Age & Sun Spot

Sunlight, the elements and the natural aging process all contribute to the development of dark spots and freckles. Your face, hands and chest are the first parts of the body to show signs of aging because they receive so much sun exposure. Age spots and freckles are forms of pigmented lesions. They are caused by excess production of melanin in the skin by cells called melanocytes.

Most of the lesions are just a cosmetic problem. Things that would make some one suspicious about pigmented lesions being precancerous or cancerous are irregular borders, scaling, bleeding, itching, multiple colors or large (or increasing) size. Any suspicious lesion must be biopsied before it is removed. If ever questionable, err on the side of caution.

Lasers and Intense Pulsed Light devices have been used with great success to remove brown spots. The goal here is for the energy to be selectively absorbed by the pigmented areas, sparing the normal surrounding skin. Topical remedies such as bleaching agents, glycolic acid, and retinoid can be tried but usually these agents are only minimally effective.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy for Removal of Brown Spots  

How does it work and what areas can be treated?

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy for Removal of Brown Spots  

Unlike a laser, which emits one specific wavelength of light, IPL emits a broad spectrum of light with each pulse. Examples of IPL technologies used at Reflections to treat brown spots include the Starlux, Ellipse and Medilux. Advantages of using an IPL include minimizing downtime and a very low risk of complications. This procedure is performed only by physicians at Reflections.

How does it work and what areas can be treated?

What should I do in preparation for the IPL treatment?

You should avoid sun exposure and tanning (including artificial tanning products and procedures) before and after your treatments. Also, you should discontinue the use of blood thinners such as aspirin or other types of anti-platelet or anti-coagulant herbal remedies including Gingko biloba and Vitamin E.

Who performs the treatment and how long does it take?

In contrast to other facilities, at Reflections, ONLY A PHYSICIAN will perform the IPL. The treatment takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

Is it uncomfortable, what will I notice afterwards and when can I return to ormal activities?

Most patients tolerate the procedure quite well and don’t require any topical anesthetic prior to the procedure. For those who desire, we use topical lidocaine 30-40 minutes prior to the IPL treatment. You will see the brown spots darken immediately after treatment and then flake off during the following week. There may be mild redness in the surrounding skin. You can immediately resume all regular activities. By dividing the treatment into several sessions you get progressive improvement with low risk.

How many treatments will I need?

This depends on several factors including skin tone and the extent of pigmented lesions. Typically three treatments are performed at monthly intervals for optimal results, though we may see the pigmented lesions clear sooner.

Can I combine this treatment with other "No Downtime" treatments for enhanced results?

Combining no downtime procedures gives the best results without invasive surgery. The following procedures are ofter combined with IPL:

• Botox Cosmetic - to soften and erase lines in the upper face including forehead, frown and crow’s feet
• Fillers- Fillers such as Restylane are used to fill out folds & wrinkles, including the area next to the nose and mouth, to enhance the lips, and to soften the hollows under the eyes.
• Lasers- to tighten the skin & reduce wrinkles and acne scars

What other benefits might I see with IPL treatments?

In addition to using the IPL for removal of brown spots, other benefits of this treatment include Improvements in redness from Rosacea and a decrease in spider veins and broken capillaries. The IPL produces smoother, even-toned, more youthful looking skin

Laser Treatment

Most patients describe the sensation to feel like the snap of a rubber band on the skin as the laser pulses are delivered through the hand piece. Some patients request a topical anesthesia for added comfort. Following treatment, the pain is minimal to nonexistent.

Depending on the number, size, and location of the lesions, treatments usually take only a few minutes.

Not usually. However, new spots may appear over time, but these too can be removed. Optimal results can be maintained only if you apply sunscreen on the treated area and avoid future sun exposure.

Yes. Lasers and advanced light systems have been used safely on millions of patients of all ages worldwide. These systems treat only the targeted lesions (spots), leaving the surrounding tissue intact. There are many benefits to laser surgery including little if any pain, no needles for most patients, less bruising and swelling and once removed, the lesions rarely return. The risk of scarring or discoloration is minimal.

Laser Spot Removal gives your doctor precise control as the procedure gently removes the spots to reveal smooth, fresher-looking skin. The laser's energy is delivered in pulses via a hand piece held very close to the skin. As the laser pulses, you may feel a slight sting. If needed, a local anesthesia can be applied to the treatment area. Spots are removed in a precise, rapid, bloodless fashion achieving excellent results.

Following laser treatment, there may be a little discoloration. After several days a crust will form and fall off within 7-14 days. Occasionally some discoloration may persist for several months.