Spot Treatment

Skin blemishes are one of the most common problems encountered today. Age, sun rays, pregnancy, genetic predisposition, medications used, skin infections, and dietary habits are effective in the formation of skin blemishes, which occur when melanin that gives the skin its color accumulates in certain areas. Today, with the methods used in spot treatment, it is possible to achieve smoother and brighter skin. Medical Aesthetic Specialist Doctor Lida Çiteli, who serves her patients in Istanbul, explained for you what spot treatment is, why and how it is applied, and what the results are.

What Is Spot Treatment?

Spots occur on our skin due to excessive production or irregularity of melanocyte cells that give the skin its natural color. Treatments used to eliminate these spots and to provide skin pigmentation and tone uniformity are called spot treatment.

Skin spots are areas where the amount of melanin is excessive. There are various reasons why melanin accumulates in high amounts in certain areas and forms skin blemishes. Some of these spots are congenital, some appear during adolescence, some with aging, and some are caused by damage to our skin due to the sun and external factors.

Why Do Skin Blemishes Occur?

Skin blemishes occur due to;

• Genetic predisposition
• Old age
• Sun rays
• Pregnancy
• Hormone therapies
• Excessively oily and spicy nutrition
• Insufficient water consumption
• Smoking and alcohol use
• Unconscious use of cosmetic products
• Medications used (Birth control pills, antidepressants, and antibiotics)
• Skin infections
• Unconscious peeling applications.

What Are the Types of Skin Blemishes?

Skin blemishes are congenital or appear later. Types of skin blemishes are; acne, melasma, sun spots, vitiligo, freckles, birthmarks, skin rashes, age spots, and pregnancy spots.

How Is Skin Blemish Diagnosis Made?

While diagnosing skin blemishes, the doctor asks the patient a number of questions. These questions are as follows:

• What symptoms occurred after the spot formed?
• What medical conditions were experienced beforehand?
• Whether the spots have changed since the first day they appeared
• When the spots on the skin first appeared…

After obtaining the necessary information with these and similar questions, your doctor may examine the spots with dermoscopy. In some cases, a skin biopsy may also be requested. This is a rarely occurring situation. A piece of skin may be taken and examined in pathology.

Can Precautions Be Taken Against Spot Formation?

The causes of spot formation may differ for each individual. Sometimes prolonged exposure to the harmful rays of the sun, sometimes nutritional disorders, and sometimes genetic factors cause spot formation. Smoking and alcohol use are among the main causes of skin blemishes.

Some precautions can be applied to prevent the occurrence of spots. These include not being directly exposed to sunlight, avoiding chemical-containing cosmetic products, paying attention to the skin care routine, and ensuring that we moisturize our skin sufficiently.

The main cause of later-occurring spots is sun rays. It is important to use sunscreen in places and times when the sun rays come at direct angles. The skin of individuals whose hormone balance changes becomes unprotected. During such times, the formation of new spots is likely. It is especially necessary to be alert against spot formation during pregnancy.

Skin Blemish Treatments

Sun Spot Treatment

The UVA and UVB rays emitted by the sun are quite harmful to the skin. When these rays come into direct contact, they cause an increase in melanin substance in the skin. Increased melanin causes spotting on the skin.

With tanning, the skin darkens and as a result completely loses its moisture and vitality. Combination treatments are preferred in the repair of damage to the skin and the removal of spots.

Sun spot treatment is supported by; chemical peelings, enzyme peeling (cosmelan and dermamelan), mesotherapy, dermapen, Q-switched Nd-yag laser, KTP laser, skin toning, carbon peeling, and home-use products. After examination, the treatment is shaped depending on the person's skin and the depth of the spot.

Pregnancy Spot (Melasma) Treatment

Pregnancy spots are spots caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy. These spots are further triggered by sunlight. The cause of these spots is hormones. Changes in skin color during pregnancy are normal. In this case, spots may appear on the face, cheeks, forehead, upper lip, nose, and chin. Melasma is not a problem seen only in pregnant women. It may also occur in those using birth control pills.

