Brown
spots are called lentigo or solar lentigo, and are
one of the most common growths that occur on the skin.
Lentigo are sometimes called brown spots, age spots
or liver spots (They are completely unrelated to the
liver or liver function). Lentigo 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. They are typically tan or brown in
color, and are generally flat.
Aging and years of sun overexposure can precipitate
the appearance of unsightly brown spots. Heredity
does seem to play a role as fair skinned individuals
may develop them more easily. Although age is sometimes
blamed for brown spots, older individuals have more
cumulative sun exposure, therefore are more likely
to have brown spots. Lentigo are harmless and are
not related to skin cancer. Although lentigo are one
of the most requested cosmetic treatments at Bellagio,
removal is not medically necessary.
Remedies in the past for treatment were fraught with
skin burning and inconsistency. Today we are fortunate
to have the latest in laser technology to effectively
treat and reduce these age defining blemishes. By
undergoing a short series of painless and quick laser
procedures we can selectively delete out these lesions.
The treatment only takes a few minutes and you can
expect to immediately return to your social or work
schedule. We will recommend that you stay out of the
sun and we may also recommend a topical cream or lotion
to optimize your treatment outcome.
Brown spots are easily removed but new lentigo can
form after removal. Frequent use of sunscreens and
antioxidants such as Prevage may help to prevent formation
of new spots.