Age spots (also referred to as liver spots) are harmless skin conditions that commonly affect individuals aged 50 and above. They can easily be mistaken for moles or melanoma due to their appearance, but they pose no health risks. However, some people may opt to have them removed for aesthetic reasons.
Many individuals can’t distinguish between age spots and freckles, as they can appear quite similar. The key difference is that while freckles fade away, age spots remain. These spots, which may be small or large, often group together and are brown in colour. They typically surface on areas of the body frequently exposed to sunlight, such as the:
Despite their name, age spots can occur at any age, though they are more common among middle-aged individuals with lighter skin tones. Generally, they measure about half an inch across. Liver spots might become more noticeable if they cluster together, causing potential cosmetic concerns. While they are usually benign and cause no physical discomfort, it's advisable to have a doctor examine them due to the risk of skin abnormalities or melanoma (skin cancer).
Age spots are not dangerous, but can be removed for aesthetic reasons. Here at TMSC, our board-certified plastic surgeons specialize in age spot removal in Toronto.
Age spots are often harmless and become visible on the skin as we age. This is a result of the skin thinning, which allows the underlying melanin to show through. When this happens, the melanin accumulates in specific areas, causing the development of age spots.
These spots primarily occur due to prolonged exposure to the sun. The more you are exposed to the sun, the more age spots you may develop. The back of the hands, being the most sun-exposed area, are frequently spotted with age spots, especially since most people neglect to apply sunscreen or wear protective clothing on their hands. Individuals with fair skin are particularly susceptible to developing these spots.
Age spots are typically flat and range in colour, from light to dark brown. They come in various shapes and sizes, often oval but not always, and can often be mistaken for freckles. While they are benign, their presence can lead to social awkwardness or cosmetic concerns, especially when they appear on visible areas like the face, neck, cleavage, or other exposed parts of the body. Fortunately, there are several methods available to lighten or permanently remove them.
Characteristics of age spots include:
The exact cause of age spots is unknown, but there's a noted association between these spots and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Using sunscreen can serve as an effective preventative measure. It's also worth noting that individuals with fair skin tend to be more susceptible to developing age spots compared to those with darker skin tones.
While there are unknown reasons for how age spots develop, this condition is mostly seen in people above the age of 40.
After 40, our skin’s regeneration process slows down. When an individual at that age, or beyond, is exposed to the sun's harmful UV rays, the skin produces more melanin as a defense mechanism against UV rays. This overproduction of melanin can lead to clusters of dark spots that appear as age spots.
It's important to remember that even if they are also called liver spots, age spots have nothing to do with the liver or its functioning. The term "liver spot" comes from the idea that these spots can be an indicator of liver disease, which is not accurate. Instead, they are named so because of their colour, which is similar to that of the liver.
There are several age spot treatments, including:
Our team of surgeons, renowned for their high level of training and extensive experience, are deeply committed to their patients. They possess the necessary skills and hands-on approach to effectively lighten or eliminate age spots. Every age spot treatment in Toronto we conduct is carried out with meticulous precision and aesthetic consideration and within a safe environment.
Our esteemed surgeons typically complete this procedure in approximately half an hour. Depending on factors such as your medical history and the severity of your condition, our surgeons at TMSC may opt to utilize Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy or another method to lighten or remove age spots.
During your initial consultation, they will walk you through the entire procedure. They will assess your age spots and provide comprehensive information about the removal process, recovery, potential risks, and the estimated number of treatments required to soften or get rid of your age spots. Most patients require around three treatments, but our surgeons understand that every case is unique. They do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, so they develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual patient's needs. So this means that you may only need one or two sessions or more than three.
Age spots are not dangerous, but if they're causing you cosmetic issues, you can have them removed. You must have them tested to ensure they're not melanoma or any other type of skin abnormality.
Age spots, also called liver spots, are harmless and non-cancerous. They're not a type of skin cancer and don't develop into a form of cancer.
Age spots don't usually return after surgery. But new ones could grow in any part of your body that's exposed to the sun.
There's no specific way to determine when age spots will appear. They can show up suddenly and may even fade away on their own without any treatment.
Age spots are harmless and non-cancerous. But if you have spots, especially black ones or change their appearance, call us, and one of our surgeons will examine them to make sure they're benign. Appearance changes in spots can be a sign of melanoma or another type of skin cancer. So, it's important to have them checked by our team.
The cost of removal for age spots in Toronto depends on how many spots you have, the target area, and the type of removal method used. Since no two patients are alike, the cost also differs. During your initial consultation, our surgeons will provide you with a detailed quote based on your unique needs and goals.
Age spots can return even after your removal procedure if sun exposure continues. To Maintain your results, we recommend using sunscreen regularly, keeping your skin covered, and using moisturizer once you had the procedure. After your age spot removal, we will advise you on what to do to ensure your skin remains blemish-free and the age spots don't return.
Recovery from age spot removal is quick, and you'll be back to your normal routine swiftly. Post-procedure, you may experience a sunburn-like sensation and redness in the treated area, but these symptoms usually subside within a day or two. Your age spots might initially appear darker, but that's a normal part of the process. All of this will be explained thoroughly in your initial consultation. Over the following two weeks, you'll notice your age spots gradually fading, revealing the results discussed with our surgeon.
We strongly advise avoiding sun exposure for at least two days before and after the procedure. If you're tanned before the procedure, the procedure may need to be rescheduled.
