Age Spot Removal
Age Spot Removal
Age spots can be a source of discomfort and anxiety because they are, well, a sign of age. The cosmetic concern, also referred to as sunspots, liver spots and solar lentigines can appear as tan, brown and black spots that define certain parts of the body. They form because the skin’s melanin clumps or is produced in high concentrations, usually when the skin is exposed to the sun’s UV rays. While it may feel as though you need to let age spots remain, allowing it to continue to define certain facets of your body, this is no longer the case. Treatments exist that can significantly improve the presence of age spots—namely, the technologically advanced Glacial Rx.
Age spot removal at Ridenour Plastic Surgery is performed with the Glacial Rx, a cooling technology that banishes the unwanted brown spots to reveal younger, healthier-looking skin. If you are a resident of St. Louis, MO, or surrounding communities and are interested in improving your appearance by ridding your skin of age spots, contact Ridenour Plastic Surgery. You can reach us at (314) 501-7946, or you can visit our contact page to schedule an age spot removal consultation.
What Is Age Spot Removal? How Does It Work?
Age spot removal is a treatment that essentially freezes melanin and soothes your skin, effectively ridding the body of unwanted brow and black spots. At Ridenour Plastic Surgery, age spot removal is achieved utilizing the Glacial Rx device, a recent development by the creators of CoolSculpting, a body contouring treatment that targets fat cells to eliminate stubborn pockets of fat. Glacial Rx is the first FDA-cleared cooling technology for age spot removal.
Glacial Rx utilizes a technology known as Cryomodulation. This unique technology suppresses the production of melanin by freezing it within the dermal layer of skin tissue. Melanin is naturally produced by the skin and ultimately influences the color of one’s hair and skin. However, sometimes too many melanin deposits can build up due to the aging process and sun exposure, causing age spots to form. Glacial Rx works by suppressing the production of the biological cells that create melanin, known as melanocytes. As new skin forms after treatment, it will appear without unwanted pigments. After treatment, the skin will appear brighter, refreshed and more radiant.
Age spot removal with Glacial Rx will also simultaneously reduce redness in the skin because the treatment suppresses the skin’s inflammatory response. The treatment will essentially accelerate skin exfoliation.
Who Makes a Good Candidate for Age Spot Removal?
If you are bothered by brown spots or sun-damaged skin, you will make an excellent age spot removal candidate. The treatment can be performed on nearly any part of the body where age spots are of concern. Although age spots are generally benign and do not pose a serious health threat, they can potentially damage an individual’s image. The treatment can also be a suitable option for patients uncomfortable with the appearance of their freckles. While age spot removal with Glacial Rx can not completely remove freckles, it can significantly reduce the number that is present.
Age spot removal with Glacial Rx can be performed on nearly all skin types. The treatment can be performed on skin types I-IV. In the past, treatments that utilized the power of laser energy were used to remove age spots, but these treatments were not suitable for darker skin types because they could potentially have a damaging effect. During an initial consultation with your provider, your concerns and skin will be reviewed to ensure candidacy. A review of your medical history may also be discussed to ensure there will not be any complications.
Your Age Spot Removal Treatment
Your age spot removal treatment will begin with you lying down in a comfortable position. The Glacial Rx cooling technology keeps the skin comfortable, so there will be no need to apply a topical anesthetic. When you are comfortable, your provider will apply the Glacial Rx handpiece to the desired treatment area. The handheld device will place a cool plate to each age spot for approximately 15 to 20 seconds, which will freeze the melanin within the dermal layer of your skin tissue. As the device moves across your skin, it will reduce redness and puffiness.
The entire age spot removal treatment typically lasts for 45 minutes, depending on the number of spots being treated. However, patients having a single lesion treatment can have the treatment completed in several minutes.
Immediately after your treatment, a proprietary blend of skincare products may be applied to promote healing and improve tissue response. This proprietary blend may include a mix of antioxidants and brightening agents. Topical products to apply at home may also be recommended.
Your Age Spot Removal Results
Age spot removal requires no downtime. However, you may experience temporary redness and darkening of the skin in your treatment site, but these minor side effects resolve quickly on their own. You can return to work and other daily activities immediately after treatment.
As your cell turnover rate accelerates after treatment, age spots and other forms of excessive pigmentation will start to fade. Generally, after a few days, results are noticeable. However, it can take up to one month for the final results to be realized. While it is possible for some patients for final results to be achieved in a single session, some patients may need additional treatments. Patients with darker skin discoloration will typically require two to three age spot removal treatment sessions to achieve their desired results.
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Age spots can disrupt an individual’s sense of self. The small black, brown and tan spots can make a person appear older than they are. Thankfully, it is possible to regain your complexion and attain a more youthful image by undergoing an age spot removal treatment with the technologically advanced Glacial Rx. The unique treatment is the first of its kind to use the power of freezing technology to eliminate the presence of melasma.
Learn more about age spot removal by contacting Ridenour Plastic Surgery of St. Louis, MO, at (314) 501-7946, or you can visit our contact page.
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