Bryn Mawr Dermatology

Villanova, PA | Collegeville, PA
Chesterbrook, PA

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Who Says A Leopard Can’t Change Her Spots? Treating Red and Brown Spots with Laser Technology.

Introduction

Did you know that over 80% of adults have some form of pigmented lesions on their skin? These lesions, such as red and brown spots, can make many individuals feel self-conscious and insecure about their appearance. Fortunately, laser therapy treatment has emerged as a safe and effective treatment for removing these spots. Laser therapy uses focused beams of light to break down pigmentation, allowing the body to absorb and eliminate dark and colored spots.

At Bryn Mawr Dermatology, we offer various types of FDA-approved laser therapy treatments. Our dermatologists take their time assessing your needs to develop the best-suited treatment plan for you.

In this article we will cover how our Laser Therapy can help treat red and brown spots and we highly recommend you read the full article for more information!

Dermatologist providing laser therapy treatment to a patient.

What is Laser Therapy Treatment?

Laser therapy is a medical procedure that uses high-intensity light beams to treat various skin conditions, including unwanted spots. The appearance of red and brown spots on the skin is relatively common and can be caused by numerous factors, including sun exposure, aging, hormonal changes, genetics and certain medical conditions. These spots can appear anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the face, neck, chest, and hands. While harmless, some people may feel self-conscious about their appearance, and laser therapy treatment can make them feel confident and comfortable with their skin again.

Due to its ease and effectiveness, treatments based on laser therapy are becoming increasingly popular, with more than 4 million laser-based procedures being performed annually in the United States alone. At Bryn Mawr Dermatology, our skilled professionals offer advanced laser therapy options to help you achieve the clear, radiant skin you deserve.

What Can Laser Therapy Do for My Skin?

Laser therapy treatment can be used to treat unwanted spots that may appear due to several factors. It is most commonly used for symptoms such as:

  • Age spots: Age spots are flat, tan, brown, or black spots that often appear on the face, hands, and other areas of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun.
  • Rosacea: Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes redness, small bumps, and visible blood vessels on the face.
  • Hyperpigmentation: Hyperpigmentation is a condition in which patches of skin become darker than the surrounding skin. It can be caused by various factors, including sun exposure, hormonal changes, and certain medications.
  • Melasma: Melasma is a common skin condition that causes brown or gray-brown patches on the face, particularly on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. It is often caused by hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy, and can be challenging to treat over-the-counter treatments.

What are the Types of Laser Therapy?

At Bryn Mawr Dermatology, we offer different types of laser therapy treatments that cater to specific symptoms, such as:

  • Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: IPL therapy uses broad-spectrum light to target areas of skin discoloration. IPL is often used to treat brown spots and redness caused by rosacea or sun damage.
  • ND: YAG Laser: Nd:YAG Laser is a type of laser therapy used to treat unwanted brown spots, such as age spots, sun spots, and other forms of hyperpigmentation.
  • VBeam Laser: VBeam Laser is a pulsed dye laser that helps reduce the appearance of red spots, red birthmarks, broken blood vessels, scars, and other skin lesions such as angiomas and rosacea.
  • CO2RE Laser: Fractional CO2 resurfacing helps stimulate collagen production resulting in improvement in the appearance of facial wrinkles, skin texture, and discoloration. CO2 is a very powerful laser rejuvenation process and is carried out by our licensed medical professionals.
  • Sublative Laser: Sublative Laser is a type of laser skin resurfacing that uses radiofrequency energy to improve the tone and texture of your skin. It can treat wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, age spots, and other skin conditions.

It’s essential to note that the specific type of laser used for treatment depends on the symptoms of the skin condition being treated. Therefore, it is essential to consult with a licensed dermatologist, such as our experts at BMD, to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific needs.

How Does Laser Therapy Work?

In a typical laser therapy session, a handheld device is used to direct a beam of light onto the affected area. This may cause a slight stinging or burning sensation, but most people report minimal discomfort. The laser energy passes through the skin and is absorbed by the underlying pigmentation. The laser energy then breaks down the pigmentation, which is absorbed and removed from the body. This treatment can be used on various body parts, the most common being the face, chest, arms, legs, hands and neck.

What Should I do Before and After Laser Therapy Treatment?

While laser therapy is a very straightforward and easy treatment method, it’s advisable that patients take specific steps before and after their session.

Below are some recommendations for before undergoing laser therapy:

  • Consultation: Before undergoing a laser therapy session, you will have to consult a licensed medical professional to assess your skin condition and determine the most appropriate type of laser treatment for your needs.
  • Avoid sun exposure: Avoid sun exposure for at least two weeks prior to the session to ensure the best possible results.
  • Avoid certain skincare products: Skincare products such as retinoids and exfoliants can increase the risk of complications by making the skin more sensitive.
  • Avoid certain medications and supplements: Certain medications and supplements, such as aspirin and blood thinners, can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.

Below are some recommendations for after undergoing laser therapy:

  • Avoid sun exposure: After a laser therapy session, your skin may be more sensitive to sunlight. It’s important to avoid sun exposure and wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when going outside.
  • Avoid certain activities: Depending on the type of laser treatment, you may need to avoid certain activities, such as strenuous exercise or swimming, for a period of time after the treatment.
  • Apply soothing creams: Your dermatologist may recommend applying a soothing cream or ointment to the treated area to hydrate and minimize redness, swelling, and discomfort.
  • Follow post-treatment instructions: Your dermatologist will provide specific post-treatment instructions based on the type of laser treatment and the area treated.

Why Choose Bryn Mawr Dermatology in Philadelphia for Laser Therapy?

At Bryn Mawr Dermatology in Philadelphia,  we offer a variety of laser and light therapy treatments to help reduce the visibility of red and brown spots on the skin. Our experienced and knowledgeable team is dedicated to providing the highest patient care and customer service. We are committed to providing the most advanced and effective treatments available and strive to ensure our patients are satisfied with their results. 

If you are looking for a safe, effective, and minimally-invasive treatment, contact us today at 610-525-7800 to learn more about laser therapy or fill out our online contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Bryn Mawr Dermatology

Content Review Committee at Bryn Mawr Dermatology

Led by Board Certified Dermatologist, Christine Stanko, MD, FAAD, Bryn Mawr Dermatology incorporates a patient-focused outlook in every decision since we first opened our doors on the Main Line in 2005.
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By: Bryn Mawr Dermatology, Published: Mar 10, 2023
Medically Reviewed By: Christine Stanko, MD, FAAD – June 25, 2024

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