Laser Treatment for Sun Damage

Improve Brown Spots, Redness and Uneven Skin Tone

Years of sun exposure can cause visible changes in the skin, including brown spots, redness, visible blood vessels, uneven pigmentation, and changes in skin tone and texture.

At Kessel Dermatology, we use the Excel V+™ laser by Cutera to target several of the visible signs of sun damage and help restore a clearer, more even appearance to the skin.

What Does Sun Damage Look Like?

Sun damage can appear differently from person to person and often involves more than one type of skin change.

Common signs include:

• Brown spots and sun spots
• Uneven pigmentation
• Redness
• Visible facial blood vessels
• Poikiloderma
• Uneven skin tone
• Fine lines and changes in skin texture

Because these concerns have different causes within the skin, treatment should be based on what type of sun damage is actually present.

How Does Excel V+ Treat Sun Damage?

Excel V+ uses different laser wavelengths and customizable treatment settings to target specific structures within the skin.

For unwanted pigmentation, laser energy is absorbed by pigment within the targeted brown spot. The treated pigment breaks down and is gradually cleared as the skin heals.

Excel V+ can also target hemoglobin within visible blood vessels, making it possible to address some of the redness and vascular changes caused by chronic sun exposure.

Treatment settings are selected according to your skin type and the specific changes being treated.

What Happens to Brown Spots After Laser Treatment?

Brown spots commonly darken following laser treatment. This is an expected response as the targeted pigment moves toward the surface of the skin.

The treated areas may look darker or develop a superficial crust before gradually flaking away.

It is important not to pick or scrub the treated areas. Allow the skin to shed naturally as it heals.

Why Should Brown Spots Be Evaluated Before Laser Treatment?

Not every brown spot is simply sun damage.

Pigmented lesions can have many causes, and some should not be treated cosmetically without first establishing what they are.

One advantage of receiving laser treatment within a dermatology practice is that questionable or changing lesions can be evaluated before cosmetic treatment.

Any spot that is new, changing, irregular, symptomatic, or otherwise concerning should be medically evaluated rather than simply treated with a laser.

What Should I Expect During Treatment?

Before treatment, your skin will be evaluated to determine which areas are appropriate for laser treatment.

During the procedure, pulses of laser energy are delivered to the targeted areas. Depending on what is being treated, you may experience warmth or a sensation similar to a quick snap against the skin.

Excel V+ incorporates cooling technology to help protect the skin and improve comfort during treatment.

Treatment time varies depending on the size of the area and the number of spots or vascular changes being treated.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

The number of treatments depends on the type and extent of sun damage.

Some individual brown spots may respond significantly after a single treatment, while more extensive pigmentation, redness, or vascular changes may require a series of treatments.

Your treatment plan will be customized after your skin has been evaluated.

What Should I Expect After Treatment?

Your skin's response will depend on what has been treated.

Temporary effects may include:

• Redness
• Mild swelling
• Darkening of treated brown spots
• Superficial crusting or flaking
• Tenderness

These changes gradually resolve as the skin heals and treated pigment clears.

Specific aftercare instructions will be provided based on your treatment.

Can Laser Treatment Prevent Future Sun Damage?

No. Laser treatment can improve existing visible sun damage, but it cannot prevent new damage from occurring.

Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen and limiting unnecessary ultraviolet exposure are important for maintaining your results and reducing future sun damage.

Sun protection also helps reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.

How Much Does Laser Treatment for Sun Damage Cost?

The cost depends on the size of the treatment area, the type and extent of sun damage, and the number of treatments recommended.

Your treatment plan and cost will be discussed after your skin has been evaluated.

Is Laser Treatment for Sun Damage Right for You?

Sun damage can involve pigmentation, redness, visible vessels, texture, or a combination of these changes. The first step is determining exactly what you're trying to improve.

Schedule a consultation at Kessel Dermatology to determine whether Excel V+ or another aesthetic treatment is most appropriate for your skin.

Learn More About Excel V+

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