Many of the smaller spots and skin lesions of the face are easily removed with lasers. These include small brown spots or age spots, and freckles and freckle-like spots on the face and elsewhere. A laser generates and intense beam of light. This beam brings energy to a specific site, through a small hand piece connected to the laser. The laser light is absorbed by the melanin/pigment (black or brown pigment found in the skin) causing decomposition or destruction by heat of unwanted cells while leaving healthy cells intact.
Reasons for Considering Removal Pigmented or Brown Lesions
If you have any of the following:
Lentigines- a flat, brown spot on the skin present on skin with frequent sun exposure
Keratoses- slightly elevated pigmented spots often found on the back and hands
Freckles- a brownish spot on the skin common on people with fair skin
Dermatosis Papulosis Nigra- small, dark or black marks seen primarily on people of Asian or African descent
General Procedure
A laser generates and intense beam of light. This beam brings energy to a specific site, through a small hand piece connected to the laser. The laser light is absorbed by oxyhemoglobin (bright red blood cells carrying oxygen) and melanin/pigment (black or brown pigment found in the skin) causing decomposition or destruction by heat of unwanted cells while leaving healthy cells intact.
Recovery Process
Postoperative care is minimal. Final treatment results should be evident within 2-3 weeks after treatment for pigmented lesions. In the meantime, normal daily activities can by resumed with only a slight redness evident at the treatment area.