Pregnancy spot treatment is supported by; chemical peelings, enzyme peeling (cosmelan and dermamelan), mesotherapy, dermapen, Thullium Laser, Q-switched Nd-yag laser, KTP laser, laser toning, carbon peeling, and home-use products.

Age Spots (Lentigo) Treatment

Age spots (Lentigo) begin to appear between the ages of 45-50. Lentigo is a skin discoloration disease. Harmful rays of the sun, smoking, and alcohol consumption trigger age spots that occur with aging. Age spots are mostly observed in skin areas exposed to the sun. They appear on the hands, face, shoulders, back, and chest.

In lentigo treatment; effective results are obtained with Co2 fractional laser, Q Switched Nd-Yag Fotona Q max, KTP, and Thullium laser treatments.

Birthmark (Port-Wine Stain) Treatment

Birthmarks (port-wine stains) are mostly seen on the neck or face area. They appear as skin blemishes in colors ranging from pink to purple. Birthmarks can be removed with laser treatments. Within the scope of treatment, blood cells passing through the vessels forming the spot are captured with laser light, the vessels are damaged with the heat effect, and after a while the vessel disappears and the spot begins to fade with each session.

Q Switched Nd-Yag Fotona Q max and KTP laser are used in birthmark treatment.

Acne Scar Treatment

Mild acne passes on its own and leaves no scars, but in advanced acne cases nodules and cystic structures form under the skin. When such acne heals, pits and irregularities occur on the skin. The pits and scars caused by pimples on the skin become a significant psychological stress factor.

Before treatment, a treatment program is created by evaluating the depth and prevalence of the existing scars and the person's skin structure. The success of scar treatment varies in proportion to the depth and density of the scars.

The main treatment methods used in the treatment of acne scars are; Co2 fractional laser, Q Switched Nd-Yag Fotona Q max, dermapen, and chemical peeling applications.

Freckle Treatment

Freckles are small blemishes that occur due to melanin accumulation in sun-exposed areas of the skin, especially the face. These freckles are mostly structural. Freckles may be denser and more prominent in people with fair and white skin. Freckle treatment is not applied in summer months. The most suitable seasons for application are autumn and winter.

The most successful results in freckle treatment are obtained with laser systems. Q Switched Nd-Yag, Fotona Q max laser, and KTP Laser are used in freckle treatment.

What Are the Spot Treatment Methods?

Chemical Peeling

Chemical peeling is an application method aimed at creating controlled damage at various depths in the skin by applying one or more chemical agents to the skin and revealing healthy skin.

TCA peeling and fruit acid peelings can be used in spot treatment. Chemical peeling application is divided into three categories as superficial, medium, and deep depending on the depth level of the procedure. This classification is based on which layer of the skin the peeling method exfoliates to. Today, superficial and medium-depth applications are mostly preferred. Instead of deep peeling applications, laser peeling methods are more preferred.

Enzyme Peeling (Cosmelan-Dermamelan)

Enzyme peeling (Cosmelan-Dermamelan) is a treatment method that starts with the application of a mask (spot mask) consisting of a balanced mixture of active ingredients such as azelaic acid, kojic acid, ascorbic acid, and phytic acid together with auxiliary substances, and continues with the use of continuation creams and restructuring products containing the same active ingredients. Cosmelan and Dermamelan also have an exfoliating effect. However, they do not contain Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and other exfoliating acids. Therefore, the risk of side effects is very low. Another advantage of spot treatment with these products is that they cause much less discomfort compared to other peeling methods and can be applied to all skin types. The powerful antioxidant and collagen-producing properties of the acids and vitamins contained in enzyme peeling also allow the tissue color to lighten by restructuring.

Co2 Fractional Laser

Co2 Fractional Laser is a laser system developed to renew collagen and epithelium in the skin. It is a treatment method used in spot treatments thanks to its controlled damage (mosaic) mechanism.

