Brown Spots

Brown spots, otherwise know as age spots, are common growths that occur on a person's skin.  They are also refered to as lentigo or solar lentigo.  They are also called liver spots, but have nothing to do with the liver or liver function.  This brown spots are most frequently seen in adults over thirty, and they occur most commonly on sun exposed skin, face, back of hands, arms, chest and lower legs.  Lentigo are typically brown or tan and are flat on the skin. 

Causes
Brown spots are caused by aging and years of overexpsoure to the sun overexposure can lead to the develop of these unsightly brown spots on the skin.  Heredity also plays a role in fair skinned individuals who are more prone to developing age spots.  Cumulative exposure to the harmful rays of the sun is the cause of age spots rather than age itself.  Lentigo are not related to skin cancer and are harmless.  Many people chose to have brown spots removed for cosmetic appearances, however it is not medically necessary.

Cancer
Before a person seeks cosmetic laser treatment to remove brown spots, it is recommended that a dermatologist be consulted prior to treatment.  Only a dematologist can determine if your spots are cancerous or pre-cancerous.  If these types of cells are treated with a laser, there is a risk that the cells will only be partially removed which can lead to serious consequences.

Treatment
Laser technology can effectively treat and reduce the appearance of brown spots on the face, hands, neck or chest. Laser sun spot removal is a nonsurgical, noninvasive procedure that can be used for all skin types.  Lesions and spots can be readily treated by undergoing a short series of quick and painless laser treatments.  Patients experience not downtime and can return to work immediately.  Age spots can be easily removed, new brown spots can form later.  Going forward patients should use sunscreen and antioxidants to prevent the formation of new sun spots.