Age spots. Liver spots. Whatever we call the points of discoloration that seem to appear with increasing regularity during midlife, we certainly can’t say we appreciate them. In essence, these spots are an indication of sun damage. Even if you wouldn’t call yourself a Sun Worshipper, chances are you have spent time outdoors throughout the years of your life. Chances are also good that at least a few of those times, you had little if any, protection in the form of an appropriate sunscreen.

When we spend time in the sun, the cells within the dermis produce melanin, the same chemical that gives us a nice golden tan. The pigment produced by melanocytes can clump together over time. We may not see spots right away. In fact, it is usually many years after the accumulation of pigment that spots make their way onto the surface of our skin.

Patients should see Dr. Shah so he can examine your sunspots. This is done to ensure they do not indicate skin cancer or precancerous lesions. In most cases, they do not. What they do present is a cosmetic concern. In our plastic surgery and med spa near Las Vegas, there are several ways we can address this problem.