Does picosecond laser treatment treat sun spots?

Sun spots, also called solar lentigines or age spots, are flat areas of increased pigment that develop after repeated ultraviolet exposure. Picosecond laser treatment uses very short energy pulses to target pigment while limiting the time heat remains in the skin. The treated spot may darken, flake, or fade as the skin recovers.

Not every brown mark is a sun spot. A changing border, uneven colour, bleeding, persistent crust, or a new unusual mark needs assessment rather than cosmetic treatment. Laser can also irritate skin or lead to temporary or longer-lasting colour change.

Book a skin examination with a dermatologist or experienced laser clinician before scheduling treatment. Tell them about recent sun exposure, tanning products, medicines, previous laser treatments, and any history of dark or light marks after skin injury. Avoid treating sunburned or irritated skin. Follow the clinic's instructions about pausing irritating products, and use sunscreen, shade, and protective clothing to limit further ultraviolet exposure.

Seek assessment promptly if a spot grows, changes shape or colour, bleeds, becomes tender, or develops a crust that does not heal. After a procedure, contact the treating clinic for severe swelling, blistering, increasing warmth, pus, fever, or pain that is getting worse.

Ask how the spot was identified, whether a closer examination is needed, which laser settings suit your skin, what colour changes are possible, how long recovery may take, and how to protect the area afterward.