What can they be?
Hello Chelsea. It's not clear from the photo what you are referring to when you say white patches. It does appear that you have some discoloration- areas that are lighter and darker. Rather than treating white patches, it's likely we would treat the darker areas and that may involve lasers for sun damage or hydroquinone for Melasma. Another possibility is a condition called Vitiligo, but without better pictures it's hard to tell. To see examples of treatments for sun damage click through to the before and after photos on our website.
Thank you for your photo. It is hard to tell exactly what those are from the photo alone. One possibility is xanthelasma which are cholesterol deposits under the skin. These are usually treated with direct excision with incisions hidden into your natural creases. Sometimes, a blepharoplasty to rejuvenate the eyes are done at the same time. Other possibilities include pigmentation changes or nevi which require other treatments. It is best to have an in-office examination to closely examine and determine what these patches are so the correct, most effective, AND SAFEST options can be relayed to you. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MD Plastic Surgery