may also be instructed to use a gentle exfoliator after one week.

The dermatologists at Contemporary & Cosmetic Dermatology, PC are available to go over these and any other questions you may have regarding removal of age spots and brown spots.