Age & Sun Spot Removal
A Little Science
Sun & Age Spot are sometimes called freckles and liver spots. In a medical setting, they are often referred to as pigmented lesions. This treatment targets unwanted areas of excess pigmentation, such as sun spots, age spots, and freckles, using precise wavelengths of light. These spots form when melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the skin, create too much melanin in a concentrated area due to UV exposure, aging, or genetics.
Laser treatment works by delivering light that is selectively absorbed by this melanin. As the pigment absorbs the light energy, it heats up and breaks apart into smaller fragments. These tiny particles then rise to the surface and naturally shed off, or they are cleared gradually through the body’s lymphatic system. The surrounding skin remains unaffected, thanks to a process called selective photothermolysis, which targets pigment without harming healthy tissue.
How many treatments?
It depends on a couple of different things, like the depth of pigment, type of lesion, and skin tone, but most clients need:
1–3 sessions for lighter, superficial sun spots
3–5 sessions for deeper or more stubborn pigmentation
Maintenance once a year may be needed for clients with ongoing sun exposure or strong pigmentation tendencies
This service is available as single sessions or in packages of 3. Because pigmentation responds differently from spot to spot, treatments are sold by time rather than by specific body area. Some sun spots clear after just one session, while others require multiple treatments to gradually lighten. This structure ensures you only pay for the treatment time you need, not per individual spot.
Before Your Appointment
Results
Immediately after treatment:
Pigmented spots will darken significantly, sometimes turning coffee-brown or even black.
Over the next 5–14 days, these darker spots will come to the surface and slough off naturally. Often described as ‘coffee ground’ like texture right before they slough off.
Skin underneath appears clearer, brighter, and more even-toned.
Full results develop over 2–4 weeks as the skin regenerates. For deeper pigmentation, gradual fading rather than total removal may occur.
No tanning or sun exposure for at least 4 weeks
No self-tanners 2-4 weeks
Avoid retinoids, acids, and exfoliants for 5–7 days before treatment
Keep the area clean and free of lotions, makeup, and deodorant on the day of service
Inform us of any photosensitizing medications, recent peels, or history of melasma
Things to Note:
What Can We Treat?
Pigmented lesion removal works well on most sun-damaged or hyperpigmented areas, including:
Any area with concentrated pigmentation from UV damage, aging, or genetics can typically be treated—except very thin, delicate areas close to the eyes.
Face (most common)
Chest and décolletage
Hands
Arms and shoulders
Back
Legs
After Your Appointment
Expect darkening and flaking
Do not pick or scratch spots as they rise to the surface
Apply a gentle moisturizer as needed if the area feels dry or tight
Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and heavy sweating for 24–48 hours
No exfoliating acids, scrubs, or retinoids for 5–7 days
Strict sun protection is essential:
Use SPF 30+ daily
Wear hats or protective clothing
Avoid direct sun exposure for 2 weeks
Not all pigmentation is caused by sun damage. Some brown discoloration, such as melasma, can worsen with heat or laser energy. A consultation helps us determine whether laser treatment is appropriate.
Deeper pigmentation or long-standing lesions may lighten significantly but not always disappear completely.
Clients with darker skin tones can be treated safely using appropriate laser settings, but may require more sessions and more cautious parameters.
We can treat clients with Fitzpatrick skin types 1-4 with this service.
We cannot treat actively tanned skin to avoid the risk of unwanted pigmentation changes like hypopigmentation.
Sun exposure is the main cause of new pigmentation, so protection is crucial to maintaining results.