Q-Switched Nd YAG FOTONA Q MAX

Q-Switched Nd YAG FOTONA Q MAX is used in different skin tones and different applications. Sun spots, age spots, birthmarks, freckles, and melasma can be treated with Nd YAG lasers. Nd YAG lasers are also used in skin rejuvenation, acne and acne scar treatment, balancing oil on the face, and reducing pores.

Q switched laser works by sending many laser beams directly to the problematic area with dense melanin within milliseconds, and the dark-colored area absorbs the Q switched beams. The absorbed laser beams disperse the dark melanins and treat the spots by lightening their colors. Thus, treatment is performed without harming the skin or causing damage to the skin. It can be performed at intervals of 1-3 weeks, and the number of sessions varies according to the depth and type of the spot. After the procedure, slight redness occurs on the skin and does not affect your daily life.

Carbon Peeling

For carbon peeling treatment; black carbon solution is applied 15-20 minutes before Q-switched Nd-Yag Fotona Q max laser application. The carbon substance is absorbed by the oil channels in the skin. The effectiveness of the Nd-Yag laser, which has low color sensitivity, increases because color material is placed on and under the skin thanks to carbon. At the same time, carbon particles create a peeling effect while the laser scans the skin. Carbon peeling also initiates a renewal process that shrinks the pores by creating a sudden heat effect inside the pores. It is necessary to use carbon cream specially produced for this procedure. This laser treatment not only reduces spots but also increases skin tone and is also a highly effective treatment method on skin pores and fine wrinkles.

Mesotherapy

In mesotherapy treatment, vitamin C, glutathione, salmon, hyaluronic acid, alpha lipoic acid, tranexamic acid, arbutin, and multivitamins are most commonly used. Applying laser and other methods together with mesotherapy in treatment increases the effectiveness of spot treatment.

Facial mesotherapy is initially applied at intervals of 1-4 weeks. Its effect increases further if repeated every 3-6 months after an average of 4-6 sessions. Mesotherapy results appear after the second session and the skin renewal effect continues after the treatment ends.

Dermapen

Dermapen is a method applied without damaging, peeling, or irritating the epidermis, which is the upper layer of the skin.

Dermapen can be applied in spot treatment at intervals of 2-4 weeks for 4-6 sessions. During and after the procedure, spot-removing serum and mesotherapy products are applied.

Types of Birthmarks

Birthmarks are discolorations that we carry on our bodies from the moment we are born. While some birthmarks disappear over time, some may become permanent. Birthmarks are classified as pigmented or vascular. Red-colored birthmarks caused by abnormal blood vessels in the skin are vascular birthmarks.

Types of Vascular Birthmarks

Strawberry Nevus:Also known as hemangioma, strawberry nevus is an extremely common vascular birthmark. It appears as a red-colored spot and is generally seen on the back, chest, face, and scalp. Strawberry Nevus usually does not require treatment.

Salmon Patch:Also known as Nevus Simplex, it is a pink or red-colored skin spot. It appears on the forehead and neck regions. Forty percent of birthmarks fall into this category.

Port-Wine Stain:A noticeably purple or red-colored spot. It can be removed with laser treatment or cosmetic camouflage.

Pigmented Birthmarks:These spots, seen as white, blue, gray, or brown, occur due to a problem related to melanin in human skin.

Skin Pigmentation Disorders

If a person has darker or lighter skin spots, this clearly indicates a pigmentation disorder. Skin pigmentation disorder appears as Melasma or Vitiligo.

Melasma: A skin problem that generally affects the face area and causes brown spots to appear. It is more common in women than men. Exposure to sunlight or hormonal changes experienced by the person are triggers in the formation of melasma.

