Removing Aging Spots

Removing Aging Spots

Age Spots, sun spots, solar lentigines, senile lentigo, or liver spots are not detrimental to health. They can, however, make the skin, face, and other exposed portions of the body appear unattractive. That is when one should seek medical advice to go in for the removal of aging spots. Age spots are spots that develop over time due to over-exposure to the sun. 

Possible Causes

Some of the reasons behind age spots are:

• Over-exposure to sun
• Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays
• Regular use of tanning beds
• Other causes of skin aging

Whatever be the reason for age spots, biologically, it results due to the over-production of melanin. Age spots are most visible in the exposed parts of the body like the face, neck, shoulders, forearms, arms, and upper back.

Risk Factors

You are likely to get age spots if you:

• Have light skin
• Frequent sun exposure

Signs and Symptoms

Age spots are visible to the naked eye even though these have a similar texture to normal skin.

• The spots are painless 
• These are oval-shaped and flat in appearance.
• The size ranges from tiny freckles to about half an inch.
• Usually, appear in a group.
• Usually are brown (light or dark) or black.

Who is at risk? Males, females, young, old – anyone can develop these spots. However, the below-mentioned sets of people are at a higher risk:

• People around or more than 50 years of age.
• People are suffering from sunburns.
• People with fair or light skin.
• People who are exposed to the sun frequently.
• People use tanning beds often.

Diagnosis 

• The doctor visually inspects the spots. It is essential to be certain that the spots are age spots and not any other skin-related issues. 
• The doctor may suggest a biopsy to ensure that the spot is not cancerous. 

Treatment Options at 7DMC

At 7DMC’s Aesthetics & Dermatology Clinic, our expert dermatologists curate personalized care plans to remove aging spots effectively. The first step is to diagnose the areas, and accordingly, the treatment option is decided.

Our licensed and medically proficient dermatologists chalk out the appropriate treatment plan. With the proper medicament at our clinic, the age spots can be removed entirely or lightened. The following are the treatment options available:

• Chemical Peel – a chemical or an acid is applied to the spots. As a result, the outer skin starts to peel off, replaced by newer, smoother skin. 
• Cryosurgery – this process involves freezing each blotch with the help of liquid nitrogen. The nitrogen is applied with a cotton-tipped swab for about five seconds.
• Dermabrasion – This specialized process is carried out with a rotating brush or instrument. The skin gets exfoliated, removing the outer layer. The method helps treat fine lines and scars too.
• Microdermabrasion – It is less aggressive than Dermabrasion. The device used is minimally invasive and gently removes the outer layer.
• IPL – Intense Pulsed Light is light therapy, quite similar to laser therapy. In IPL, the light released is of different wavelengths, while in laser, it is light of a single wavelength. The light penetrates through the dermis without harming the epidermis. The heat from the light destroys the excess pigment to clear the spots.
• Prescription-based creams and medications – Bleaching creams containing hydroquinone are advised to lighten the spots. Mild steroids are recommended, too, if required.

Our internationally-trained specialists ensure optimal care at our state-of-the-art facility for effective skin rejuvenation.