Laser Sunspot Removal
What is Laser Sunspot Removal?
Sunspots are formed when the skin produces more pigment in response to light and UV radiation. Here in Hawaii, we are constantly exposed to the sun, and sunspots are a visible sign of aging skin. Our Picosure Laser is specially designed to remove excess pigment and dark spots on the skin in a safe and effective manner. It is highly effective and safe for Caucasian skin as well as Asian skin types. Through a series of Picosure laser treatments, Dr. Lee can restore your skin to a clear, even tone that looks younger and fresher than ever.
As a non-surgical treatment, laser sunspot removal is a safer and effective way to treat sunspots and various other skin blemishes. It can be combined with other non-surgical treatments like dermal fillers and neuromodulators injections to boost your appearance and give you a vibrant, refreshed look.
How does laser sunspot removal work?
When sunspots appear on the skin, they look like brown or dark patches that differ from the rest of your skin tone. Laser sunspot removal aims to remove the excess pigment and visibility of sunspots and restore your skin to an even tone and texture.
While many patients will see an impressive reduction in sunspots from their first treatment, every patient is unique. Most patients will require a few sessions spread out over several weeks to achieve the more dramaticimprovements they want.With each sunspot removal session, you should see noticeable improvement in your skin. Once you complete your treatment plan, your skin should be even and fresh once again.
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How does Dr. Bradford Lee customize laser sunspot removal?
Dr. Lee starts the process with an in-depth consultation to fully understand your concerns and skin type. He carefully listens to your goals and shapes your treatment plan around your individual needs, expectations, and tolerance for “down time”. With a careful examination of your sunspots and the target areas, he can build a plan that includes the number and type of treatment sessions and other treatments that can improve your results. This might include a chemical peel, a sun protection regimen, and other topical creams and medications to further fade the sunspots. We have a variety of lasers and light devices that are effective for laser sunspot removal based on skin type and other types of skin concerns that may also be addressed. Dr. Lee will discuss the options and select the most appropriate option or options for you, since sometimes for best results, we use lasers and light devices in combination.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
An IPL treatment uses short but intense bursts of light energy to treat a range of skin concerns, including sun spots, redness, rosacea, or pigmentation issues. It uses a broader spectrum of light than laser treatments and typically is a milder treatment experience with milder side effects. This treatment is ideal for Caucasian and lighter Asian skin and can remove freckles, spots, and fine blood vessels, effectively reversing the age and sun damage on the skin. This is a minimal downtime procedure, and there is typically only mild redness or swelling that lasts a day or so. Patients can go back to their regular routine right away, use sunscreen and makeup right away, and will see beautiful results with more even skin tone, fresher, and more youthful skin.
PicoSure
A PicoSure laser is the gold standard for removing pigment or tattoo ink from the skin. It involves extremely short pulses of energy, and these photothermal impacts last only trillionths of a second. This is just enough time to deliver the effects of the treatment while avoiding damage to healthy tissues. These quick bursts of energy break up pigment in the skin such as sunspots or tattoo ink from tattoos or permanent makeup (eyeliner or brow tattoo). The PicoSure also has another extremely popular treatment setting called Focus Lens Array, that stimulates collagen, smooths the skin, reduces pore size, and also removes pigment at the same time. PicoSure can thus help with things like acne scars, textural irregularities, and overall skin aging while also removing sunspots and pigment from the skin. PicoSure laser is a minimal downtime procedure that is safe for all skin types and skin colors.
Ablative Laser Skin Resurfacing (CO2 and Erbium YAG)
Ablative laser skin resurfacing is an excellent option for patients who not only have significant sun spots, pigmentation, and photoaging from the sun but also would like dramatic overall skin rejuvenation. It is excellent for also treating fine lines and wrinkles, dull skin tone, and skin laxity. Ablative laser skin resufacing removes the damaged upper layers of skin while also delivering energy to stimulate collagen in the deeper layers of the skin resulting in skin that can look dramatically younger with only one treatment. It does require several days of downtime, but the treatment can be customized based on which areas of the face have problem areas and individual patients’ tolerance for social down time.
Dr. Lee works closely with you to ensure your treatment is designed to counteract the effects of aging and sun damage while revealing fresh beautiful skin that will boost your confidence. At every step, he provides complete information and helps to analyze your skin, optimize the lasers and treatment settings used, and deliver the safest treatments with the best outcomes. Many patients love not having to use as much makeup and foundation after their treatment and are excited to show off their fresh rejuvenated skin.
Does insurance cover laser sunspot removal?
Laser sunspot removal is considered a cosmetic treatment, so medical insurance generally will not cover it. However, we work closely with our patients to find a treatment plan that works for them and their financial situation. Additionally, we provide financing options through our partnership with Alphaeon to make healthy, even skin accessible for our patients.
What is the “downtime” after laser sunspot removal?
Laser sunspot removal has minimal downtime. Most patients return to their daily routine right away without missing a beat. However, you can expect some redness and swelling around the treated sunspots after your session. While this typically goes away within a few hours to a couple days, it is generally mild. Dr. Lee will let you know before each treatment session what the recovery period should look like, including instructions on how to ensure quicker healing and better results.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Take the first step toward fresh and even toned skin. Schedule your consultation today to get started on your personalized laser sunspot removal plan. Dr. Lee works closely with you at every step to develop a complete sunspot removal program that matches your situation and builds upon your aesthetic goals. Call us today to learn more about laser sunspot removal and how it can help you get your skin back to a fresh and vibrant look.
