SYMPTOMS OF BROWN SPOTS
Age spots only appear visibly on the skin. They should not be rough, bumpy, painful, or have any discharge. If you notice rapid changes in an age spot, it is always best to talk to Dr. Dima Ali, as she can prescribe the proper treatment or therapy needed and talk you through the differences between harmless spots like freckles and age spots that appear on the skin, anywhere on the body, that could be an early sign of some type of skin cancer.
Dr. Dima Ali can use a combination of visual diagnosis and skin biopsy if there are any concerns about potentially harmful skin conditions. A biopsy is a small sample of the affected area that is removed and sent to a lab for examination. This sample can be removed under local anesthesia in a simple office visit.
HOW ARE BROWN SPOTS REMOVED?
You can get rid of age spots using Dr. Dima Ali’s Cosminology skin care products and medical aesthetic procedures. Big Bang, Dr. Dima Ali’s customized prescription cream, can help lighten brown spots through the use of bleaching, often using the active ingredient hydroquinone. This cream is applied every day or several times a day for a period of months or weeks before results can be expected to appear.
It is best to talk to Dr. Dima Ali, as she may be able to detect whether the age spots on your skin are truly age spots or may be an early sign of a more serious condition like skin cancer.
Avoid using home remedies that are not recommended by Dr. Dima Ali, as it may do more harm than good, and most of them have not been proven effective to prevent possible damage to the skin resulting in irritation, redness, acne, and rashes.
The treatments below are effective in reducing pigmentation and renewing healthy skin; however, they do not prevent new age spots from developing. Because of this, sun protection is especially important after a treatment, as the skin is more sensitive to damaging solar rays. It is best to wear protective clothing and use Dr. Dima’s Cosmic Ray Sunscreen thoroughly and often, not just to prevent freckles but to protect the new and tender skin that is being renewed.
LASER TREATMENTS
Laser resurfacing is a procedure to treat age spots performed by Dr. Dima Ali. This therapy uses intense pulsed light to destroy age spots by targeting the melanin-producing cells under the top layers of skin without harming the surrounding tissue. These laser treatments can require more than one session to see optimal lightening results. Dr. Dima Ali may also recommend Vbeam, Fraxel, or CO2.
VIBRADERMABRASION
Vibradermabrasion is the latest dermabrasion technology. It uses personal sandblasted paddles that remove dull, dry skin cells safely and effectively without causing additional harm to the skin. It is often paired with additional treatments like chemical peels to achieve the best results. There may be some redness after the session, but this should fade within a few days.
CHEMICAL PEELS
A chemical peel is another treatment for skin that has developed sunspots. In this treatment, a solution is applied anywhere age spots appear on the skin. Its color lightens noticeably after it heals, especially when combined with other treatments like microdermabrasion. Redness may last for a few weeks, after which new, smoother skin will appear on areas that received the treatment.
CRYOTHERAPY
Cryotherapy is a treatment that uses liquid nitrogen to damage the over-pigmented cells. A Q-tip with this solution is applied to age spots for up to 5 seconds, freezing the cells. When the body repairs these cells, they heal with less pigment. Side effects of cryotherapy include skin irritation and the possibility of some scarring. After each session there may be some pain, redness, and swelling, which will fade with time. Do not attempt to use at-home kits or acid solutions to treat age spots yourself. Some areas of skin are more sensitive, and Dr. Dima Ali will be able to apply the most effective dosage and timing with the least risk.
HOW TO FIGHT DARK SPOTS ON YOUR SKIN
All of the above treatments have been shown to be effective but take different amounts of time and numbers of sessions to see results. You can be assured there is a procedure that will be a good fit for you in your effort to reduce age spots and renew a youthful appearance.
For optimal skin care and to prevent the development or worsening of age spots, it is important to take measures to protect your skin. Sun protection and wearing sunscreen is especially important. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection, as well as a wide brimmed hat and protective clothing, can limit the health risk from the sun’s rays. Lightweight clothing can be used and should cover the arms and legs. Applying Cosmic Ray sunscreen to any areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun is also highly recommended to prevent age spots, re-applying as directed to be sure you are getting the protection you need.
