Top-Rated Cosmetic Laser Treatments for Sun Spot Removal
With an average of 300 sunny days annually in California, it’s difficult to avoid the intense sun rays at all times. Sun spots are only a portion of what’s actually happening to your skin from its daily dose of the sun’s rays.
UV exposure accumulates over the years, doing considerable damage that can lead to far more than spots and blotches. DNA changes resulting from long-term exposure to the sun can show up as actinic keratosis and even skin cancer.
Our skilled facial cosmetic surgeons at Westside Face in Los Angeles have helped many patients successfully say goodbye to their unwanted sun spots.
How Effective is Sun Spot Removal?
Laser treatments are the number one most effective treatment for sun spot removal. There are several laser systems that can gently and effectively remove unwanted pigment from your skin. The type of laser system used for your treatment will be determined by factors such as the severity of the brown spots, your skin type, and your skin tone.
How Does Sun Spot Removal Work?
No matter the type of system used, all laser treatments correct the appearance of dark spots the same way, and are designed to direct energy to the surface and sub-dermal layers of the skin to trigger certain responses.
One method is to increase collagen production and other healing factors. Another method, and goal of the sun spot removal, is to accelerate the cellular turnover of the skin so that dark spots can effectively be exfoliated from the skin.
How to Prepare for Sun Spot Removal
There are two important rules you should follow to prepare for laser treatments:
- Avoid all unprotected sun exposure for at least two weeks before your appointment, as well as other elements that might darken your skin.
- Avoid harsh exfoliating treatments, including chemical peels, retinol, and other energy-based treatments, as this may irritate your skin and postpone your treatment.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The number of treatments you will need to remove your unwanted sun spots will be determined by the laser system used for your treatment and the severity of your brown spots. Some laser treatments will require a series of one to three appointments to improve the appearance of the skin, while other laser systems are powerful enough to remove dark spots in as little as one treatment.
How Soon Will I See Results?
The results of your laser treatment will most likely appear gradually. At first, you will notice some immediate improvement in the tone and texture of your skin.
As your skin continues to heal after your laser treatment, your results will continue to improve. Most people can see the final results of a laser treatment within three to six months, and others may even continue to improve after this timeframe.
What is Recovery Like?
The recovery period after your treatment is relatively small. Some patients go back to normal daily activities immediately, while others prefer to take one or two days off work. There will be a few restrictions you will need to observe while your skin is recovering.
During the first two to four weeks after your treatment, it’s also important that you protect your skin from any melanin triggers, which includes sunlight, self-tanning products, and tanning beds. Please wear broad spectrum SPF when you plan to be outside for any length of time.
How Long Will Results Last?
You can typically expect the results of a laser treatment for sun spots to produce very long-lasting results. Some people may even experience permanent results depending on the type of pigment concern being treated.
For removing brown spots, your results will last for as long as you can avoid further sun damage that will trigger more melanin production in the skin.
Can You Make Results Last Longer?
Yes! The best way to extend the results of your laser treatment is to observe the proper aftercare guidelines – more importantly, avoiding sun exposure. Sun damage is likely the cause for your dark sun spots, so by avoiding any additional sun damage, you’ll be able to help your results last longer.
Using quality skincare products that enhance the cellular turnover of your skin may also help you extend the radiant results you will experience after your treatment. Anti-aging skincare products are generally the best serums and moisturizers to use.
Your SPF should also be graded 30 or higher. People who have fair skin, sensitive skin, or skin that easily burns may want to wear SPF 40 or higher.
Am I a Good Candidate?
Since most laser treatments are universally safe, most people who have unwanted sun spots are likely good candidates for this treatment. Candidates should have healthy skin, meaning there are no current breakouts of acne, eczema, psoriasis, cold sores, or sunburns within 14 days of your appointment.
You’ll need to schedule an initial consultation to determine whether your skin is eligible for laser treatments, where our facial cosmetic surgery experts will analyze your skin concerns, gather relevant medical information, and also discuss your past cosmetic treatments.
When Should I Consult a Cosmetic Surgeon to Evaluate My Sun Spots?
It’s very important to have spots evaluated by a qualified cosmetic surgeon when you notice them developing as it’s an early sign of skin cancer.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 1 in 5 Americans are likely to develop skin cancer before the age of 70; however, not all spots that develop over time are dangerous and only need to be removed for cosmetic reasons.
When you discover a dark spot, it’s difficult to tell the difference. Some signs of cancerous growth include:
- Spots or moles that are new, growing, or changing
- Spots or moles with irregular borders
- Cancerous spots can develop from harmful UV sun rays or tanning beds.
Schedule Your Sun Spot Consultation with Westside Face
Laser treatments are the most effective option to remove sun spots and can be used on various skin tones, skin types, and dark spot severity.
If you’re interested in sun spot removal in Los Angeles, contact us by phone 310-846-8519 or email appointments@westsideface.com to schedule a consultation with our award-winning, double board-certified cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Aynehchi, who will happily discuss the best treatment for you tailored to your needs.
Top-Rated Sun Spot Removal Cosmetic Surgeon in Los Angeles
At Westside Face, we aim to provide you with the best and most natural-looking results, with goals to make you feel more confident, all while preserving your natural appearance and giving your skin renewed vitality.
Our plastic surgery specialists are highly experienced and specialized in the art of facial cosmetic surgery. We give each patient that undergoes cosmetic enhancement with us a personalized approach where they can expect:
- Long-lasting results
- Natural-looking changes
- Shortest recovery time possible
For a better understanding of sun spot removal and/or other laser treatments, feel free to reach out to our team of cosmetic surgery specialists by calling 310-846-8519 or emailing info@westsideface.com.
