Have you spent too long in the sun?

We all do from time to time, but prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to pigmentation, the permanent discolouration of patches of skin.  Often called sun spots or liver spots, these damaged areas can be a cause of anxiety, particularly if they are on parts of the body which are visible most of the time.  Feeling good about how you look is strongly linked with self-esteem and confidence, so if your appearance is holding you back, perhaps it’s time to look at sun damage removal options.

Fortunately, it is possible to improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin.

Our consultant plastic surgeons can advise you on the best sun damage removal treatment.  The first step is to attend an initial consultation at our clinic, held at the Spire Manchester Hospital, where your skin can be examined by one of our plastic surgeons.  During this consultation, your surgeon will explain what’s involved in sun damage removal and also give you a good indication of the results you’re likely to see, so you can decide if you wish to go ahead with treatment.

Sun damage is one of the main causes of skin ageing.  

Prolonged exposure to the sun causes wrinkles, brown spots, sagging, loss of elasticity and other age-related skin problems.  Sun damage isn’t isolated to people who sunbathe, even day-to-day exposure can impact your skin.

Sun damage can lead to skin cancer, so it’s important to check your skin regularly and seek medical advice for anything you’re not sure about.  Your suspicions should be aroused by any changes in the appearance of moles or skin tags, particularly if they become irregular in shape or begin to bleed.  Our plastic surgeons will be able to assess your sun-damaged skin and advise if a biopsy is necessary.  A biopsy involves removing an area of skin and sending it off for tests.  If cancer is found, further treatment may be necessary to ensure all affected cells have been removed.

The right approach to sun damage removal varies from person to person.  

For some people, particularly if there are skin lesions or pigmented lesions, or moles, then the surgical removal of the damaged skin will suffice.  Where the effects of ageing have led to sagging facial features, it may be appropriate to consider plastic surgery options such as facelift or brow lift to rejuvenate and smoothen the facial features.

Our consultant plastic surgeons have significant experience in facial plastic surgery, so are well placed to advise you on the treatments which will achieve the results you would like to see.

Caring for your skin:

When you’ve had your skin damage removal treatment, you will need to continue to care for your skin to ensure your results are maintained.

  • Use sunscreen – even when it’s not sunny, even when you’re not on holiday. Make applying sunscreen a part of your everyday skincare routine.
  • Stay out of the sun – minimise your exposure and definitely stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm when the sun is strongest. Seek the shade!
  • Cover your skin to reduce exposure. Swap your t-shirts for lightweight cotton tops which cover your shoulders and most (if not all) of your arms.

To find out more about skin damage reversal treatments, please get in touch to arrange an initial consultation with one of our consultant plastic surgeons.

This meeting is an opportunity to find out more about treatment options and likely outcomes, so you can decide if you wish to go ahead.  With our expert team by your side, you’ll be in safe hands.