Vitiligo: Vitiligo can appear on any part of a person's body. It causes the cells responsible for producing melanin, also called melanocytes, to stop functioning properly. This results in the appearance of light-colored skin spots. Sometimes it may even cause changes in hair color. Although the exact cause of vitiligo is unknown, opinions suggest that problems in the immune system lead to vitiligo.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation: A temporary increase or decrease in skin pigment after skin traumas such as burns.

Albinism: Albinism is seen in people who cannot produce sufficient melanin. It is the condition of having little or no pigment in the skin, eyes, and hair. This disorder is genetic. It is inherited.

Skin Rashes

Some skin rashes may also result in skin blemishes. These are:

Rosacea: A chronic skin disorder that causes an increase in red-colored lesions filled with pus. It mostly affects the nose, forehead, and cheek areas.

Psoriasis: A skin problem that causes flaky spots that can appear anywhere on the body. Although it is thought to originate from the immune system, its exact cause is unknown.

Contact Dermatitis: These rashes occur as a result of skin irritation or an allergic reaction.

Eczema: Also known as atopic dermatitis, this condition causes dry, itchy, red-colored, and cracked skin spots. These patches may sometimes ooze and form crusts. Although the exact cause of eczema is unknown, doctors think it is genetically inherited.

Skin Infections

Some skin infections also cause discoloration.

Tinea Versicolor:A type of fungal infection that can cause skin spots to become lighter or darker. It usually develops slowly and may combine with other spots to form larger spots. The upper arms, torso, and neck are the areas where we most frequently encounter this spot.

Fungus: Causes red-colored or silver ring-shaped spots. These spots are usually dry and flaky spots that cause itching. They can be seen on most parts of the body including feet, hands, scalp, nails, and ringworm.

Skin Candidiasis: A type of fungal infection that causes itchy skin spots. It appears in folded areas of the skin such as the groin and armpits.

Melasma

It is a skin problem with a high risk of occurring during pregnancy when hormonal changes occur in women or during periods when birth control pills are used.

Freckles

Freckles are small brown spots that occur due to genetic predisposition. They are more common in fair-skinned, colored-eyed, red-haired, or blonde-haired individuals. They become more pronounced in spring and summer when sunlight is intense. They appear on the face, shoulders, back, and upper surface of the hands.

How Is Laser Spot Treatment Performed?

Before laser spot treatment, local anesthesia is applied to the area. The root of the spot is dried with laser beams penetrating 4 mm under the skin. As a result, a deep effect is obtained. After the spot is removed, the remaining tissue must be equalized in color tone with the rest of the skin. As a result, the person achieves clean and smooth skin.

How Many Sessions Are Applied in Laser Spot Treatment?

Sessions are planned according to the size, type, color degree, and depth of the spot. If the spot on your skin is very dark in color, at least two sessions are required for the desired results. Spots with deep roots are more difficult to lighten compared to others.

Especially birthmarks are advanced in terms of depth. This affects the number of sessions. After the sessions are completed, check-ups are performed, the condition of the spot is examined, and additional sessions may be applied if necessary.

What Happens After Laser Spot Treatment?

Laser beams are transmitted to the layer of the skin called the dermis. Sending long-term beams to the roots located in this layer creates sensitivity in our skin. After the treatment, some small edema or redness may occur on the person's skin surface. Edema and redness disappear on their own. There is no need for a period in which the person must rest. The person can easily return to business life and daily routine. A follow-up appointment should be attended one week after the session, and the doctor should decide whether an additional session is necessary.

Laser Spot Treatment Reviews

All users are satisfied with treatments performed by an expert and experienced doctor with state-of-the-art devices. When looking at the comments of those who have undergone laser spot treatment, we see that the satisfaction percentage is extremely high.

However, it should be emphasized that care should be taken in choosing a doctor and clinic. Choosing amateur clinics for low costs also brings the risk of encountering unwanted harmful effects.

What Is the Scientific Mechanism of Action of the Technologies Used in Spot Treatment?

