What are Age Spots?
Age spots, also called liver spots, sun spots, or solar lentigines, are flat or mildly raised, brown lesions that may stand alone or group together. They occur in people of all skin types but are more common in individuals with light skin, and, unlike freckles which fade when sun exposure is limited, age spots will not fade. They often appear on the face, chest, shoulders, and back, as well as the back of the hands and legs. While anyone can develop age spots, they are most common in adults over the age of 50. The best way to prevent age spots is regular sun protection through the use of sunscreen, wearing protective clothing such as a wide-brimmed hat, avoiding prolonged sun exposure which can lead to sun damage, and avoiding the use of tanning beds.
While age spots do not require medical care, it is important to seek medical attention from a dermatologist if your age spots have changed in appearance. This is especially true if your age spot is black in color, has increased in size, has an irregular broader, has an unusual combination of colors, or is bleeding, as these may be signs of skin cancer.
Age Spot Treatment Options
Options to fade age spots can include laser treatments such as the Alex TriVantage laser, Fraxel (re:store dual), PicoWay Laser, and Intense Pulse Light. Our team of board-certified dermatologists will first confirm the diagnosis of a benign lesion and then customize the most effective treatment plan based on a patient’s individual needs.
Alex TriVantage
The Alex TriVantage laser system is used to treat age spots as well as other skin conditions such as birthmarks, freckles, melasma, and other pigmented areas. Pulsed wavelengths target and eliminate only the pigmented area of the skin, leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. Patients may require a series of treatments for optimal results.
Fraxel re:store Dual
Fraxel Dual laser creates micro-wounds in the skin to stimulate the body’s natural healing response, producing collagen and elastin. This results in an improvement in skin discoloration and texture for a visible improvement in skin health and appearance.
PicoWay
PicoWay is an effective choice for treating benign pigmented lesions such as age spots, freckles, and other hyperpigmentation concerns. Ultra-short picosecond pulses of energy are used to break up pigmentation while stimulating collagen production for an improvement in skin look and feel.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
IPL photorejuvenation is ideal for treating age spots, redness, broken blood vessels, and more. It employs multiple wavelengths of light to break up excess melanin. This treatment can be used on the hands, neck, chest, and face, and is safe for all skin types.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re thinking about the next steps to eliminate age spots for more youthful-looking skin, contact UnionDerm in New York today to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled providers. We will be happy to create an individualized treatment plan for you.
We have three convenient locations, including UnionDerm Central Park, UnionDerm Union Square, and UnionDerm Hamptons.
