Brown spots, which become more common as people age, are often seen on parts of the body that are exposed to the sun — including the face, hands, chest and neck. Brown spots on the skin are hyperpigmentation resulting from too much exposure to the sun’s UV rays, or from UV ray exposure in tanning beds. In addition to being triggered by sun exposure, factors such as genetics and hormonal changes can trigger the appearance of irregular brown spots, or make them worse. Although they are typically not dangerous, it’s important to note that not all brown spots on the body are simply age spots — some brown spots may actually be moles, and should be examined by one of our experienced dermatologists to determine if there is any cause for concern.
Many people are troubled by brown spots; however, there are a number of effective treatments that can lighten or reduce the appearance of benign brown spots/hyperpigmentation. Treatments can include topical ointments and creams, as well as laser treatments – which have proven highly effective in reducing the appearance of brown spots. By targeting the darker areas of pigmentation below the skin, lasers help break up the pigmentation – allowing pigmentation to be removed naturally. In addition, at Dermatology Institute and Laser Center we use the Icon MaxG Optimized Light Handpiece laser — which utilizes optimized light technology — to help erase pigmentation and vascular lesions. The MaxG™ laser penetrates deep beyond the surface of the skin, gently heating the diameter of vascular lesions and pigmentation which will then be processed by the body and fade.
If you are concerned with irregular brown spots, or have noticed a brown spot that has changed appearance recently, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ros and her team who can examine your skin and evaluate the cause of the hyperpigmentation. As board-certified dermatologists, we can confirm that it is a benign brown spot and discuss treatment options that can enable you to lighten/reduce the appearance of brown spots – and also discuss ways you can protect your skin to prevent future brown spots. Dr. Ros can also decide if further testing is needed to determine if the hyperpigmentation is benign or may be a beginning stage of skin cancer. Contact us today at either our Rockaway office or our Clifton office at (973) 472-1000, or email us.
Brown spots, also known as liver spots, sun spots, age spots, or solar lentigines, are very common in people over the age of 50 but can also occur at any time in life. Appearing most often on areas of the body that experience frequent sun exposure, such as the face, neck, chest, and hands, these circular or oval-shaped areas of darker skin may occur in isolation or in patches, like freckles. Benign cosmetic brown spots are harmless, and the choice to treat them is usually a matter of aesthetic preference. If you are seeking to even out your complexion and achieve a more consistent skin tone, Dr. Ros and her highly qualified and experienced team can help.
At Dermatology Institute and Laser Center, brown spot treatment options may include topical medications, targeted laser treatments, chemical peels, and more, depending on the circumstances. To confirm a diagnosis of benign brown spots and receive a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and cosmetic goals, schedule an appointment at our Clifton or Rockaway location today!
What Are Brown Spots?
Brown spots are flat, round or oval-shaped pigmented lesions that are darker than the surrounding skin. Ranging in size from approximately one-tenth of an inch to half an inch or more in diameter, they may appear on their own or in patches that can sometimes be dense and numerous. Brown spots typically develop on the face, hands, chest, neck, and other areas of the body that are exposed to the sun. Their prevalence increases with age.
Benign brown spots do not cause any discomfort, such as pain or itching, and most patients who seek treatment for them do so for cosmetic reasons only. That being said, it is important to note that not all brown spots on the body are simply age spots. Some may actually be moles or other skin conditions and should be examined by one of our experienced dermatologists to determine if there is any cause for concern.
How Brown Spots Form
Brown spots form due to an overproduction of melanin, the substance responsible for pigmentation in the skin. When melanin is produced in excess, hyperpigmentation in the form of brown spots may occur.
The most common cause of hyperpigmented brown spots is sun damage resulting from exposure to the sun’s UV rays, which can speed up melanin production over time. However, other triggers, such as tanning beds, radiation therapy, and burns to the skin, may also contribute to their development. People with fair skin and/or those who spend a significant amount of time in the sun have an increased likelihood of developing brown spots on the skin. The condition may also be impacted by genetics, hormones, and a variety of other factors.
Common Treatments
Patients seeking to reduce or remove cosmetic brown spots on the skin have a variety of treatment options available, including the following:
- Topical Medications – Prescription topical medications containing ingredients such as hydroquinone, retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), or mild corticosteroids can help address uneven skin tone by lightening and reducing unsightly brown spots.
- Laser Therapy – Laser treatments have proven highly effective in reducing the appearance of brown spots. Intense pulsed light is used to precisely target darker areas of pigmentation beneath the skin, breaking them up so that they can be naturally processed by the body. Some brown spots fade after a single laser treatment, but multiple treatments may also be necessary, depending on the circumstances.
- Chemical Peels – A superficial or medium-depth chemical peel may remove the layers of skin containing brown spots while also helping you achieve softer, healthier, more elastic skin and a more youthful appearance overall.
Depending on your cosmetic goals and the specifics of your case, Dr. Ros and the team at Dermatology Institute and Laser Center will develop a personalized treatment plan that may include one or more of the treatment options listed above. Book a consultation today to have your brown spots evaluated and take the first step toward the even, rejuvenated skin you desire!
Results And Recovery
The outcome of brown spot treatment depends on a variety of factors, including the extent of hyperpigmentation, the type of treatment, and the patient’s response to it. In general, brown spots can be effectively lightened, and in many cases, they can be removed altogether.
Recovery after brown spot treatment can range from no downtime with topical creams to minimal downtime, such as one or more days of redness, swelling, and/or mild discomfort after laser therapy or a chemical peel. Speak directly with Dr. Ros for more information about expected results and recovery time based on the specifics of your case.
About Dr. Adriana Ros
Dr. Adriana Ros is a board-certified dermatologist with more than 15 years of experience in medical and cosmetic dermatology. Licensed to practice in both New Jersey and New York, she is the Chief of the Dermatology Department at Hackensack UMC Palisades Hospital, a clinical professor at Hackensack Meridien School of Medicine, and a staff member at Bergen Regional Medical Center as well as a number of other facilities. Dr. Ros is known for her state-of-the-art treatments and her warm and compassionate patient care. She specializes in brown spot treatment and looks forward to helping you achieve even, flawless skin.
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Book an Appointment Today
Address dark spots and achieve even, younger-looking skin with a customized treatment plan from Dr. Ros and the world-class team at Dermatology Institute and Laser Center. Contact us today to book an appointment and get started! We look forward to working with you.
