Melasma, Brown Spots, Sun Damage Before & After
The effects of the sun over time can have a variety of consequences on the skin in the form of sun damage. Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure over the time often causes brown discoloration in the skin in the form of brown spots, freckling, and melasma. Melasma is of special note as it is characterized by brown patches on the face relatd to sun exposure, hormonal influences, and inflammation.
Brown discoloration is treated differently depending on the condition being treated. Some conditions, such as melasma, are best treated with topical skin care first, and then the correctly chosen laser to avoid worsening the condition. Other conditions, such as sun spots or freckling, can be treated directly with laser and light rejuvenation for a dramatic improvement.
Lasers and light sources helpful in treating sun damage, brown spots, melasma and brown discoloration in scars include an IPL, Spectra (a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser), and the fractionated CO2 laser. Depending on the severity of the condition, one to several treatments may be necessary, and there may be no to some downtime following treatment.
