High-energy pulsing lasers can safely and effectively remove many unwanted brown and red spots on your skin, including liver spots, age spots, sun spots, broken capillaries, birthmarks, and angiomas (red spots). Once the lasers do their job, you can have a more even skin tone.
In this guide, we review the aspects of Facial laser for brown spots, facial laser for brown spots cost, best laser treatment for dark spots on face, and What is the best laser for brown spots on face?
Laser treatments usually take 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the size, color, and depth of the spot, as well as the number of spots to be treated. Most treatments do not require any anesthetic, and all are done on an outpatient basis. Red spots can usually be treated in one to two visits. Brown spots may require two to three visits. Broken capillaries or red-colored scars may need multiple treatments.
Laser Removal of Brown Spots Before & After Photos
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Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
When removing red spots, the skin is often reddened or bruised for 7 to 10 days after the treatment and may sting like a sunburn for a few hours. Removing brown spots forms an abrasion and also temporarily reddens the skin. After each treatment, you can resume your normal activities immediately, although you should keep the treated area out of the sun for at least 6 weeks, or as long as your doctor advises. Once the area is healed, you should protect it with sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher whenever it is exposed to the sun.
Side effects may include hypopigmentation (lightening of the treated skin) or hyperpigmentation (darkening of the treated skin). Laser treatment will not stop new spots from forming. Your doctor will discuss with you all the risks and benefits of treatment during your consultation.
Kaiser Permanente’s Cosmetic Services Department in Walnut Creek has been wonderful. They successfully and safely treated dark spots (from sun exposure) on my face through a combination of both topical and laser treatments. My esthetician, Cat VanBergen is wonderful and I feel really lucky to have found her. The professionalism, expertise, and kindness of everyone at Kaiser Cosmetic Services have been a true blessing.
Lasers are only effective on certain types of spots – primarily marks that have a discrete boundary. If your skin tone is uneven, or if you are bothered by general discoloration, you may be a good candidate for treatment using Obagi NuDerm® Systems or a chemical peel. Your doctor can discuss your options with you, including carbon dioxide (CO2) laser skin resurfacing if you’re also concerned about rough skin texture in addition to brown spots.
Laser Removal of Brown Spots Locations
What Should I Look for in a Laser Practitioner?
The treatment should be performed by a registered nurse (RN) or physician who’s trained to operate a laser. Different treatment choices must be made for each patient. Side effects such as skin discoloration can result if the laser is operated by an inexperienced practitioner. At Kaiser Permanente, we provide only laser trained RNs or physicians to deliver high-quality care to our patients.
Facial laser for brown spots
Laser light treatment is a flash, similar to a camera flash. The frequency of that light is best absorbed by the dark pigmented spots in the skin. The surrounding light skin, which is not pigmented, does not pick up that light very well, so the dark pigmented cells absorb virtually all of the light’s energy and simply peel off after a few days.
The laser treatment itself takes approximately 30-minutes and is mildly uncomfortable. The sensation you feel is similar to a rubber band snapping on your skin. One treatment is often enough to be effective, but some people may want to do as many as three treatments depending on the level of sun damage.
It’s not uncommon for people to have brown spots on their hands, arms or face. The pigment is consistent and you usually can’t feel them because they’re flat, not raised.
These brown spots are often referred to as age spots, liver spots or sun spots. In medical terms, these brown spots are known as lentigines, which are basically sun spots caused by damage to the skin. Lentigines tend to make our skin look weathered, old and unsightly.
The Cost of Laser Treatment
The cost varies depending on the areas involved and the number of treatments you need. Larger areas of skin cost more, while smaller areas won’t be as expensive. Also, more treatments come with discounts. So your price per treatment decreases as you schedule more procedures.
Types of Laser Treatments
Laser treatment for dark spots uses an Intense Pulse Light (IPL) laser. The laser head (about the size of a postage stamp) emits light that’s absorbed by dark skin cells. The darker the skin cell, the more energy it absorbs, killing that particular cell.
Then the dead skin cells move to the top of your skin and flake off. As they flake, you just peel off the dark spots.
