Pigmented Lesion Removal
Palmetto Aesthetics and Wellness
Aesthetics Practice located in Sumter, SC
Get rid of age spots
Age spots, sun spots, and other types of pigmented lesions form when you have a high concentration of melanin in your skin. Although these lesions are not usually cause for alarm, you may not like the way they look. If that’s the case, Dr. John R. Fleming, Jr., MD, a board-certified family physician, and his team of highly trained aesthetic professionals at Palmetto Aesthetics and Wellness in Sumter, South Carolina, provide nonsurgical pigmented lesion removal. Call the office or schedule an appointment online to learn about available treatments.
Pigmented Lesion Removal Q & A
Where do pigmented lesions originate?
Benign (noncancerous) pigmented lesions like moles, freckles, age spots, sun spots, and melasma, are the result of aging, hormones, and environmental factors. Years of sun exposure can create freckles and sun spots that are darker than the surrounding skin. Melasma, a common skin problem consisting of areas of gray-brown patches, typically on your face, often comes from sun exposure or hormonal changes during pregnancy.
If you have areas of darker pigment on your skin, it’s important to have a medical expert like Dr. Fleming examine them for any signs that they may be cancerous or precancerous. If they aren’t, there are nonsurgical methods of removing pigmented lesions to even out your overall skin tone.
What treatments are available for pigmented lesion removal?
There are several effective methods for pigmented lesion removal. Topical medications may lighten the area over time, but for a more profound difference, treatments such as microdermabrasion, or laser and light-based therapies are usually highly effective. Laser skin resurfacing targets the melanin in the darkened area of your skin -- the lesion -- to break it up and reveal newer, lighter skin from beneath the surface.
How many treatments will I need to lighten a pigmented lesion?
Depending on the size of the pigmented lesion and the amount of discoloration in the treatment area, you may need a series of laser skin resurfacing sessions. With each procedure, the darker pigment breaks up, and the area fades and begins to blend in with the surrounding skin.
What can I expect during a pigmented lesion removal treatment?
If Dr. Fleming recommends that the best course of action to remove an area of dark pigment from your skin is via non-ablative laser therapy, you can expect to feel a warming sensation on your skin while the laser heats up the tissue to break up the pigment. For most adults, the treatment is tolerable, and it’s over quickly. If you’re having a larger area treated, you may want to ask about a topical numbing cream to ease any discomfort during the session.
Dr. Fleming and the medical aesthetic team create a customized treatment plan based on your individual needs. If you are concerned about a pigmented lesion on your skin and would like to learn more about removal options, call the caring team at Palmetto Aesthetics and Wellness, or schedule a consultation using the online booking system.