The treatment will feel a little uncomfortable – you can expect a mild stinging sensation on the surface of your skin. Most clients find it to be a manageable level of discomfort, but we can apply a topical numbing cream if you are concerned.

For about 10 days prior to your appointment, avoid any exfoliation or acidic skincare products. You should also wear sunscreen and avoid sun exposure when possible. We want your skin to be healthy and calm before we begin.

Immediately after your treatment, your skin will be slightly red and inflamed. This will fade within a few hours. You may notice slight discoloration in the treated area for 3-10 days, and your sunspots will temporarily look darker. This is a natural part of your skin absorbing the laser. Your skin will return to its natural color and your sunspots will fade, typically within about a week. Small spots closer to the surface of your skin may become scabby and will flake off, leaving clear skin underneath.

You may want to apply Vaseline or Aquaphor after your treatment to calm your skin. We recommend applying a daily moisturizer and sunscreen. You’ll want to treat your skin extra gently as it heals. That means avoiding exfoliants, abrasive skincare products, prolonged sun exposure, or intense exercise for about a week.

For most sun-spots, 1-3 treatments will be enough. Some spots are deeper in the skin – these are typically larger, irregularly shaped spots. These typically take 3-5 treatments to completely correct. We would be happy to advise you on a treatment plan in an initial consultation.

Laser treatment will permanently remove the treated spots, but we cannot prevent new dark spots from forming. Especially if you have lifestyle factors that predispose you to sunspots, you may see new spots emerge. If this is the case, we can schedule maintenance treatments to remove new spots as they develop.

If you have been researching how to remove sunspots, you may be considering topical creams or cosmetic surgery. Topical creams may work for surface-level spots, but they can also have negative side effects. Laser treatment has no major side effects. It is also more affordable and less painful than surgical removal.

You may not be eligible for laser sunspot removal if you: are pregnant — have taken Accutane within the past 6 months — currently have cold sores or other abrasions near the treatment area