Can Sun Spots Be Removed - Burning off Sunspots with Liquid Nitrogen on Face
Sun spot removal pictures
Sun Spot Removal
Often times people are interested in the removal of sun spots for cosmetic reasons as well as health. Once my sun spot was removed and healed, the discolored spot is no longer visible on my nose. For my own vanity, I think it's worth getting them removed, but if I had several that didn't pose a health risk, I think I'd live with the spots.
Dark round spots on face
I recently went to the doctor to have a dark round spot on my face inspected. The doctor asked me a few questions about how long it had been there, what I did for a living - to see if I work outside, and if I had noticed any changes.
Over the last few years this dark little spot had grown to about the size of a dime. In some ways it resembled a giant freckle. This was cause enough for my general practitioner to send me to a dermatologist.
The dermatologist took a quick look at it and said the spot was actually a sun spot on my face. A precancerous spot caused by exposure to the sun. For people that spent time in the sun, it's pretty common for these spots to start showing on places like the face and neck and even legs if you wore shorts a lot when you are about 35 years old. His recommendation is to get the sun spots removed once you spot them so they don't turn into cancer.
How are sun spots removed?
It's a pretty simple and slightly painful procedure that is done in the office to have a sun spot removed. First, the doctor doesn't use any anesthesia, so there is going to be a bit of pain. The Dermatologist explained that they use liquid nitrogen on a swab and apply it with a slight amount of pressure for about one minute. The liquid nitrogen will burn the sun spot and over the next few weeks, a scab will form and fall off in the shower.
How to prevent sun spots?
Sun spots are caused by exposure to the sun. If your skin is exposed to the sun frequently, there is a very good chance that they will develop. The Dermatologist gave me these recommendations to prevent sun spots.
- Where sunscreen on all exposed skin. If your out in the sun for more than three hours, then reapply sunscreen.
- Where pants and long sleeve shirts to keep sun off the skin.
- Where a wide brim hat to protect the head and ears.
Recovery from getting a sun spot removed
When your face is burned with liquid nitrogen, it creates a sore on the size of your face that is a few millimeters larger than the sun spot. The spot on my face started oozing a clear liquid that is somewhat similar to the ooze of a bad scrape or a burn. After a few days it will begin to dry up and form a scab. The pain will subside each day. You might want to take a little Tylenol until it's gone. You don't want to touch it or pick at it, because it can become infected. After it dries out, like other scabs, it will fall off when it is healed and the sun spot will be gone. Although, many people report that the scare will last for several months before it finally goes away. If you have a lot of face to face meetings, you might want to wait to have a sun spot removed, because the sore is pretty unattractive while it's healing.
Comments
I find as I get older, I wish I had taken better care of my skin and teeth. Probably could have been prevented.
Ralph, I bet you see a lot of sun when you sail. Keep the sunblock on!
At least it has gone now Paul. I did not realise they used liquid nitrogen. I had a few skin tags removed from my neck and it was used for that. Ouch
liquid nitro. is that also sold OTC? it might beat out those expensive spot remover or bleaching creams. Us tennis and volley ball players do appreciate the advice.
Very interesting and informative hub. Thank you.
Thanks for the info on sunspots, which is rarely discussed.
Might I tell you that honey is really good for your skin? Your body heat warms it, so it's easy to wash off, but it's great for healing without a scar, as well as keeping your skin healthy. (Also the best thing I've ever found for burns)
nice info. best advice is sunscreen. I'm blonde, blue-eyed, fair skin living in florida. sunscreen is just part of the daily routine. and a dermatologist routine exam once a year.
I've had two pre-cancerous spots removed. don't forget to put sunscreen on the preschoolers. they're outside during prime time. thanks for sharing, Paul.
I had it done two weeks ago, the scab fell off but now it is pink - when will it be back to normal
It took a few weeks to get back to normal, but it did eventually.
I have had one removed 3 days ago and the nurse put a cover over it so I could return to work. Does any know if this will slow the healing process.
Thanks for the nice informative hub! Thank God for sunscreen! I've been using it daily on my face rain or shine for 25 years, but I am bad about my arms, hands, and neck when I am routinely in the garden. These actinic keratoses or "life's barnacles" as my doctor likes to call them really do need to be checked annually. I'm glad you brought the importance of it to everyone's attention!
Thanks for the great information! My father keeps having to get these sunspots cut off his head like every three months and they leave a pretty war wound, lol. He shaves his head like mister clean so you can see it when he goes in to have them removed. Thanks again!
This is good info. I think that many people probably don't know this and might be afraid to ask someone so making a public blog about it allows them to get the answer without fear. I reckon tons of people will benefit from this. You have also given me some ideas about what to write in certain places
Liquid Nitrogen sounds dangerous!
Great advice. I had 5 treated on my face today with liquid nitrogen. Slight sting but nothing to be concerned about.
can you put make up over the area treated while it is healing?
You could put a bandage over it while you go out, but I don't think I'd put makeup over the scab while healing.
I had to removed today on my lower leg. A big painful blister has appeared on both. I have no idea how about the aftercare. as I am a type one diabetic I am concerned any advice
just got two sun spots done yesterday....my doctor said I could cover it up with make up if needed
I had treated age spot on my face with liquid nitrogen 2 weeks ago. The scab fell of after 5 days. Now the treated spots turn dark brown. I called up the dermatology if i need an appointment for check up but the assistant told me i have to wait 4-6 weeks for healing process. I don't know if still healing or this could be a scar. Is anyone have the same problem.
@rose yes, I had a mis colored spot after the scab fell off for a bit, but it then healed.
I got it done 3 days ago to two spots ine in check an one under the eye. It didnt hurt just a tiny sting! However iwas bad and picked at one which i should know better then that itook like i may have a small indent but they
Looked pretty bad! The one under my eye is actually still swollen really pink. I put makeup over but they both look bad. If i had known i shoulda took a couple days off work or shoulda just kept the silly brown spots no ine noticed but me! Well we shall see when they heal up!
2 months ago, I had Nitrogen treated on my face, now I have all this brown circle on my face, it's really embarassing, I don't know if it will ever go away or scar. Does anyone had this experience.
Do the sun spots ever turn red after a shower for a bit? I believe that what I have is a sun spot on the side of my nose. but not sure.
Is there another alternative to haveing a pink sunspot removed off of my face ? it's at the corner of my eye and hurts to touch it. I don't want the liquid Nitrogen used cause I don't want a scar left there.
My dermatologist used liquid nitrogen on my face to remove skin tags. Now my face looks horrible after 3 weeks now, all kinds of black spots over my face. Now I have to wear make up on my face daily to cover it. The spots are bigger than the skin tags I started out with.
Ralph Deeds 2 years ago
Good advice. I've had a bunch of them removed over the past 30 years or so.