The surrounding skin cells aren’t harmed. Because they don’t have the dark pigment, they don’t absorb the laser energy.
This treatment works great for lighter skin types. Because the laser can clearly differentiate between the normal skin and the dark spot, it’s highly effective.
Chemical peels can help erase dark spots as well. If you have a darker skin, you may opt for a chemical peel instead of a laser treatment because it’s safer for skin with more pigment.
Do Lasers Hurt?
IPL can be uncomfortable. It feels like a little rubber band snap, and since it’s repeatedly “snapping” around the entire area of treatment, we recommend a numbing cream. You’ll apply it on the treatment area to make your procedure much more comfortable.
What to Expect After Laser Treatment
Redness and swelling are normal the day after your laser treatment. Then, within 4-7 days, these spots will begin to flake off like coffee grounds.
Whether you choose IPL or a chemical peel, dark spots will come back in the sun. Be meticulous about wearing sunscreen to prevent them from returning, especially in the weeks following your treatment. Even if you’re just driving on a sunny day, apply sunscreen. Your windshield doesn’t stop the sunlight from affecting your skin.
If you’re not careful about sun exposure, the effort you made to remove the spots will be in vain. They’ll only stay away with diligent sun protection.
Are Dark Spots Cancerous?
If you have dark spots, that doesn’t mean you have cancer. However, because these areas of the skin are damaged, you could develop skin cancer. It’s important to get checked (See: How to Spot Skin Cancer) if you notice a new brown spot that is changing and has a different color and shape from other moles on your body.
To the untrained eye, most moles and dark spots look similar, so we encourage everyone to get checked the first time they notice dark spots. It can take a long time to realize something is wrong, and early detection is critical. Also, you shouldn’t try to self-diagnose based on photos and information you found online. It’s important to be examined by a trained dermatologist.
The Consequences of Leaving Dark Spots Untreated
When left untreated, dark pigmented spots will continue to accumulate on your skin over time. The more you allow brown spots to accumulate, the more difficult they are to treat.
If you get brown spots cleaned off your skin at this time of year, they’ll typically stay away during the winter months because you spend less time in the sun. Then you can take steps during the spring and summer months to prevent these spots from appearing.
Ongoing Treatment to Prevent Dark Spots
In addition to the laser removal process, brown spots on the skin typically require ongoing, daily treatment because the damage is generally caused by daily sun exposure.
Obviously, it’s important to use sunscreen. We also use retinol to remove brown spots from the skin, as well as pigment blockers to prevent more dark pigment from appearing. This is all part of a daily regimen that can help you maintain a clear complexion.
Dr. R. Todd Plott is a board-certified dermatologist in Coppell, Keller, and Saginaw, TX. His specialization and professional interests include treating patients suffering with acne, identifying and solving complex skin conditions such as psoriasis, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, and identifying and treating all types of skin cancers. In his spare time, Dr. Plott enjoys cycling, traveling with his wife, and spending time with his children and new grandson.
facial laser for brown spots cost
Laser age spot removal is very safe, and it is one of the most effective methods of getting rid of dark spots caused by frequent or extended exposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds. However, many worry about what laser age spot removal costs.
Laser Age Spot Removal Cost
The exact cost of having your age spots removed using a laser can vary greatly depending upon a number of factors. The primary aspect when determining age spot removal cost is the size of the area being treated. A small patch of spots on the face, for example, will cost considerably less to treat than an entire upper arm. The darkness of the spots is also a determining factor. In general, lighter brown spots are easier to remove than ones that are darker or black. More sessions may be required to get rid of darker spots, which can greatly increase the overall cost.
Getting rid of age spots with a laser usually only takes one or two treatments. For spots that are especially dark or stubborn, however, the number may vary, but it still should not take more than three or four. After each session, a small scab will form over the spot treated. Once it falls off, you will be able to see whether the spot have completely faded or not. Your doctor will be able to give you an estimate on the number of sessions necessary before you begin treatment.