Most modern methods used in the treatment of skin blemishes target melanin pigments in the skin. Especially laser technologies penetrate spots through the selective photothermolysis mechanism. This allows light energy at a certain wavelength to be absorbed only by melanin pigments and the melanin to be broken down without damaging surrounding tissues.

Other methods used in spot treatment such as chemical peeling or enzyme peeling treatments accelerate renewal processes in the epidermal layer of the skin. This reduces pigment accumulation in the skin. Applications such as dermapen or mesotherapy create controlled and micro-scale damage in the surface layer of the skin. In this way, it becomes possible to stimulate collagen production and eliminate tone inequalities in the skin.

What Is the Importance of Sun Protection in Spot Treatment?

Scientific studies conducted on this subject show that the UV rays of the sun directly affect melanin production in the skin. This is the most important trigger for the formation of skin blemishes. Therefore, it is essential for patients to use sunscreens with high SPF values during and after the treatment process of skin blemishes.

Using sunscreens with SPF 30 and above increases the effectiveness and success of the treatment. Using sunscreen also largely prevents the formation of new spots. One point that should not be neglected is to use sunscreen not only in hot summer months but in every season.

How Is Spot Treatment Planned According to Skin Type?

Every skin type and every spot requires different treatment approaches. The correct treatment is the treatment planned according to the person's skin type, spots, and the cause of the spots. For example, laser treatments provide faster results in fair-skinned people. In people with darker skin tones, there is a risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Therefore, much more careful action should be taken during treatment and combination treatment applications should be used when necessary. Therefore, treatment planning must definitely be made according to the person, their needs, and expectations. In this way, it becomes possible to obtain maximum benefit from the treatment.

What Are the Advantages of Combination Treatments in Spot Treatment?

Applying more than one spot treatment in combination instead of a single treatment method can increase the effectiveness of the treatment. For example, according to the patient's needs, laser treatments and mesotherapy applications or chemical peeling and dermapen applications can be applied together in combination.

All these combinations both reduce pigments in the skin and activate the skin's self-renewal mechanism. In this way, it becomes possible to achieve much faster and more permanent results.

What Is the Role of Home Care Products in Spot Treatment?

One of the most important factors supporting the success of clinical applications in the treatment of skin blemishes is correct home care practices. Generally, people receiving skin blemish treatment are recommended to use products containing:

• Antioxidant Vitamin C
• Pigment-suppressing Niacinamide
• Retinol that accelerates cell renewal
• Ingredients such as Arbutin and Kojic acid that provide a spot-lightening effect. The use of these products both accelerates the spot treatment process and ensures that the treatment results are more permanent.

When Are Spot Treatment Results Seen?

In skin blemish treatments, results vary according to the methods used in treatment. In laser skin blemish treatments, results begin to be visibly seen within two to four weeks. Lightening in the spots is observed.

In chemical peeling and mesotherapy applications, results begin to appear after a few sessions. A period of two to three months is required to see the final definitive results.

How Is the Permanence of Spot Treatment Ensured?

How permanent the results of skin blemish treatment will be depends on the patient's lifestyle and skin care routine. To increase the permanence of treatment results, patients should:

• Make regular use of high SPF sunscreen a habit
• Develop a skin care routine suitable for their skin type and skin needs and apply it regularly
• Hormonal factors effective in skin blemish formation should be kept under control.

All these precautions ensure that the results of skin blemish treatment remain permanent for a longer time.

What Are Spot Treatment Prices?

Spot treatment prices vary according to the type of the spot, the density and permanence of the spots, and the method applied in treatment. Low-priced applications may mean low-quality products. Therefore, the quality of the product and the doctor's experience are important details. To get current and clear information about spot treatment prices, you can contact a professional medical aesthetics clinic.

Which Provinces Do We Provide Spot Treatment Services In?

Medical Aesthetic Specialist Doctor Lida Çiteli provides spot treatment services to patients coming from various provinces of Türkiye and from different geographies of the world within the scope of health tourism at her Istanbul-based clinic.