A quick overview: From the causes of liver spots to the laser treatment process. Beomgye, Pyeongchon, Beomgye Station, Pyeongchon Station, Hogye-dong, Bisan-dong, Gwanyang-dong, Dongan-gu, Indeogwon, Geumjeong, Anyang

Skin lentigines (sun spots) that appear on the face or back of the hands are brown or dark brown pigmented lesions.

They initially start as small blemishes, but over time, they tend to gradually increase in size and darken in color. This leads many people to be concerned about their appearance.

In this article, we would like to explain the causes of skin lentigines and the process of removing them with lasers, step by step.

Causes of Lentigines

Prolonged exposure to sunlight, causing UV radiation to accumulate in the skin, is known as the main cause.

The skin reacts to UV radiation by producing melanin pigment to protect itself. When this process is repeated over a long period, melanin pigment concentrates in specific areas, appearing as lentigines.

Additionally, as we age, the skin's regeneration cycle gradually slows down, and existing pigments are not effectively discharged from the skin, which is also one of the causes.

It is no coincidence that lentigines appear prominently in areas frequently exposed to sunlight due to outdoor activities, such as the cheekbones, temples, forehead, and back of the hands.

Congenital predisposition, repeated friction or irritation on the skin, and lifestyle habits that neglect UV protection can also influence the development of lentigines.

Even seemingly similar brown spots can actually have different names and characteristics.

For example, flat brown spots appearing due to sun exposure are commonly classified as solar lentigines, while forms that become thick and raised with age are called seborrheic keratosis.

Sometimes they can be distributed over a large area like melasma or resemble other skin conditions, making accurate diagnosis difficult with the naked eye alone.

Therefore, differentiating the exact type of lesion is essential before proceeding with treatment.

Necessity of Laser Treatment

For lentigines with deeply seated pigment clusters, simply using topical brightening cosmetic products alone makes it difficult to lighten the color.

Products that act only on the skin's surface have limitations, so a method that directly targets and improves the pigment cluster itself is needed.

Lasers use specific wavelengths that react only to melanin pigment to precisely break down pigment particles, and the fragmented pigment pieces are naturally eliminated by the skin over time.

We primarily use the 532nm wavelength for solar lentigo and blemish removal.

The 532nm wavelength has a high absorption rate for melanin and primarily acts on the epidermal layer, making it suitable for treating solar lentigines, which are pigmented lesions located in the epidermis.

This is the same 532nm wavelength used in some well-known laser treatments for solar lentigines.

Laser Removal Treatment Process

The first step of the treatment is a thorough consultation and accurate diagnosis.

The MarkVu diagnostic device is used to precisely photograph the skin condition, and based on this, the medical staff meticulously differentiate lesions such as solar lentigines, blemishes, and other lentigines.

In the second step, pre-treatment cleansing is performed to thoroughly remove makeup residue and impurities, and the exact location of the lesion to be treated is reconfirmed.

The third step is laser irradiation. 532nm energy is irradiated onto the pigmented lesion area, and the degree of stinging felt at this time may vary depending on the individual.

The fourth step is skin calming and finishing. The treated area is comfortably soothed, and methods for effective post-treatment care are provided.

Post-treatment care can significantly impact the treatment results.

The area treated with laser usually turns into small brown scabs, which naturally fall off after a few days.

It is best not to forcibly remove these scabs, but to let them fall off naturally.

When going out, apply sufficient sunscreen and use a hat or parasol to protect the skin.

Until the skin is completely stable, it is advisable to refrain from using strong scrub products or exfoliants, and hot saunas.

Our Approach to Solar Lentigo and Blemish Removal

We consider accurate diagnosis the first step in all treatments.

Proceeding with treatment without proper differentiation of lesions can lead to the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Therefore, we aim to reduce this risk in advance by clearly identifying lesions through MarkVu imaging and accurate differentiation by the medical staff.

We explain the principles and evidence of the wavelengths used. The 532nm wavelength, which has a high melanin absorption rate and selectively acts only on the epidermal layer, is suitable for treating solar lentigines. We perform treatments using this wavelength.

We provide customized post-treatment care methods appropriate for the characteristics of the treatment. For example, after solar lentigo removal treatment, we typically do not use moist dressings such as DuoDERM gel. This is because the treatment does not involve creating physical wounds on the skin's surface, so it could instead cause unnecessary irritation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can skin lentigines be removed in one laser treatment?

A. For skin lentigines, there may be individual differences in treatment progress depending on their size, depth of color, and type of lesion. Therefore, after thoroughly assessing the current condition through MarkVu diagnosis, we guide you on the appropriate treatment direction.

Q. Is it possible to resume daily life immediately after skin lentigo laser treatment?

A. Sunspot treatments generally do not cause significant damage to the skin's surface, so there is usually no major disruption to daily life after the procedure. However, it's essential to carefully manage any small scabs that might form on the treated area and consistently protect your skin from the sun.

Q. Do sunspots not reappear after treatment?

A. Continued exposure to UV rays can lead to the formation of new pigmented lesions. Therefore, sun protection is extremely important for managing sunspots. At our clinic, we provide detailed guidance on lifestyle management methods to help you maintain healthy skin even after your procedure.

A Message from Kkeut Korean Medicine Clinic

At our clinic, we develop a precise treatment plan tailored to each patient's unique skin characteristics, utilizing Mark-Vu skin diagnostic imaging and direct assessment by our medical team.

At our clinic, we transparently explain the working principle of the 532nm wavelength laser and its expected outcome. Through this, we strive to ensure that our patients fully understand and feel confident in the process.

After your procedure, we provide customized post-treatment care tailored to your individual condition. Through this, we strive to enhance the longevity of your treatment results and minimize any potential discomfort.

We pursue the difference of meticulous care. At Kkeut Korean Medicine Clinic, you can experience thoughtful and skilled treatment from our experienced medical team.