Age Spots

With time, most individuals may develop flat patches of darker or brown skin that might look a little like freckles. These are known as ‘age spots’, but can also be referred to as ‘liver spots’, ‘solar lentigines’ or ‘sun spots’. They most commonly arise in clusters on sun-exposed areas of skin such as the face, neck, back of the hands and arms. Typically age spots are flat and level with the skin, with clearly marked, smooth edges. They can range from being small and freckle-sized up to an inch wide and are not associated with any pain or itching.

Age spots may start to develop in middle or older age, however they can appear in younger individuals if they have had a lot of sun exposure. The UV radiation present in sunlight can cause our skin to darken; this is due to an increase in the production of the pigment ‘melanin’ within the skin. Sometimes the skin produces additional melanin in ‘clusters’ which can cause the appearance of patches that look darker than the surrounding skin.

Although they are not harmful, it is recommended to have any new or changing patches of pigmented skin checked to ensure that they are age spots and not something else which may be cancerous. This can usually be done during an examination with a skilled clinician, however in some instances further testing, such as a biopsy, may be required.

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About this condition

There are a number of measures that can be taken to prevent or delay the development of age spots. As they are directly related to exposure to UV light, ensuring good sun protection all year round is key. For example, wearing a daily sun screen of a minimum 30SPF on sun exposed areas of skin, particularly the face, can be helpful. If spending time in more intense sunlight, appropriate clothing and stronger sun screen may be warranted. It is also recommended to avoid the use of tanning beds, as this can contribute to a number of sun-related skin conditions, including skin cancers. Having a healthy lifestyle, including drinking plenty of water, eating a balanced diet, regular exercise and avoiding alcohol and smoking can all help to maintain healthy and youthful looking skin.

Although not harmful, some individuals may find the presence of age spots distressing and unsightly. This can have an impact on a person’s self-confidence, and, in turn, on their choice of clothing and activities. There are a number of non-invasive cosmetic procedures that can be considered to improve the appearance of age spots. These include:

Intense Pulsed Light therapy
Laser treatments
Needling or ‘microneedling’

These treatments are all non-surgical and can be performed within an outpatient appointment. They work by encouraging the skin to break down the excess melanin pigment and regenerate, leading to an overall smoother and more even appearance of the skin.

Mr Ioannis Goutos is a highly respected, London-based plastic surgeon with a passion for treating scars and burns. He is well equipped to perform meticulous assessments and create tailor-made treatment plans for his patients, based on their current situation and their cosmetic goals. Mr Goutos takes particular pride in ensuring all aspects of a patient’s treatment journey are addressed, including physical, social and psychological factors. He is well placed to provide a number of surgical and non-surgical procedures, with gold-standard aftercare.

Testimonials

Mr Goutos is delighted to share some of his patient and peer feedback on their experiences of his services.

Louise Steel

2023-08-16

Mr Goutos performed keloidectomy surgery on both my earlobes, and I am so grateful to have been referred to him. From the first consultation, through surgery, and now my 3-month follow-up, I have nothing but good words to say.

Luke Ward

2023-07-10

This man is an extremely intelligent, professional gentleman. He will set realistic expectations from the beginning and will not ‘beat around the bush’ so-to speak. From the initial consultation to post-surgery, it has been a rollercoaster ride. However the high level of expertise & professionalism Mr Goutos maintained has been impeccable. All I can say to any other individual considering treatment with Mr Goutos, is that you are in incredibly safe hands. And on top of this, he has a great sense of humour. I wish nothing but the best for this man, and the best results for his future patients.

Mauricio Lucas

2023-07-06

Outstanding Doctor - Exceptional Expertise I recently had the pleasure of consulting and also going through surgery. Dr. Goutos removed a large class of keloids from my back and chest, and without a doubt, I can confidently say that he is the best doctor I have ever had the privilege of seeing. From the moment I entered his practice, I was immediately struck by his professionalism, knowledge, and exceptional bedside manner. Dr. Goutos possesses an extraordinary level of expertise in his field, and his technical skills are truly remarkable. His ability to diagnose and treat medical conditions is unparalleled, and I have personally witnessed his remarkable success in improving the health and well-being of countless patients. What sets Dr. Goutos apart is his genuine care and concern for his patients. He takes the time to listen attentively, ensuring that he understands every aspect of the medical issue at hand. He communicates clearly and effectively, explaining complex medical concepts in a way that is easy to comprehend, which greatly helps in alleviating any concerns or fears. One aspect that impressed me greatly was Dr. Goutos' commitment to staying updated with the latest advancements in his field. He incorporates cutting-edge techniques and treatments into his practice, ensuring that his patients receive the highest standard of care available. This dedication to continuous learning and improvement is a testament to his unwavering dedication to his profession. Additionally, the support staff at Dr.Goutos' practice deserves recognition for their exceptional service. They are friendly, compassionate, and highly efficient, ensuring that appointments run smoothly and patients feel comfortable throughout the entire process. Overall, I cannot emphasize enough how fortunate I feel to have found Dr.Goutos' exceptional skills, genuine care, and unwavering commitment to his patients make him a truly outstanding specialist. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone seeking top-notch medical care.

Kashmala Khan

2023-01-26

Mr. Goutos and his team did an amazing job reversing a scar I had on my forehead. This was a very old scar and had bothered for many years. The laser treatment and fat transfer procedure has changed my life and given me so much confidence. I would definitely recommend him, he is a fantastic and very skilled surgeon. Thank you so much!

Javier

2023-01-14

Mr Goutos and his team removed some lipomas from my arms. The initial consultation right through to the aftercare was professional, sensitive and genuine. Mr Goutos put me at ease right from the start, discussing my history and background and then discussing the various options for the incisions and sutures. The incisions were quick, efficient and professional. I felt completely at ease knowing I was in expert hands. The incisions were extremely neat and have closed and scared really well. I had a number of questions after the operation and one of the sutures became infected. Mr Goutos was quick to make an appointment for me, see me and deal with the infection and offered for me to see him again if the infection didn’t calm down. He was genuinely empathetic to my needs and took time to check each scare, explain things and assure me along the way. He didn’t at any point, make me feel I was asking silly questions or too many. I highly recommend Mr Goutos for his exceptional incisions and suturing as well as his professional conduct, caring approach and after care. The whole experience was smooth and easy and I am very grateful for what he has done for me.

Ieva Lihovida-Yarlett

2022-12-07

We came to see Dr Goutos a few month ago to remove invasive spider nevus on my 9 year old sons nose . After a lovely consultation with Dr Goutos , he suggested to do several laser treatment sessions. After a few sessions we already noticed a massive improvement. On the final laser treatment session the spider nevus was completely gone. Thank you to the Dr Goutos for tackling the problem so rapidly and with great results!

Amy Munson

2022-10-27

We took our 4yr old daughter to Mr Goutos following an accident which resulted in a small burn scar on her cheek. Mr Goutos gave us various options and we went for laser treatment. After 4 appointments the scar has gone! The care that Mr Goutos gave us was exceptional and so good with children. He made us feel very comfortable and confident in his ability. I would recommend him to anyone if they were looking for a doctor in that particular field. Can't thank him enough.