Age spots, also known as seborrhoeic keratoses, barnacles, senile warts or wisdom spots - are a normal part of aging. However, they can get unsightly, itchy or even bleed when rubbed or scratched.
If you don't like your age spots, the good news is that they can usually be removed simply and with minimal down time. Our skin cancer doctors offer stitch free age spot removal at Chevron Advanced Medical using cryotherapy or shave removal and diathermy to remove the unwanted spots.
Please read the FAQs below before booking.
HOW ARE AGE SPOTS REMOVED?
The preferred method used here is with cryotherapy.
WHAT IS CRYOTHERAPY?
This involves applying liquid nitrogen at a very cold temperature. It is minimally invasive. Following cryotherapy, you can still do your normal activities without interruption (eg. swimming, sauna, exercise, etc). It can take up to 4 weeks for the age spots to fall off. You will usually need to repeat cryotherapy every 3 to 4 weeks until you are satisfied with the appearance. As an example, the following result was seen after 2 sessions of cryotherapy (click to enlarge).
 |
| Left: Before cryotherapy. Right: After 2 sessions of cryotherapy. |
WILL I GET A SCAR FROM CRYOTHERAPY?
There is a small chance of getting a white mark from cryotherapy. This usually happens if it is done too hard. Our doctor is an experienced user of cryotherapy and applies it daily during skin checks.
For most Caucasians, scarring is minimal. However, if you are of Asian origin or have a darker skin type, cryotherapy may not be suitable.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER CRYOTHERAPY?
The frozen area will come up like a mosquito bite. It will usually be itchy. Sometimes a blister may appear. A thick moisturiser is recommended to be applied daily to the frozen areas. You can still swim, shower, and do your usual activities. You should not scratch the spots until after 3 weeks. Most of the age spots will naturally fall off within that time period.
WHAT IF THE DARK SPOT MIGHT BE A MELANOMA?
The doctor will examine your moles and age spots, prior to cryotherapy, for the possibility of skin cancer. If a skin cancer is suspected, then a biopsy can be performed and the lesion will be sent off to the pathology lab for analysis.
 |
| Haemangioma vs Melanoma vs Age spot |
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Cryotherapy can generally be applied to your age spots during your skin check appointment. The fee for a skin check is usually $150 and your Medicare rebate is $85, resulting in a gap of $65. You may need repeat appointments for cryotherapy after 4 weeks until you are satisfied with the result. The fees will be similar for repeat appointments.
HOW CAN I MAKE A BOOKING?
You can book online here with Dr Andrew Thant - please select "Skin cancer - full body check". Cryotherapy of age spots can be done during the skin check.