Brown spots are a common part of aging. Over time, however, they can negatively impact the appearance of one’s skin. At the Center for Dermatology and Laser Surgery, our cosmetic providers offer several options for eliminating or diminishing stubborn brown spots in order to keep the skin looking more youthful.
What causes brown spots?
Brown spots, also known as age or liver spots, are flat, painless, and are light brown-to-black in color. They vary in size, but are usually larger than freckles and tend to appear on the parts of the body that are most often exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, arms and shoulders.
The development of brown spots can depend on several factors, including daily exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, injury to the skin, previous sun damage, as well as one’s skin type and genetics. Brown spots usually start to appear in the late 20s, but depending on the patient, they can show up earlier or later in life.
What are effective treatments?
At the Center for Dermatology and Laser Surgery, we offer numerous effective treatments for reducing the appearance of brown spots and skin discoloration to promote a more uniform complexion. These treatments include laser, both resurfacing and non-resurfacing, chemical peels, as well as topical bleaching.
Other procedures that are performed at the Center for Dermatology and Laser Surgery for the treatment of brown spots include liquid nitrogen and microdermabrasion. Following a thorough skin examination of the area in question by one of our certified professional providers, we can then determine the most appropriate individualized course of treatment.
Remember, it is never too late to get rid of unsightly brown spots to attain clear, blemish-free skin. Those beginning to see the first signs of brown spots may also consult with our cosmetic providers regarding skincare treatments and regimens that can preemptively prevent the development of more brown spots.
Are you interested in learning more about the Center for Dermatology and Laser Surgery’s various treatments for brown spots? Call us today at 503-297-3440 to schedule a complimentary consultation with our cosmetic providers.
For those people dealing with the unwanted appearance of spider veins on their legs, confidence and self-esteem can be a daily struggle. Spider veins are enlarged blood vessels which appear red or blue through skin. Dr. Bernard Gasch of the Center for Dermatology and Laser Surgery, explains how the cosmetic dermatology procedure known as sclerotherapy can effectively treat these unattractive veins on legs.
“Spider veins are an extremely common problem, and although they can develop anywhere on the body, they most commonly appear on the legs,” says Dr. Gasch, “There are a number of factors that contribute to the development of spider veins, including genetics, pregnancy, changes in hormones, and weight gain.”
“While spider veins are not normally known to cause significant physical health issues, some patients may experience leg pains as a result, especially whenever they have to stand for a prolonged period of time.” Dr. Gasch continues, “spider veins are mainly a source of embarrassment.”
Dr. Gasch, who specializes in general and cosmetic dermatologic procedures, states that sclerotherapy is still the most effective treatment for spider veins. “Sclerotherapy has been used to treat the appearance of spider veins for many years. The actual procedure involves injecting a certain solution into the vein which causes the walls of the vein to become damaged, resulting in the closure of that vein over a short period of time.” Dr. Gasch explains that although the actual procedure of sclerotherapy has remained similar for decades, the solutions used in sclerotherapy have greatly evolved over time, resulting in much less discomfort than previously. “Gone are the days of using saline solution for sclerotherapy,” says Dr. Gasch. “Three years ago, the FDA approved Polidocanol, also known as Asclera, which has resulted in virtually painless slerotherapy with minimal side effects.
In further explaining sclerotherapy, Dr. Gasch states that the procedure is most effective for small more superficial red or blue veins, not for larger bulging varicose veins. Dr. Gasch reiterates that the treatment does not require any anesthesia and that patients can return to their normal activities within a few days. Dr. Gasch does recommend that his patients wear compression stockings for the first few days following the procedure, in order to improve the results. In addition, many patients will need 2 to 4 treatments to achieve their desired outcome.
Dr. Gasch concludes that “no one should feel like they have to live with or feel embarrassed about having spider veins. Spider veins are easily treatable with sclerotherapy and we have seen great success with it. My patients report a huge improvement in both their appearance and confidence level following their treatments. I encourage anyone dealing with spider veins to consult a board-certified dermatologist in their area who has experience in treating leg veins to learn more about sclerotherapy.”
Call us at 503-297-3440 and make an appointment for sclerotherapy.
Brown spots are a common part of aging. Over time, however, they can negatively impact the appearance of one’s skin. At the Center for Dermatology and Laser Surgery, our cosmetic providers offer several options for eliminating or diminishing stubborn brown spots in order to keep the skin looking more youthful.
