Removing Sunspots with Liquid Nitrogen?

Question

Hi I am looking for a doctor in the Pasadena area that will remove sunspots from my face with liquid nitrogen. I have Kaiser insurance and they won't do it. They only recommended Obagi skin care.

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

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Pasadena.  Liquid nitrogen is not ideal for sun spots because it can lead to scarring and will not necessarily permanently remove the sun spots.

	Q-switched lasers are a better option because they can permanently remove the sun spots without the same risk of scarring as liquid nitrogen.  Because lasers are light based rather than a cold pressure (nitorgen), there is less collateral damage.  For the types of results we get for laser treatment of sun spots, check the link below.  We are also in Los Angeles.

David W. Bray, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, nowadays, almost no insurance would cover the cost of elective removal of benign sun spots (freckles/ lentigines) with cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen). If there are other sun spots that might be precancerous, these can usually be covered by insurance. There are many options to electively remove benign sun spots, from lightening creams, to chemical peels, to lasers. Seeking a consultation to discuss treatment options would be recommended. A good way to search for a board certified dermatologist in your area is by going to the American Academy of Dermatology website home page and searching for a provider by zip code and mileage radius.

Removing Sunspots with Liquid Nitrogen?

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