Laser Skin Resurfacing
Age spots are in the form of small and flat dark areas on the skin. These differ in size and usually appear on areas that are exposed to the sun. This includes arms, face, hands, and shoulders. Age spots are also known as liver spots, sunspots, and solar lentigines.
Age spots are common in adults that are over the age of 50. However, younger people can get them too if they spend a lot of time in the sun. Age spots can affect people of all skin tones, textures, and types. However, they are more common in adults that have a lighter skin tone.
Laser skin resurfacing makes use of a wand-like laser instrument for removing the upper skin layers. This procedure is also called laser peeling since it removes older skin cells for revealing youthful and newer cells. Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta (PSI), led by plastic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey, provides laser skin resurfacing to remove age spots to patients in Atlanta, Marietta, Georgia, and surrounding communities.
Choosing Erbium Laser Resurfacing for Age Spots
Erbium laser therapy is the most rapid and effective treatment for removing age spots and other pigmentation that usually includes little to no downtime following the treatment. The procedure heats the underneath skin layers for promoting collagen production. This stimulates the treated skin area to heal in an even and smoother appearance.
Erbium ablative laser is preferred by experienced healthcare professionals for aggressive resurfacing. This is because it has fewer side effects as compared to CO2 lasers. It also has a shorter downtime as per an August 2017 review published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapies.
Are Laser Treatments Painful?
Significant pain is not experienced by most patients when undergoing laser treatments for brown/dark spots and age spots. Each laser pulse, during the procedure, is accompanies by cool air for soothing the treated area. Most people describe the feeling as getting a minor rubber band snap. Patients with lower tolerance for pain may request for a topical anesthetic or a numbing gel to be applied before the procedure.
Time Taken for Results
You should be able to witness results almost immediately. You may see improvements once the potential side effects subside completely. This includes peeling and redness. However, patients can continue with their daily lives. Full results following the treatment may not show for up to 6 months following the procedure as the skin will continue healing at a cellular level.
Recovery Time Following the Treatment
Most patients head back to their work activities immediately after age spot laser treatment. You may experience mild swelling or redness in the treated areas. You are encouraged to keep away from direct sunlight following recovery.
Protecting the Skin
The skin can remain sun sensitive for up to a year following laser skin resurfacing procedure. You should consider wearing an SPF 30 sunscreen or higher for reducing the risk of sun damage and sunburn. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, Marietta, Georgia, and nearby areas for laser skin resurfacing to eliminate or reduce age spots on the face.
Contact Marietta, Georgia Plastic Surgeon Dr. Paul McCluskey at the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta for a Consultation
For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit:
Serving patients in and around Marietta, Atlanta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Buckhead, Morningside/Lenox Park, Virginia-Highland, Candler Park, Midtown, Inman Park, Poncey-Highland, Ormewood Park, Georgia and other surrounding areas.