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Brown Age Spot Removal

Brown spots can be caused by birth, age, or sun exposure. The Q-Switch YAG laser, also known as the N G YAG or Medlite can treat brown spots in the skin caused by age or sun damage. These spots are also known as age spots, sun spots, or liver spots. These spots can be tan or brown in colour and may appear flat and freckle like. The YAG laser can also treat brown based birth marks such as café au lait spots, and pigmented lesions. This laser was designed to target the abnormal concentrations on melanin in the skin and remove it.

The YAG laser emits short pulses of light energy, targeting the excess pigment or melanin, which are found in the superficial layers of the skin. The area being treated will absorb this light, destroying and breaking down that pigmentation. This does not affect the surrounding areas, as it will only target the abnormal concentrations of pigmentation. The result will leave the skin with a more uniform colour and texture. This treatment can also be combined with other treatments such as bleaching agents or peels, however this must be pre-determined by the physician.

Patients with darker pigmented skin do risk some changes to the natural pigment in their skin in some cases. A small test patch can be performed prior to treatment to see how the patient will respond. Patients who have trouble with healing, or who tend to scar may want to consider the risks very carefully, as this may not be the appropriate procedure. If any of the spots are suspected of being malignant or pre-malignant, the physician will perform a biopsy prior to treatment to determine if it is safe to proceed.

Patients will feel slight discomfort during the treatment, similar to that of an elastic band snap with each pulse. Patients may also feel the sensation of slight sunburn after treatment. Redness can remain for 2-4 weeks. Any discomfort will subside within a day or two. Blistering may also occur, or very minor pinpoint bleeding, though this is very rare. Antibacterial ointment is applied to the area post treatment. The area must be kept clean, and the ointment should be applied regularly. Showers can be taken the following day, but the area should not be scrubbed. Please ask questions if the instructions are not clear. The risk of scarring is between one and five percent and the risk of increased or decreased pigmentation is as high as 30%, although this is usually only temporary.

It is very important that all patients apply sun protection, and try to avoid any excess sun exposure, up to 6 weeks following their treatment. An SPF of 60 is preferable. The laser treatment will make the treated area photosensitive, which means more susceptible to the sun. This can counteract what the treatment is trying to achieve, and leave the area darker in appearance.