How to Treat Dark Spots or Discolorations on the Face
Posted August 30, 2023
During a consultation, Dr. Antimarino has an opportunity to do a physical assessment and discussion involving your areas of concern. A treatment plan is then developed to help you reach your goals. A common question Dr. Antimarino hears as we move into Fall is, what options are available to correct dark areas or spots on my face?
If the discoloration is due to sun damage and the patient also has some rough texture to the skin, then the CO2 or Helix laser is a good option. These are done using a topical numbing cream prior to treatment and a cooling device during the procedure. The laser treatment takes about an hour, and the patient may have redness for 24-48 hours with gritty skin for a few more days. Depending upon the starting point, the patient may need to have 1-3 treatments.
If the discoloration to the face is deeper in the skin, possibly due to hormones or rosacea, then the Chrome laser is the best option. This laser is done using a topical numbing cream prior to treatment, and may also use a cooling device if needed. Again, depending upon the starting point of the skin, the patient may need 1-3 treatments.
If the patient has both superficial and deep discoloration or spots on the skin, then both lasers can be used in combination to treat the problem.
