Laser Sun Damage & Spot Removal Specialist

What causes age spots and sun spots?

Age spots, sun spots and other types of dark spots and discoloration can be caused by different factors, but most of these types of hyperpigmentation (excess skin coloration) appear as a result of long-term or chronic sun damage, age-related changes in the skin, hormone fluctuations and genetics.

Age spots, sun spots, and other brown spots can occur on just about any area of the body, including the face, hands, and dècolletè.

What is sun damage?

When skin is exposed to too much direct sunlight, it can be damaged by the sun’s UV rays. How much exposure is too much varies from person to person? It depends on age, gender, skin tone, and other factors.

For many people, even a little exposure to direct sunlight can be too much. Sun damage can cause many issues, ranging from wrinkling to skin cancer. Some of the most common symptoms of sun damage are various discolorations of the skin, such as uneven skin tone.

Temporary discolorations, like sunburns and some types of freckles, will go away on their own. Other discolorations, however, will not disappear unless they’re treated with an aesthetic procedure.

How does the PicoSure® laser system remove dark spots on the skin?

The PicoSure® laser system features a unique energy delivery system designed to transmit highly-focused laser energy deep below the skin surface to break up dark skin pigments. Darker areas of the skin attract and absorb more of the laser energy, leaving the surrounding healthy tissue undamaged.

Once the pigmented areas are fragmented by the laser, the body's natural waste removal process carries the fragments away. Areas around the spot will be gently warmed by the laser energy, stimulating the production of new skin cells and collagen as part of the healing process so skin looks and feels firmer and more youthful.

What is treatment like?

First, the skin in the treatment area will be gently cleansed and a topical anesthetic may be applied to reduce discomfort and keep the skin cool during treatment. Most patients report minor or no discomfort during treatment, and an average treatment takes about half an hour or less.

Once treatment is complete, the area may be mildly red or swollen for a day or two, but there is no downtime and patients can resume their normal activities right away.

How many treatments will I need?

That depends on the size of the area being treated, the characteristics of the skin and other factors. Many brown spots respond to one to three treatments with the PicoSure® laser. Each treatment plan is individually tailored to suit the patient's needs and objectives.’

If you’re interested in sunspot or laser damage removal, call the office or schedule an appointment online for a consultation.