Paying For Laser Age Spot Removal
On average, laser age spot removal costs anywhere from $100 to $900 per session depending upon the size of the area being treated, the type of laser being used and your geographic location and number of sessions. Because it is a cosmetic procedure, it is not covered under the vast majority of insurance plans. Many facilities will allow patients with good credit to set up payment plans, however. There are also independent companies that specialize in providing people with credit for medical procedures. These options can make laser treatments more affordable regardless of your budget.
Though there are facilities that promise discount age spot removal, it is best to seek out a reputable dermatologist who is willing to provide you with upfront pricing. A good practitioner will let you know how much everything should cost and roughly how many sessions you will need. He or she will also let you know exactly what is included in the quoted price. Because it is a medical procedure, age spot removal cost should not be your only concern when deciding where to go.
best laser treatment for dark spots on face
Laser skin care treatments have come a long way since their dermatological debut in 1963, treating everything from hair and tattoo removal to hyperpigmentation, acne scars, skin tightening, and fine lines and wrinkles. The trends in recent years have consistently gravitated towards the use of gentler laser treatments with minimal downtime that can still offer prejuvenation via boosted collagen production and skin tightening. Many laser treatments for dark spots and other skin concerns are also administered in once-monthly series that patients can fit into their busy schedules — no reason to struggle with dark spots or rough skin texture if there’s an in-office treatment that can help.
The short recovery times associated with these treatments are in stark opposition to the ablative options of years past, which often left patients with a week of redness and flaking. But in today’s busy world (especially since millions of workers are heading back to the office this fall) few people want to commit to a lengthy recovery period.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jason Emer, who practices in Beverly Hills, elaborates, stating that, “The trend right now is [for] low-downtime procedures that improve your skin over time, without having to look like a burn or having scaling, peeling faces for too long of a time.” He explains that modern lasers deliver ultra-controlled damage that “stimulates the dermis to remodel itself without damage.” The end result? “Radiance, smooth and clear skin with reduced pimples, pores, and scars,” he says.
For comparison, Fraxel teatments take approximately five to ten days to recover, the CO2 laser is quoted at seven-to-ten days of healing time, and the heavy-duty, ablative RENUVION Plasma requires an intimidating six weeks for your skin’s full recovery, according to Dr. Emer.
Lower-intensity lasers are also more universally viable as they are safe to use on darker skin tones that are more risk of post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation. Birmingham, Alabama-based, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman notes that patients with darker skin tones should steer clear of pulsed light treatments such as BBL and IPL, or more intensive lasers than Fraxel. But when it comes to gentler, low-downtime laser treatments, virtually all skin tones and concerns have an option to choose from. Plus, as Los Angeles-based, celebrity aesthetician Joshua Ross, founder of SkinLab, points out, laser treatments have different settings that an experienced provider can customize to suit your needs. “All lasers can be considered low downtime — the important thing is that you communicate with your provider [so they] adjust the settings accordingly.”
Below are the best low-downtime lasers and in-office skin treatments to consider to target dark spots, uneven skin texture, lack of radiance, and more. All feature less than five days of redness and peeling — the amount of healing time associated with Fraxel — allowing them to be completed over the window of a weekend with proper timing.
Clear + Brilliant For Dark Spots & Texture
Sometimes referred to as “Baby Fraxel,” the Clear + Brilliant laser comes in two varieties: the Original and the Permea. “Clear + Brilliant delivers the energy of Fraxel with no downtime. After topical numbing, the procedure is painless and provides the effects of a chemical peel,” says Dr. Hartman. While the original model is ideal for treating pore size and texture, you will want to opt for the Permea if you would like to clear up pigmentation and/or sun spots. Best results are typically visible after a series of three treatments spaced four weeks apart, with one-to-three days of a sandpaper-like texture, redness, and flaking.
If you are interested in layering your treatments, Dr. Emer offers a treatment called the Laser Vampire Facial. “Our ‘go-to’ lower downtime treatment for younger patients [and those looking for prejuvenation] was Clear and Brilliant combined with microneedling or Morpheus [which is deep microneedling with radiofrequency for skin tightening] and platelet-rich plasma, or PRP,” says Dr. Emer. “Patients can expect 1-2 days of light redness and peeling and significant changes in pigmentation, pores, wrinkles, and discoloration. It wasn’t heavy enough to treat scars but good enough to give people glow, radiance, and complexion blending, without having to take off work.”
