Age spots, also known as liver spots or solar lentigines, are common skin blemishes that can develop as we grow older. While true age spots are benign and not dangerous, they can be bothersome aesthetically. If you notice darkening or changes in your age spots, however, you should seek evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider.
Fortunately, treatments are available to fade or remove age spots. This blog post will answer 7 frequently asked questions about age spot removal to help you make an informed decision about your skincare.
1. Is Age Spot Remover Effective?
Age spot creams can make confirmed age spots less noticeable, but results vary with the product, your skin, and consistent use. Improvement usually takes weeks to months, and the spots may not disappear completely.
Prescription lightening creams and some over-the-counter products can reduce pigmentation, but they may also cause irritation. A healthcare provider can recommend an appropriate option for your skin. Daily sun protection is important during treatment and helps reduce the development of new spots.
Before treating an unfamiliar or changing dark spot, have it examined. Other skin conditions—including skin cancer—can resemble age spots, and lightening a spot does not establish that it is harmless.
2. How Effective Is Dermabrasion for Age Spots?
Dermabrasion can reduce the appearance of age spots by removing surface layers of skin. More than one session may be needed, and results depend on the treatment’s depth and your skin’s response.
As the area heals, you may experience redness, swelling, or scabbing. Changes in skin colour and scarring are also possible, so a healthcare provider should assess whether dermabrasion is appropriate for your skin.
During recovery, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions and protect the treated area from the sun.
3. What’s the Best Treatment for Raised Age Spots?
The appropriate treatment depends on what the raised spot is. If it is a seborrheic keratosis, surgical shaving may be an option; true age spots are flat and require a different approach.
At The Centre for Minor Surgery, our surgeons can shave seborrheic keratoses from the skin’s surface under local anesthesia. Have the growth evaluated before choosing treatment, especially if the growth is changing, bleeding, or irritated. Learn more about seborrheic keratosis treatment.
4. Do Age Spots Need To Be Surgically Removed?
True age spots generally do not need surgical removal. A spot’s size or darkness alone does not mean it should be cut out. A healthcare provider should first confirm the diagnosis and discuss suitable cosmetic treatment options.
If a spot looks suspicious or its diagnosis is uncertain, your provider may recommend a biopsy to examine the tissue. This is different from treating a confirmed age spot for cosmetic reasons.
5. Can You Prevent Age Spots?
You can reduce your chances of developing new age spots by protecting your skin from ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Sun protection also helps maintain the results of age spot treatment.
- Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days. Reapply it at least every 2 hours when you’re outdoors and after swimming or sweating.
- Wear protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves, when spending time outdoors.
- Seek shade, especially during peak sun hours (usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
- Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps, which also expose your skin to UV radiation.
Adopting these sun protection measures minimizes the chances of developing new age spots and maintains healthier, more youthful-looking skin.
6. When Should You See a Doctor About an Age Spot?
Have a healthcare provider examine any new, changing, or unusual dark spot before treating it as an age spot. Seek an assessment if a spot:
- Grows or changes in colour or shape
- Has irregular edges or several colours
- Bleeds, becomes painful, or does not heal
These signs do not necessarily mean cancer, but they deserve medical attention. Our guide to skin cancer warning signs explains what to watch for.
If a spot is confirmed to be harmless, you can still discuss professional treatment if its appearance bothers you or if creams haven’t provided the improvement you hoped for.
7. How Much Does Age Spot Removal Cost? Does OHIP Cover It?
The cost of treating age spots depends on the appropriate treatment and the number and size of the spots being treated. At The Centre for Minor Surgery, we will discuss your options and provide a cost estimate before treatment. Visit our pricing page for more information.
Treatment of confirmed, harmless age spots for cosmetic reasons is generally not covered by OHIP. The clinic will explain the fees associated with your recommended treatment before you proceed.
Request a Consultation
Age spots may be common as we age, but that doesn’t mean we have to live with them forever. If you’d like to learn more about your options and which age spot removal method may best suit your needs, please call our office today at (416) 663-9649 or request a consultation.
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