Liver spots, also known as sun spots, age spots, lentigos or solar lentigines, are harmless patches of pigmentation that are not physiologically related to the liver or its functions. In the majority of cases, liver spots are non-cancerous, pose no threat and no treatment is essential. Occasionally, these spots can be signs of melanoma, a rare but potentially severe type of skin cancer.
Liver spots are blemishes on the skin related with aging and exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Age spots become more common after the age of 50 and are generally reddish brown, dark brown or black in color and vary in size. They can appear on any part of the body that is overexposed to the sun including the face, forehead, arms, shoulders, chest, back and hands. They can enlarge in size or turn darker over time.
Laser Treatment for Liver Spot Removal
Liver spots and freckles, caused by the excess melanin production in the skin, respond well to laser treatment and are safely and effectively removed. During an in-office laser procedure, a powerful light beam at a particular wavelength is applied. It is absorbed by the colored pigments in the skin, thus destroying it with no damage to the skin's surface. The process is generally performed by a physician experienced in the use of lasers.
Patients have to wear dark protective goggles to protect the eyes from the laser light. The treatment length may differ and may demand two or more sessions to absolutely remove the age spots depending on the size of the area being treated. Q Switched laser systems such as Q-switched Nd:YAG laser and Q-switched Alexandrite laser and are widely used for the treatment process. Some uneasiness after the treatment is likely, though, this can be relieved with medication.
Results are noticeable within two days to one month, depending on the type of laser used. It is desirable to consult a doctor for more information about laser treatment for liver spot removal and to find out if it’s your best treatment option.