Due to the incorporation of growth factor-rich PRP — which is created by drawing the patient’s blood and spinning it in a centrifuge — there is reduction in inflammation and expedited healing that allows more treatments to be layered without drastically extending downtime.
MOXI Low Density by Sciton For Dark Spots & Texture
“The MOXI by Sciton falls into the non-ablative, fractional laser category,” explains double board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, who is based in Dallas, Texas. “These devices are great for skin tone and texture without the recovery or downtime associated with more aggressive laser procedures.” Dr. Emer advises that the MOXI Low Density Laser by Sciton falls somewhere between the Clear + Brilliant Permea and the Fraxel, but with downtime that lasts only one-to-three days. She adds that the higher-intensity settings make it versatile for the treatment of pores and wrinkles. “MOXI improves skin texture, appearance of pores, pigment, and helps prevent premature aging by stimulating collagen,” says board-certified dermatologist Robyn Siperstein, who practices in Boynton Beach and Boca Raton, Florida. “I recommend a series of three MOXI treatments one month apart, and then regular maintenance treatments every four months… One of MOXI’s strengths is its ability to be treat all skin types.”
Dr. Emer performs bespoke treatments featuring the MOXI Low Density by Sciton called the Advanced Tight and Bright Treatment. “The newest combination includes Morpheus microneedling RF with PRP, but uses BBL HERO light therapy and MOXI laser combined to [achieve] substantial changes in color, texture, and tone — without having to take off work but still getting major changes in results,” Dr. Emer says.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) or Broad Band Light (BBL) HERO by Sciton For Dark Spots
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dean Vistnes, medical director and co-founder of SkinSpirit MedSpas, recommends intense pulsed light (IPL) and broad band light (BBL) treatments for the removal of brown-hued hyper-pigmentation and sun spots. “These treatments are incredibly effective at reducing all the signs of sun damage — pigmentation, spots, redness, and uneven skin tone,” he says. However, he warns that while these are great for lifting skin pigmentation, they do less for skin texture and tightening, and are not recommended for patients with more melanated skin tones or a history of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Patients receive no numbing prior to these treatments, as your feedback is an important indicator for the provider to ensure that the setting is not too high. The sensation feels like having a rubber band snapping on your face, passing instantly as your provider moves the device from one section of your face to the next. After treatment, the areas of pigment will temporarily darken before flaking away over the course of three-to-five days. Many esthetic nurses, dermatologists, and plastic surgeons will also recommend these treatments for being preventative anti-aging services.
PicoSure For Dark Spots
Another great option for laser dark spot removal is PicoSure. “We’ve used Picosure for years to treat pigment problems of all types in all skin tones, but it’s nice that it recently gained FDA-clearance to treat melasma, making it the only device on the market approved to do so,” explains Dr. Hartman. PicoSure delivers energy, not heat, allowing it to target pigmentation due to myriad causes, whether sun exposure, melasma, acne scars, or even an unwanted tattoo. Like the other featured treatments, it promotes the production of collagen and elastin, making it a great preventative treatment. It is often recommended in a series of three to four treatments spaced at two- to four-week intervals and boasts no downtime beyond appearing flushed, red, or temporarily swollen for up to an hour.
Post-Laser Treatments to Reduce Downtime
As mentioned, PRP creams or serums can be applied topically post-laser treatment and are often recommended to help expedite the healing process. “The main benefit to adding PRP to a laser or microneedling treatment is to expedite the healing process,” Ross confirms. “This is really great for patients that need as minimal downtime as possible.” That being said, if expedited downtime is not your concern, note that when PRP is microneedled into the skin or even injected, it boosts collagen production.
There are other in-office treatments that your doctor may recommend post-laser — namely, PRP without microneedling, oxygen, and red light therapy — to reduce inflammation and redness while expediting healing. This allows you to reap the benefits of multiple treatments into single office visits without risking as extensive downtime.
