Is there a way to get rid of Seborrheic keratosis over large areas? (Photos)

Question

I have sebbohreic keratoses all over my arms and legs. I'm 49 and in good shape. In other ways I feel I look young for my age, but the skin on my arms and legs looks more like 80. I've talked witha plastic surgeon and my dermatologist about it. They both say freezing then of individually is why they do. These are so extensive, I feel like it would​barely make a dent in them. I'm wondering if anyone has experience using a larger scale resurfacing approach on the extremities.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Liquid nitrogen or electro desiccation can be used to remove them. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Andrei Metelitsa, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

Raised brown spots can be treated with electrodessication, liquid nitrogen, KTP laser or laser resurfacing. Flat brown spots can be removed using laser resurfacing including non-ablative fractional resurfacing (Fraxel Dual) or q-switched lasers designed for pigment removal.

Alison Y. Tam, DO · Answer

Consult with your cosmetic dermatologist.  Insurance may not cover so many spots so it's always advisable to find out how much it would be to remove them all.  Liquid nitrogen works well for these.  Consulting with a dermatologist will be the first step so you can find out how much it will be to remove all of these spots.  Good luck!

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Lasers are more accurate than peels, still it takes a few weeks before the PIH and skin to heal - especially on the legs. Speak to your specialist as the best treatment that suits you. Dr Davin Lim.

Is there a way to get rid of Seborrheic keratosis over large areas? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Keratoses

Answer: Keratoses

Answer: Lasers vs peels for seb ks.

Answer: Lasers vs peels for seb ks.

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Is there a way to get rid of Seborrheic keratosis over large areas? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Keratoses

Answer: Keratoses

Answer: Lasers vs peels for seb ks.

Answer: Lasers vs peels for seb ks.

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.