Question 1

What are brown spots?

Answer

Brown Spots are benign pigmented lesions that are very common and often appear with age or sun exposure. Pigmented Lesions are caused by a proliferation of melanocytes or increased amount of melanin in the skin.

Question 2

How does the laser treatment work?

Answer

The laser produces intense light energy that is focused onto the targeted area of skin. The energy is absorbed by the pigment, and the excess melanocyte cells are destroyed while the surrounding tissue remains unharmed. The laser cannot be used for removal of lesions that are cancerous or suspected of being cancerous.

Question 3

Am I a candidate for this procedure?

Answer

The Q-switched Laser is appropriate if you have a few isolated colored spots, large or small, that you would like to remove. We stress that this treatment is best for removing only a few spots. The Q-switched Laser is not appropriate for pregnant women or patients who have taken Accutane for the past six months. Persons with a history of cold sores or herpes simplex virus should not have this procedure until they are treated for these conditions.

Question 4

What areas of the body can be treated?

Answer

Q- Switched Lasers can treat pigmented lesions on the face, neck, chest, hands, arms, and legs.

Question 5

How many treatments will I need?

Answer

Astanza 532 Laser treatment can remove the majority of brown age spots (lesions) and hyperpigmentation from your face, arms, or legs. Your skin will have a more even, youthful color. Our lasers are designed to specially target the pigment in the skin, so they provide great results. Superficial brown marks caused by age and sun can resolve with 1-2 treatments. Patients may come in for touch ups as needed. If an additional treatment is required, it is best to wait at least 8 weeks between treatments so that the maximum fading can occur.

Question 6

Is the procedure painful?

Answer

The procedure is very fast and tolerable and is often compared to having a rubber band snapping against the skin – that is feels mild and tolerable. There is very little discomfort.

Question 7

How long are treatments?

Answer

Depending on the size and numbers of lesions, treatments usually take 10 to 45 minutes.

Question 8

What results should I expect?

Answer

Over the weeks following your treatment, you may experience temporary swelling, redness, or increased flushing. Treatment for Brown Spots an pigmented lesions will likely result in scabbing. Once the scabbed area flakes off, the skin underneath will be lighter and less pigmented. Each additional treatment will address any remaining excess skin pigment. The number of treatments a patient needs depends on the darkness of the lesion. To prevent the brown spot from reappearing, make sure to keep your skin protected from daily sun exposure and follow advice of your specialist.

Question 9

Will the spots return after treatment?

Answer

Not usually. However, new spots may appear over time, but these too can be removed. Optimal results can be maintained only if you apply sunscreen on the treated area and avoid future sun exposure.