“In my opinion everyone [should do] post laser ACell and PRP applied topically,” says Dr. Emer, referencing both bio-derived stem cells and platelet-rich plasma that is applied in part of his post-laser protocol. As he points out, this allows patients to maximize their results and receive stronger treatments while still healing relatively quickly. For instance, the AuraSpa, a Beverly Hills-based, holistic healing center created by plastic surgeon Dr. Ben Talei, recommends a hyperbaric oxygen treatment (to reduce inflammation, help with discomfort, and promote healing) with the LightStim LED bed (to reduce inflammation and to ‘charge up’ the skin cells’ mitochondria to super-power its innate healing functions). Dr. Emer’s practice offers these treatments in conjunction with an enzymatic facial which helps with flaking, and his at-home AERIFY skincare regimen to enhance results.
There are so many options to consider when it comes to skin pre- and rejuvenation. If the beauty trends can speak for themselves, a series of low downtime lasers, with all their fancy add-ons — from topical PRP to radiofrequency and microneedling adjuncts — are the next iteration of achieving smoother, clearer, more even skin tone, with a plumping boost in collagen and promoted elasticity to boot. Still, there are some trade-offs when opting for a low-downtime treatment, as opposed to a more aggressive treatment with longer recovery. “Typically, the more downtime, the greater the results,” explains Dr. Hartman. “But there is something to be said for slow and steady as well. Devices these days can deliver results over time and fit conveniently into a busy lifestyle.”
What is the best laser for brown spots on face
Patients don’t always care for their skin properly when they are younger, which can lead to the appearance of age and brown spots over time. Daily sun protection and an appropriate skincare routine can prevent signs of aging like spots, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.
Age spots are brown spots on the skin that have less to do with age and more to do with sun exposure. They commonly appear on the face, neck, chest, hands, arms and legs – the areas exposed most to direct sunlight. Age spots and brown spots can occur around your 40s and 50s but can appear sooner for individuals that spend a significant amount of time outdoors.
At Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, our renowned, board-certified dermatologists are the laser experts with more than 100 devices available. We can customize treatments with the precision necessary to ensure the safest, most effective procedures.
How Do Laser Treatments Work to Remove Age Spots and Brown Spots From the Skin?
Brown spots form due to an overproduction of melanin. Lasers are a safe and effective treatment option that targets the melanin in the skin without damaging surrounding skin and tissue. The lasers trigger the body’s healing process to break up the pigmentation and boost collagen levels to rejuvenate the skin. Lasers can be used individually or in combination to eliminate brown spots and address other age-related concerns. Some of the lasers frequently used for this purpose include:
Are There Any Risks Associated With Laser Treatments for Age Spots or Brown Spots?
Laser treatments have become increasingly popular in the field of dermatology for addressing various skin concerns such as acne scars, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. While there are potential risks associated with any medical procedure, it is important to note that lasers are FDA-approved devices that are considered safe for the skin when used by trained professionals. In fact, getting your laser treatment from an experienced, board-certified dermatologist can further minimize any risks involved.
Rare risks associated with laser treatments may include scarring, skin discoloration, and infection. However, these risks are typically minimal and can be further reduced by following proper pre and post-treatment care instructions provided by your dermatologist. It is essential to have a thorough consultation with your dermatologist before undergoing any laser treatment to discuss your skin type, concerns, and expectations.During the laser treatment process, the dermatologist will use specific wavelengths of light to target the desired skin concern, whether it be stimulating collagen production, reducing redness, or removing unwanted hair. The energy from the laser is absorbed by the targeted skin cells, leading to the desired outcome without causing harm to the surrounding skin tissue.
| Risks of Laser Treatments | Prevention |
|---|---|
| Scarring | Proper wound care and follow-up appointments |
| Skin Discoloration | Use of sunscreen and avoiding sun exposure |
| Infection | Strict adherence to post-treatment care instructions |
In conclusion, laser treatments are generally safe and effective for improving various skin concerns when performed by a qualified dermatologist. By understanding the potential risks and taking necessary precautions, you can achieve the desired results with minimal complications. If you are considering a laser treatment, be sure to consult with a board-certified dermatologist to ensure the best possible outcome for your skin.