Age Spots/Sun Damage
The dark spots caused by sun damage, as well as darker areas left over after an injury has healed are most effectively treated with the laser. Topical prescription lightening creams can be used as an adjunct. Retin A cream has been shown to be helpful if used consistently over 10 to 12 months.
Similar to melasma, state of the art laser technology is used to lighten the area of hyperpigmentation. The laser consists of a precise, single wavelength of energy that targets the skin cell containing higher concentrations of melanin (the pigment that makes the skin look darker). The laser passes right through the unaffected layers of skin to the deeper layers where the pigment defect is located. This lightens the area with out damaging surrounding tissue. Unlike IPL therapy or Intense Pulsed Light, the laser directs a known quantity of energy to a particular target. Since IPL is light therapy, consisting of many different wavelengths of light, it is imprecise and delivers less energy to the target tissue.
Laser treatments are painless and do not require any down time. Initially the spots will get darker or grayer and then flake of in a few days. Most spots will lighten considerably, some disappearing altogether. Sometimes several treatments are needed to achieve desired results, but usually 2 to 3 are all that is required.
Immediately after treatment the treated areas will be pink. This resolves in a matter of minutes. Makeup can be directly applied. It is important not to pick at the flaky areas, but normal cleansing and moisturizing is encouraged. It is imperative to use sunscreen after treatment to protect the results of the laser and prevent further sun damage.
© St. Louis Skin Solutions ~ Site Created by Innovative Connections