Age spots

Age spots (lentigo senilis or lentigo solaris) are benign pigment disorders of the skin that increasingly appear from the age of 40. Like freckles and moles, they are pigment spots and are particularly common on the back of the hands, forearms and face. Our dermatology practice has three options for laser treatment of age spots, which can be used to remove them without complications and without damaging the tissue.

Read on to find out more about the treatment and removal of age spots.

 

 

Dr. med. Intan Pramono, physician
Dr. med. Intan Pramono, physician
Symptoms

Age spots symptoms

Age spots, also known as lentigines, are a result of skin aging and sun exposure. They are sharply defined light or dark brown spots a few centimeters in size. They resemble age warts, but warts look more raised.

These are not dangerous, but the external appearance could be considered aesthetically disturbing. Age spots affect more than 90% people over the age of 60. The stronger the UV radiation or UV rays, the higher the probability of age spots formation.

However, it is important to distinguish whether the brown spots are really age spots or whether there is perhaps a malignant lesion or a birthmark behind them. In this case, laser treatment would be strictly forbidden. Our dermatologists can help you to correctly diagnose the problem.


Photos and videos

Causes

Age spots causes

Patients regularly ask us, "How do age spots develop?"

The cause of age spots is excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, sunlight or tanning beds.

In this process, the brownish pigment lipofuscin is deposited in the epidermis, leading to pigment deposits and skin changes. The lighter the skin and the more UV exposure, the more lipofuscin is formed. To counteract age spots, UV protection is important.

Treatment

Age spots treatment

Age spots are actually harmless and can therefore be removed with a laser.

The skin must be thoroughly examined before any laser therapy. A dermatoscope should be used for this purpose. The laser therapy itself is very painless and does not require any anesthesia. During the treatment, which lasts only a few minutes, the skin is cooled with cold air. Careful and consistent sun protection must be observed for a few weeks after the treatment.

Our practices have three suitable lasers. The success of the therapy is checked after four weeks and a second laser may be required.

Age spots removal with laser

  • For the removal of age spots we use the Spectra- and the Pico-laser. Both lasers are recognized and approved for this application. Laser treatment is a low-complication method that is gentle on the tissue and carries hardly any risks.
  • For age spots on the hands, we recommend triple hand rejuvenation. This includes the removal of Q-switched Nd:YAG laser spots, Radiofrequency therapy for tightening and Mesotherapy for hydration. The treatment requires three appointments according to individual program, the products are included.

Other treatments for the removal of age spots

  • An alternative method for age spot removal is treatment with a bleaching cream, the bleaching effect of which can lighten the brown age spot.
Frequently asked questions

Age spots Frequently asked questions

Are age spots a sign of skin cancer?

Not directly, but they do show some skin damage in an area repeatedly exposed to the sun. They usually start on the sun terraces, i.e. the forehead, the cheeks/cheekbones, on the bridge of the nose and on the backs of the hands.

How can I prevent the development of age spots?

In general, UV exposure should be avoided as far as possible; this can be achieved by mechanical (hat, shade, clothing), chemical (sun creams) or mineral (sun cream, reflective pastes) sun protection. In addition, creams can be used which prevent pigment formation (e.g. preparations containing thiamidol) or which promote pigment degradation of the brown pigment (melanin) on an enzyme basis.

Are there any home remedies that can help with age spots?

Basically, acids can lighten the skin. Therefore, various tips can be found on the Internet. However, acid treatment, especially for darker skin types, carries the risk of causing a permanent pigment shift (permanent darker or lighter spots). The safest remedy is treatment with a q-sw. Laser or picolaser.

How can Hautwerk help?

Age spots can be brought out by Kleresca, and the pigment can then be removed with a laser, which is gentle on the skin.
Further information

Further information

Publications
Lentigo solaris - Thiamidol-containing aftercare after laser treatments on the backs of the hands.
Nienstedt, R./Rümmelein, B. / SZD 4/21: 9-12
Publications
Hyperpigmentation.
Rümmelein, B./Navarini, A. / Hautnah Dermatologie, Issue 05/19: 30-35
Article
What bothers you?
Dr. med. Mareike Prinz
Article
Aesthetics for women only?
Dr. med. C. Bettina Rümmelein

Further information

Publications
Lentigo solaris - Thiamidol-containing aftercare after laser treatments on the backs of the hands.
Nienstedt, R./Rümmelein, B. / SZD 4/21: 9-12
Publications
Hyperpigmentation.
Rümmelein, B./Navarini, A. / Hautnah Dermatologie, Issue 05/19: 30-35
Article
What bothers you?
Dr. med. Mareike Prinz
Article
Aesthetics for women only?
Dr. med. C. Bettina Rümmelein