Sun spots are simply a clumping of melanin just below the skin. They may appear anywhere, but mostly they're present on your face, hands, chest, and shoulders. These spots aren't a health issue; they're more of a cosmetic concern for most people. Laser treatment shoots focused light right at those dark spots. The laser goes after the melanin that's causing the problem, but leaves your good skin alone. Then your body cleans up the mess over the next few weeks.

The laser heats sunspot pigmentation and breaks it apart using specific light wavelengths. Most patients experience brief warmth during treatment. Sessions last between 15-45 minutes, depending on how many spots we're treating. During the process, each visible sunspot gets systematically hit with laser pulses. The energy is absorbed by the dark pigment in sun spots, while the surrounding healthy tissue isn't affected.

The best thing about this method is that there's no surgery involved. We're not cutting or applying harsh chemicals to your skin. The laser only works on the surface and doesn't damage your skin. Recovery is pretty easy, too. Most people go back to their usual activities right away. Sure, you may look red afterwards, but that won't stop you from going to work or social events.

You may be a good candidate if you have: Visible sun spots or age spots that bother you, realistic expectations about results and recovery time, generally healthy skin with no active infections, no recent tan or fresh sunburns, you're not pregnant or breastfeeding. Age doesn't really matter - we've treated people in their twenties to seventies. We work with all skin colors.

Don't expose yourself to the sun 2-3 weeks before your appointment. Stop self-tanning products at least 2 weeks before treatment. Check with us about temporarily stopping some medications. Come with completely clean skin - no makeup, lotions, or oils. Wear loose clothes to feel comfortable after treatment. Don't stop prescription drugs without asking your doctor first.

Your visit starts with examining the areas you want treated. We'll find the sun spots we're going to work on and show you exactly what'll happen during your session. Safety glasses are needed during the actual laser sun spot removal to protect your eyes. We place our laser handpiece directly on your skin and deliver controlled light pulses. You can speak up whenever you need a break.

Don't expect treated spots to disappear right away. They may look darker the first week or two after treatment. This is actually a good sign - it means the laser energy worked on the pigment. You'll start seeing real improvement as your body clears away the damaged stuff. Most people start seeing their spots get lighter around 4-6 weeks. They keep getting better for about three months while everything heals up.