Dark Spots

Laser Treatment / Skin Care

Laser Treatment For Dark Spots

Melanocytes overproduce melanin in the skin, resulting in dark patches or hyperpigmentation. A variety of factors can cause an increase in melanin production. Hormones—both estrogen and progesterone—can increase the level of melanin, which is why pregnant women have dark spots that often lighten after birth; the sun can increase the level of melanin, which is why we have more dark spots after the summer; and age can increase the size of the melanocytes, which is why older patients have dark age spots.

Dark spots can also be caused by other reasons such as acne-related skin irritation, waxing, and abrasive scrubs.

An Intense Pulse Light (IPL) is used to cure dark areas. The laser head (about the size of a postage stamp) generates light that dark skin cells absorb. The darker a skin cell is, the more energy it absorbs, eventually destroying it.

The dead skin cells then migrate to the surface of your skin and peel away. You just peel off the black patches as they flake. The skin cells in the surrounding area remain unaffected. They don't absorb the laser energy because they lack dark pigment.

Many unsightly brown spots on the skin, such as liver spots, age spots, and sunspots, can be safely and successfully removed with high-energy pulse lasers. Once the lasers have completed their task. It is possible to have a more even skin tone.

This therapy is ideal for those with lighter skin. The laser is particularly effective since it can easily distinguish between normal skin and dark areas.

Depending on the size, color, and depth of the spot, as well as the number of spots to be treated, therapy might take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. The majority of treatments do not need anesthesia and are performed as outpatient procedures.

What to Expect After Laser Treatment

The day following your laser treatment, you may have some moderate redness or swelling. The spots will then begin to flake off like coffee grounds after 4-7 days. You can continue your usual activities immediately after each treatment, however, you should keep the treated region out of the sun for at least 6 weeks since dark spots can return in the sun. To prevent them from recurring, apply sunscreen religiously, especially in the weeks after your treatment. Apply sunscreen even if you're merely driving on a sunny day. Your windshield will not protect you from the sun's rays.

The work you put in to get rid of the spots will be for naught if you don't protect yourself from the sun. They'll only stay away if you protect yourself from the light.

Our licensed healthcare providers are devoted to our patients and to the commitment of providing quality patient care on all levels.

Call us or visit us at any time to learn how we can help you!

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