Stressing over sunspots? These flat, brown spots of hyperpigmentation are harmless, but that does not mean you have to live with them. Dr. Johnson uses Fraxel Laser to remove sunspots, and reduce other signs of sun damage and aging.
Sunspots happen when the skin is exposed to the sun for long periods of time on a regular basis. Exposure to the sun stimulates the body to increase the production of melanin as a means of defense against damaging rays. In the majority of people, this increase in melanin production results in a suntan, but in a percentage of the population, the melanin increase is uneven. This means some areas become darker than others. Continued exposure to the sun further darkens existing sunspots, as melanin production increases with each additional exposure.
Fraxel Laser is an excellent treatment option for sunspot removal. During the procedure, an intense light is delivered in pulses to the area of treatment via a handheld laser device. The light targets the concentrated melanin found in the sunspot. After the procedure, the sunspot will come to the surface of the skin and flake off. Fraxel Laser is also effective in erasing fine lines like crow’s feet and yields excellent results in minimizing the appearance of scars, like those caused by acne. This laser treatment has been found to effectively treat actinic keratosis, a precancerous condition in which rough, scaly patches of skin develop on the face and arms as a result of prolonged and regular exposure to the sun.
After the Fraxel Laser procedure, patients should take care to wear a high-quality sunscreen with an SPF factor of at least 30, with the ability to block a wide spectrum of ultraviolet rays, and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun to prevent future sunspots or discoloration. Dr. Johnson recommends that patients who undergo Fraxel Laser skin rejuvenation for sunspots and sun damage combine their procedure with a VI peel. When the two procedures are combined, they result in a fresh, new appearance and new, glowing skin. Dermal fillers, like Juvederm or Radiesse, also work well with Fraxel and help boost the skin from the inside, while Fraxel rejuvenates the skin from the outside.
Although sunspots are harmless, any spot of discoloration with an irregular shape should warrant a consultation with a dermatologist for a further look. Skin cancer occurs in 20 percent of Americans, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, and when caught in its early stages, is very treatable.
Learn about Fraxel Laser by calling Innovations Medical today at 214-643-8665