Age Spots

Age Spots

Pigmentation, red spots and brown spots are caused by a proliferation of melanocytes or an Increased deposition of melanin in the dermis and/or epidermis.

Melanocytes are the cells that manufacture melanin, which is the dark pigment in skin. Most of us have some pigmented lesions in one form or another. They include brown spots (lentigines), freckles, moles, or birthmarks. Before any therapy is offered, the type of brown mark is diagnosed by Dr. Alanen. If there is any concern about melanoma, a biopsy of the spot is performed.

The number of treatment sessions depends on the size, location, depth and color of your lesion. Age and sun spots generally do well with one or two treatments, while darker or deeper birthmarks may require additional treatments. With the available technology at derm.ca, immediate results are usually noted after the first treatment. Treatments are usually 3 – 4 weeks apart to allow your body to remove the maximum amount of pigment cells. You will continue to see a lightening of your lesion after each treatment as your body disposes of the pigment cells.