Sun Damage/ Age Spots/ Freckles
Hyperpigmentation, occurs when your body
produces an excess amount of melanin, which is the pigment portion
of your skin. It results in brown spots, age spots, freckles,
or patches of darkened skin. This overproduction of melanin
affects people of all skin colors and is most often seen on
those areas of the body that are exposed to the sun (face, chest,
and hands).
Some common causes of hyperpigmentation
include:
• Sun exposure
• Hormonal changes
as a result of pregnancy, oral contraceptives, or hormone
replacement therapies
• Trauma to the
skin cause by acne, burns, or surgical procedures
Treatments that we might recommend
include:
Skin care products and
creams- We will determine at
the time of your consultation if it is appropriate to use
any of our products that are designed to slowly “bleach”
hyperpigmented skin conditions. Hydroquinone 4%- is a prescription
ingredient that works by inhibiting the production of melanin,
the pigmented portion of skin. Hydroquinone 4% can be used
alone, or in conjunction with other aiding products. The Obagi
Nu-Derm system is a complete skin care product line that
reduces brown pigmentation, and improves the support structures
in skin such as collagen and elastin. It works to improve
the skin’s ability to renew itself for improved texture,
even color, and firmness.
Microdermabrasions and
Peels- A series of microdermabrasion
treatments or glycolic peels
can mildly improve pigmentation problems and uneven tones.
It works by gently exfoliating the top layer of the skin,
to improve color, texture, and pore size. Deeper peels like
TCA or the Obagi
Blue Peel penetrate to deeper levels of the skin to remove
even more of the sun damage, age spots, and pigmentation problems.
Laser Treatments-
Our lasers can treat a full range of
pigmented lesions (from a few isolated freckles or brown spots
to larger café-au-lait spots). We offer individual
brown spot removal treatments, or for large areas like the
entire face or chest we have our Photo
Laser Facial Treatments.
If you have any questions regarding
treatments for brown spots, or wish to schedule a consultation,
please call the San
Francisco Plastic Surgery & Laser Center at 415-392-3333.
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