The medical term is solar lentigines, but we know them as age spots, sun spots, or liver spots. They’re small, flat, round spots on the skin that begin to appear later in life on sun-exposed areas. They are particularly common on the face, neck, arms, and backs of the hands.The spots aren’t painful, but they’re often associated with aging. It is thought that they are caused by years of sunlight exposure. The sun damages the pigment-producing cells in the skin called melanocytes, causing them to overproduce pigment in those areas of the skin. They sometimes resemble freckles, but are usually darker and have a more consistent color throughout.

Age Spot Removal and Treatment

Age spots are benign, meaning they are not cancerous or harmful. However, if you do not like the appearance of age spots, there are several treatments available to remove or lighten their appearance.One of the treatments available at Alaska Center for Dermatology is the Cutera® excel® V™, the gold standard for laser devices. It is designed to safely treat several different conditions leading to uneven skin tone, including age spots. Our Board-Certified Dermatologist will examine your skin, and recommend a treatment that is specific to your medical needs and personal choices.Schedule an appointment online or call our office at 907.646.8500.