Age spots, also known as liver spots, sunspots or solar lentigines are small, flat, dark spots that appear on the skin as a result of the ageing process. They often appear on areas exposed to the sun, being seen on the face, hands and neck area. At consultation, a clinician first checks that each spot is a harmless age spot. It can then often be removed with the DEKA CO2 laser at our Leamington Spa clinic. This is a non-surgical option that can give good cosmetic results for many patients. Any spot that looks unusual or has changed is not lasered. Instead, we advise further checks, which may include a biopsy or referral to your GP or a dermatologist. Risks and results vary, and we discuss them with you at consultation. The Candela Nd-Yag laser is also effective for age spot removal in some cases.
Age spots develop over time as a result of exposure to the sun. It is highly likely that you will develop at least a few age spots at some point in your life. Age spots or sunspots are mostly found on the face and due to their visibility, patients often choose laser removal of age spots as an alternative to surgery. These spots vary in size and colour.
All skin types can be affected by age spots, however they often appear on lighter skin tones. These spots do not usually fade over time. Some people choose treatment to lighten or remove them, while others prefer to leave them. Age spots or liver spots are flat and are typically the size of a 5 pence piece, although can be as small as a freckle. Colour wise, they are normally dark brown or tan. Patients often develop multiple age spots in one area too, making them more noticeable. Sun spots can also appear at any age, although mostly appear after the age of 50.
Age spots develop due to an excess production of melanin, or skin pigment. Ultraviolet rays can trigger the body to generate melanin and over time, age spots appear due to a build-up, or clusters of melanin forming. Those who use sunbeds are also highly likely to develop age spots at some point in their life, as well as other skin imperfections.
Some patients choose to have age spots treated for cosmetic reasons, particularly on visible areas such as the face and hands. Sun spot removal at our Leamington Spa clinic is performed by our experienced laser specialists.
We use the DEKA SmartXide CO2 or Candela Nd:YAG laser to treat these lesions. Numbing cream or a numbing injection is used to keep you comfortable, and most people feel only mild discomfort. After treatment, a small scab forms and usually falls off within a week. You should avoid swimming, hot baths and hot tubs for about a week. We use established medical laser systems from DEKA and Candela, operated by trained laser specialists. The laser is aimed precisely at the lesion to limit the effect on the surrounding skin. The SmartXide Touch is an ablative laser that works by removing the thin outer layer of the affected skin. It then heats up the underlying skin to stimulate the production of collagen. As the area heals, new skin forms. Bleeding is usually minimal. There is a risk of pigmentation change and, rarely, scarring, which we discuss with you at consultation.
Prior to treatment, all patients will require a full medical consultation for us to assess the lesions and devise a treatment plan. During your consultation we will take a full medical history to ensure you are suitable for treatment too. After patients have agreed to the procedure, we will take necessary precautions like applying numbing cream to make the process more comfortable and applying eye protection if the lesions are close to the eyes.
The procedure will take approximately 10 to 30 minutes, depending on how many age spots and the size of the lesions. Normally, patients require only one treatment for effective removal but sometimes we advise repeated sessions. We always aim to remove the entire cluster of lesions to avoid the chance of any regrowth.
Age spot removal with the CO2 laser is suitable for all skin types, however hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation is more common in those with a darker skin type. During your consultation, we will discuss any risks involved and you will have a chance to ask our laser specialist any questions.
Age spot removal without surgery is very popular and we specialise in lesion removal treatments.
Age Spot Removal Videos
Florina and Dasher are great! Really make you feel at ease and go the extra mile. They have been doing a brilliant job with my treatment and the results so far are fantastic! Thank you soo much ladies.
Jay,
