Age spots
Dernière mise à jour le 06/06/2022 par Antonin Catrin
Senile lentigines, known as age spots or “liver” spots, are smooth brown spots that generally appear after the age of forty on areas of the body subject to significant skin aging as a result of sun exposure.
Age Spots Laser Treatment
Two types of lasers are used :
Abrasive lasers, which take off the uppermost layer of the skin containing the pigment of the spot, and photomechanical lasers, which allow for the treatment of brown spots by volatilizing the melanin contained in the spots without causing burning or abrasion.
At the Centre Laser Sorbonne we use the latter type of laser, a Q-Switched Nd:YAG REVLITE laser from HOYA ConBio.
The doctor of the Centre may also suggest treatment by flashlamp (IPL), the HARMONY AFT 570 technology from Alma Lasers.
The choice of equipment will be made by the doctor depending on the lesions to be treated and your skin type.
A Typical Senile Lentigo Laser Treatment
Protective eyewear is necessary for the patient as well as the doctor.
- The treatment usually involves one to two sessions of fifteen minutes scheduled four to six weeks apart. The patient will feel a sensation similar to the snap of an elastic band, followed by a hot, burning feeling.
A blanching of the lesions is observed, quickly followed by an erythema and swelling around the lesions. - Flashlamp treatment generally requires four sessions scheduled one month apart.
A grayish color at the area of the spot is a sign of the treatment’s effectiveness.
Age Spots Laser Treatment : Potential Counter-Indications
At your first consultation it is important that the pigmented lesion be correctly evaluated before treatment. Occasionally a dermatoscopy or biopsy will by necessary.
The doctor may recommend a skin preparation to relax the melanocytic system if he or she considers it necessary.
After Age Spots treatment …
The skin containing the pigments will be eliminated after forming tiny scabs, which are often darker than the original pigmented spot.
These scabs most often disappear in about eight days, leaving a smooth, new skin. At first pinkish, the skin will acquire its natural color in a matter of weeks.
It is recommended that the area be strictly protected from the sun until completely healed.
Senile Lentigo Laser treatment Cost
Your first appointment will be a medical consultation and will be invoiced 45 € TTC.
The cost of a session depends on the number of lesions to be treated and their size.