Brown Spot, Sun Spot & Liver Spot Treatment in 535 Miller Ave
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Brown spots, often called liver spots, age spots, or sun spots, are one of the most common aesthetic concerns we see. They develop on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, chest, and hands and can make skin look older and uneven. At Aesthetic Dermatology And Skin Cancer, Inc., we offer several proven laser and light treatments to fade brown spots and restore a brighter, more uniform complexion.
What Causes Brown Spots?
Most brown spots are caused by years of cumulative sun exposure, which triggers the skin to produce extra pigment in concentrated areas. Aging, genetics, hormonal changes, and inflammation can also contribute to discoloration. Related pigment concerns include melasma, a hormonally influenced pattern of brown patches on the face, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that can follow acne or injury.
Before treating any brown spot, we evaluate it carefully. Some spots that look harmless can be early skin cancers, so a spot that is changing, dark, irregular, or growing should be examined. If needed, we can include a skin cancer screening during your visit.
Treatment Options for Brown Spots
A number of different procedures are available to treat brown spots, and we’ll recommend the best approach for your skin type and goals:
- Excel V Laser – an excellent treatment for individual spots as well as groups of liver spots in any location, usually over several sessions
- Fraxel Restore – our favorite global approach, treating brown spots and melasma while also improving fine lines, texture, tone, and scarring over a series of three to five sessions with little downtime
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) – improves sun damage and discoloration while also treating precancerous actinic keratoses
- Fractional laser resurfacing – reduces brown spots in addition to improving lines, wrinkles, and scarring, with more significant downtime
- Chemical peels – exfoliate pigmented surface cells to brighten and even skin tone
Photodynamic Therapy Results
Photodynamic therapy can dramatically improve sun-damaged skin on the face, chest, and arms, reducing brown spots, redness, and rough patches in the same treatment. It is an excellent option for patients with both cosmetic sun damage and precancerous spots.
Benefits depicted are actual and not retouched. Patient results may vary. Each set of photos reflects the benefit realized by the person in that set of photos, and not necessarily the viewers final results.
Protecting Your Results
Because sun exposure causes most brown spots, daily broad-spectrum sunscreen and sun-protective habits are essential to keeping new spots from forming. Our physician-grade skin care products and skin care spa treatments can help maintain an even, radiant complexion. Explore our other treatable conditions to learn more.
Brown Spots FAQs
What causes brown spots on the skin?
Most brown spots are caused by cumulative sun exposure. Aging, genetics, hormones, and inflammation can also lead to areas of increased pigment.
Are brown spots dangerous?
Most brown spots are harmless, but some skin cancers can look similar. Any spot that is new, changing, dark, or irregular should be examined by a dermatologist.
What is the best treatment for brown spots?
The best treatment depends on the number, type, and location of spots. Excel V works well for individual spots, while Fraxel Restore treats spots across a wider area and improves texture and tone.
How many treatments will I need?
Individual spots often improve after one to several Excel V sessions. Fraxel Restore is typically performed in a series of three to five sessions.
Is there downtime after brown spot treatment?
Treated spots may darken slightly and flake off over about a week. Fraxel Restore involves little downtime, while more aggressive resurfacing requires a longer recovery.
Can brown spots come back?
New spots can form with continued sun exposure. Daily sunscreen and periodic maintenance treatments help keep your skin clear.
Can you treat brown spots on the hands and chest?
Yes. We treat brown spots on the face, neck, chest, hands, and other sun-exposed areas.
Fade Brown Spots and Even Your Skin Tone
Reveal a brighter, more youthful complexion at Aesthetic Dermatology And Skin Cancer, Inc.. Call (415) 383-5475 or request an appointment online today.