Laser for Age & Sun Spots
What To Know About Laser Treatment For Brown Spots
What Causes Brown Spots On The Skin?
Brown spots — also called sun spots, age spots, liver spots, or solar lentigines — are areas where pigment-producing cells have clustered and deposited extra melanin in the skin. The most common cause is cumulative sun exposure over many years, which is why brown spots tend to surface on the face, chest, shoulders, forearms, and backs of the hands. Hormonal changes, inflammation from past breakouts, and simple genetics can also contribute to uneven pigment. While the spots themselves are typically harmless, they can add years to the appearance of otherwise healthy skin, and they are notoriously difficult to fade with topical products alone.
How Does Laser Treatment For Brown Spots Work?
Laser and light-based treatments work by targeting melanin directly. The device delivers precise pulses of energy that are absorbed by the darker pigment in the spot while leaving the surrounding skin largely untouched. That energy breaks the pigment into smaller particles, which the body clears naturally over the following days and weeks. Because the treatment is selective, it can lighten discoloration without disrupting healthy tissue the way more aggressive resurfacing does.
Depending on the depth, size, and color of the pigment — and on your skin type — your provider may recommend an intense pulsed light (IPL) photofacial for broad, diffuse sun damage, or a targeted laser for individual, well-defined age spots. During your consultation, we evaluate your skin and recommend the approach best suited to your concerns.
What Should I Expect During And After Treatment?
Most brown spot removal treatments take 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how much surface area is being treated. Patients often describe the sensation as a quick snap, similar to the flick of a rubber band, and a cooling device or topical numbing may be used for comfort.
Treated spots typically darken over the first 24 to 48 hours before flaking away over the following one to two weeks. Mild redness or slight swelling is common immediately after and usually resolves within a day. There is little to no true downtime, and most patients return to their normal routine right away — with diligent sun protection.
How Many Laser Treatments Will I Need For Brown Spots?
Many patients see meaningful clearing after a single session, particularly with isolated sun spots. Broader or deeper discoloration often responds best to a series of two to four treatments spaced several weeks apart. Your provider will build a plan around your skin, your concerns, and your timeline at your consultation.
Fall and winter are ideal seasons for pigment treatments, since limited sun exposure both improves results and reduces the risk of new discoloration while your skin heals.
Laser Treatment For Brown Spots at Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute
Laser treatment for brown spots is offered at our Bloomington, IL office, where our expert providers combine advanced laser technology with the trained eye of a board-certified dermatology practice. Whether you are addressing a lifetime of sun exposure or a handful of stubborn age spots, we will help you achieve clearer, more even-toned skin with treatment tailored to you. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
Service Available at the Following Locations
Healthy Skin Starts With Us