How to eliminate dark spots on face
Dr. Sergio Gaitan MD FAAD
Cosmetic Dermatologist in Miami, Fl Discusses Dark Spot Removal
What is the main cause of Dark Spots on face ?
The most important thing when deciding to eliminate a dark spot on the face is to know what the cause is. There are many causes of dark spots. Almost all dark spots can be linked to sun exposure. So dark spots on the face are very common in Miami, Fl. The most common dark spot on the face is sunspots. There is also a medical condition that can cause multiple dark spots on the face and that is called Melasma. Dark Spots can also be moles and if there are any new moles, or they are changing they should be looked at by a Board Certified Dermatologist like Dr. Gaitan to make sure they do not need a medical evaluation. You can also get wisdom spots known as Seborrheic Keratosis that are also dark but these lesions are usually raised. Skin Tags can also be dark sometimes and they are usually hanging off the skin.
What is the #1 Dark Spot Remover on face?
The best way to eliminate dark spots on the face depends on the cause of the dark spot. Darks spots could be either sunspots, melasma, moles, seborrheic keratosis, or skin tags. It is best to be seen by a Board Certified Dermatologist to get the correct diagnosis and treatment plan.
How to Eliminate Dark Spots on face for Sunspots
Sunspots on the face are best removed with the q- switch laser. The laser destroys the pigmented cells and then new healthy skin replaces the skin that was just destroyed. The q switch laser is the safest way to remove sunspots on the face in darker skin types. Cryotherapy can also be used by an experienced dermatologist. I have had success in treating Skin types 1-3 with cryotherapy however I prefer the laser as it is more targeted to the pigmented cells. Lightening agents such as topical creams are not effective for sunspots, because when you stop the sunspot will return. My recommendation for patients is save your money on those creams, and when you are ready, we will remove them forever with the laser. Other lasers and light systems like IPL can be used in lighter skin types but they require many more treatments than the q- switch laser. They should not be used in darker skin types as the energy needed to destroy the dark spot can be picked up by the darker skin and cause burning of normal skin. In the patient above we treated with 1 session of q switched laser.
How to Eliminate Dark Spots on face for Melasma
Melasma is best treated medically with a combination of prescription and over the counter creams. I like to cycle through my treatments to get the best result. Melasma is a skin condition so it is not curable like dark spots on the face. If your skin is clear and you return to the sun the condition will activate again. In stubborn cases of melasma I use the q -switch laser with a fractional handpiece. It has the lowest rate of recurrence when it comes to light based treatments. You can also use other lasers but I like the Q-switch because it is safe in all skin types. The most important thing to know is you should never treat melasma with just laser, the patient should always be on medical treatment at the same time. That is why I always recommend being treated by a board certified dermatologist with experience in Melasma. In the patient above I only used prescription strength cream to get that result.
How to Eliminate Dark Spots on the face for Moles
Moles should always be evaluated by a board certified dermatologist. How to remove a mole depends on whether it has a deep component. If a deep component is present, it is best removed with surgery. If the mole is above the skin, it can be shaved down flat. However, mole removal always results in a scar. I use special techniques in my surgeries to minimize the appearance of the scar if it needs surgery. If the mole can be shaved flat it heals like a mild acne scar. The scarring can always be minimized after it matures with treatments such as microneedling and laser that we use for skin rejuvenation. In the photo above that mole had a deeper component, so I did surgery to remove the mole on her face.
How to Eliminate Dark Spots on the face for Seborrheic Keratosis
Seborrheic Keratosis removal depends on the skin type, location, and size of the lesion. For Skin Types 1-3 I will usually treat with cryotherapy and they heal beautifully. For skin types 4-6 I will use a combination of cautery with mechanical debulking and that gives me the best results with no risk of permanent hypopigmentation that can happen with cryotherapy. If the lesion is very large, I will do a debulking procedure, or treat it in sessions depending on its location to ensure the best healing. In the patient above I treated with cautery and mechanical debulking.
How to Eliminate Dark Spots on the face for Skin Tags
Skin tags are best removed with scissors by a Dermatologist if they are hanging. This minimizes scarring and bleeding when done with the correct technique. If they are attached to the skin, cautery with soft curettage works really well. In my experience this is the best way to treat them to minimize the risk of hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, or scarring that can be seen with other methods. I do not recommend the over-the-counter skin tag removal kits because they can be very irritating and leave hyperpigmentation or scarring after treatment. The patient above I treated with cautery and soft curettage.
Where can I Eliminate Dark Spots on the face in Miami, Fl ?
At Certified Cosmetics and Skin Care in Miami, Fl we would love to help you eliminate your dark spots on your face. We have online booking and are located in West Kendall. You will be evaluated and treated by myself Dr. Sergio Gaitan MD, a Board Certified Dermatologist, to get the correct diagnosis and treatment plan. Then we will eliminate dark spots on your face that bother you so that you can look your best, and feel your best.