Brown Liver Spots

About Q-Switched ND YAG Laser

The Nd:YAG Laser has been the true workhorse in removing well-defined brown spots for more than a decade. Most patients require only one treatment and the results are dramatic. Unlike the PhotoFacial treatment, there is some mild irritation to the skin which usually lasts a few days to a week. However, some patients don’t mind this minor irritation, as the Nd:YAG laser saves patients the inconvenience of repeated trips to our center. Patients with melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or those with more diffuse hyperpigmentation and brown discoloration should choose other options.

Benefits

• Removes brown age and liver spots (lentigines)
• Removes freckles
• Removes tattoos
• Removes brown birthmarks and Nevus of Ota
• Usually a one-time treatment
• Minor irritation to skin only
• Minimal risk
• Stimulates new collagen synthesis to improve skin tone

Alternatives

Chemical Peels, Clinical Facial, Fading Creams, Laser Skin Resurfacing, Lunchtime Laser Toning, Microdermabrasion, One-Pass CO2 Laser Resurfacing, PhotoFacial Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), and Retinoic Acid Creams.

How Does it Work?

A laser light is passed over the pigmented skin, microscopically shattering the pigment into tiny particles which are more easily processed and eliminated by the body. Most patients undergo a ten minute treatment. A mild to moderate irritation of the overlying skin is to be expected for a few days to a week, depending on the depth and amount of pigment to be removed.

Who is a Candidate?

Most skin types except the very darkest skin. Patients with tans should wait until their tan fades before undergoing this treatment.

What can I Expect?

Reduction or removal of unsightly birthmarks which may greatly improve one’s sense of confidence and self esteem.

Results may vary.

Safety & Side Effects

This treatment has a very strong track record for safety and precision. Brown spots become slightly irritated for a few days to a week or so. Side effects are rare and generally temporary. The specific risks and the suitability of these procedures for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally.

Recovery Time

Patients who have had facial areas treated may take off a few days, while those having body, hands or other areas treated usually return to their normal activity the next day.

Does it Hurt?

The Nd:YAG laser treatment causes a slight sting. Anesthetics are not needed for most patients; however those with very sensitive skin may apply a numbing cream 30 minutes before the procedure if desired.

Before Treamnt Instructions

Avoid excessive sun exposure. Avoid tanning for one month before your treatment.

After Treamnt Instructions

Wash the area with a mild soap and gently pat dry, then apply a soothing moisturizer to the skin. Avoid excessive sun exposure and tanning for one week after your treatment. Consider the use of sunscreens. Patients who undergo the treatment to remove brown spots should consider the use of fading creams and sunscreen after the procedure.

Who Performs the Treatments?

Our Physicians, Physician Assistants and Registered Nurses.