Seborrheic keratoses... Or what I like call "Wisdom spots"

Written by Dr. Wendy Myers

If you are over the age of 30 and have had a skin check with me, you may have heard me use the term "wisdom spot." What I am actually referring to are common lesions called seborrheic keratoses. Seborrheic keratoses or SKs are common benign skin lesions that often start developing in patients in their thirties, and continue to form as we age. I often like to joke with my patients that these are markers of their wisdom and maturity, as most patients do not want to hear that they are due to aging.

Patients often confuse SKs with "moles", but they are not. SKs are made of keratinocytes and not melanocytes which comprise true moles or nevi. They can develop on any part of the body except the palms and soles and can appear in many different ways: skin toned, pigmented, flat, or even quite raised, often resembling warts. 

The good news I always try to reinforce with my patients is that they are benign and require no treatment. They can be removed for cosmetic reasons or if they become irritated, inflamed, or itchy. There are various ways that this can be done in the office including cryotherapy (freezing lesion with very cold spray that results in the lesions peeling off), curettage (scraping lesion off after local anesthesia), or electrocautery (electric needle to burn lesion off, often with curettage).  Therapies are often determined by the size and location of the lesion. Treatment areas often heal well, but may hyper or hypo- pigmentation as a result. 

What is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is one of the most popular and effective anti-aging skincare treatments available today. Often called an “instant facelift,” microdermabrasion reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin tone, clarity and texture, unclogs pores and decreases pore size and diminishes skin discoloration, age spots and scarring.

At Windsor Dermatology, many of our patients have discovered that microdermabrasion is a non-invasive, safe and pain-free alternative to traditional plastic surgery, helping their skin to achieve a more youthful, smoother and brighter appearance.

How Does Microdermabrasion Work?

Microdermabrasion is usually performed on the face, chest, neck, arms and/or hands. Using a crystal-free, medical-grade diamond tip, our aesthetician uses a hand-held device to guide the tip across your skin to loosen and exfoliate dead skin from the uppermost layer.  A gentle vacuum-like suction then removes the dead and damaged cells from your skin.  Diamond tips are available in different sizes and the aesthetician can apply varying degrees of abrasion, depending on skin type, the condition that is being addressed and the level of resurfacing required. 

Diamond-tip microdermabrasion is safe and effective for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

How Often Do I Need Microdermabrasion Treatments?

Microdermabrasion treatments build upon each other, and patients may notice some improvement after only one treatment. However, the aesthetician will be able to advise you on the number of recommended treatments after an initial consultation and assessment. 

Usually three to six sessions are required to achieve optimal results. These will be scheduled at intervals ranging from several days to two weeks, depending upon the initial assessment and expected treatment outcomes.  Many of our patients choose to maintain their results with additional treatments every four to six weeks following their initial treatments. Each treatment lasts approximately 30-60 minutes.

What Can I Expect After Each Treatment?

Many patients schedule their microdermabrasion treatments on their lunch breaks because there is minimal discomfort and no disruption in daily activities associated with this procedure. Your skin may appear to be mildly sunburned following treatment, and you will be more sensitive to the effects of sunlight exposure. Therefore, you should avoid sun exposure for the first 24 hours following each treatment and apply a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 as your skin continues to heal. Makeup can be applied three-four hours following each facial treatment. 

What Are the Overall Benefits of Microdermabrasion?

Your skin will appear younger-looking and firmer. Age spots and acne scars will fade or even disappear. You’ll notice improved skin texture and a smoother appearance. And you’ll receive plenty of compliments about your fresher and more youthful appearance!

Why Windsor Dermatology? 

We understand patients may be overwhelmed with the myriad of skincare alternatives available today. Windsor Dermatology’s licensed and accredited aesthetician is trained to recommend a personal skincare treatment plan, based on a thorough analysis and assessment of your individual needs. Our aesthetician can also suggest a home-based regimen that will complement and maintain your treatment-based, in-office procedures.

Anti-Aging Skincare with Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical alternative that has been shown to be effective in treating or eliminating the following skin conditions:

·        Fine lines and wrinkles

·        Acne scars

·        Sun damage

·        Large/clogged pores

·        Age spots

·        Uneven skin surface

·        Discoloration

·        Stretch marks

Our patients are always assured of receiving the most advanced treatments and personalized care from our highly skilled medical aesthetician. If you are experiencing a skincare-related issue, we invite you to contact our office to schedule a consultation - 609-443-4500.