LASER TREATMENT FOR PIGMENTATION & SUN SPOTS

UNWANTED PIGMENTATION AND SUN SPOTS

Melanin is the natural pigment that gives skin its color. When melanin becomes unevenly distributed or concentrated in certain areas, it appears as dark spots or patches, commonly referred to as sun spots or hyperpigmentation.

Most benign pigmented lesions develop over time due to sun exposure, aging, genetic factors, or prior inflammation. While sun exposure plays a role, effective pigment management does not require avoiding normal outdoor activities. Instead, treatment focuses on appropriate medical evaluation, targeted therapy, and ongoing skin protection.

Pigmentation is rarely limited to the surface of the skin. In many cases, pigment extends into deeper skin layers, which is why pigmentation can be challenging to treat and may reappear over time despite improvement.

LASER TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR PIGMENT REDUCTION

Multiple laser technologies may be used to treat benign skin pigmentation, depending on pigment depth, lesion type, skin characteristics, and treatment goals.

While IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) systems are available and commonly used in spa or aesthetic settings, IVSI focuses on Class IV medical laser technologies that allow precise, physician-controlled energy delivery. These treatments are personally performed by the physician and are not delegated to technicians.

At IVSI, available laser technologies include:

PicoSure laser (flat optics)
Q-switched Nd:YAG laser
Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) for select pigment indications
Fractional erbium laser
CO₂ laser ablation in limited, appropriate cases

Among these options, PicoSure laser technology is commonly used for a broad range of benign pigmentary conditions due to its ability to target pigment using ultra-short laser pulses while preserving surrounding skin.

No single laser is appropriate for all pigment types, and treatment selection is individualized following medical evaluation.

PICOSURE LASER (FLAT OPTICS)

PicoSure laser treatment using flat optics may be used for certain benign pigmented lesions by delivering ultra-short picosecond laser pulses that fragment excess pigment while preserving surrounding skin.

This approach may be considered for:

Sun spots (solar lentigines)
Age spots
Freckles
Certain benign epidermal or dermal pigmentation

PicoSure is commonly used for pigment reduction due to its ability to target melanin specifically while minimizing thermal injury to surrounding tissue.

Q-SWITCHED ND:YAG LASER

Q-switched Nd:YAG laser treatment may be used for deeper or more resistant pigmentation, depending on lesion depth and skin type.

This technology delivers short, high-energy pulses designed to target pigment selectively while minimizing injury to surrounding tissue.

PULSED DYE LASER (PDL)

Although Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) is primarily used for vascular conditions, it may be considered for select pigmented lesions that have an associated vascular or inflammatory component. PDL may be used in cases where combined vascular and pigment targeting is clinically appropriate.

PDL is not a primary pigment laser and is not used for treatment of melanocytic lesions.

FRACTIONAL ERBIUM LASER

Fractional erbium laser treatment may be considered in select cases where pigmentation is associated with surface texture changes or photodamage. This approach is used cautiously and only when clinically appropriate, following evaluation.

In some cases, laser resurfacing may be used to address surface texture changes that accompany sun damage and pigmentation. Learn more on our Laser Skin Resurfacing for Fine Lines & Wrinkles page

CO₂ LASER ABLATION

CO₂ laser ablation may be considered for select benign lesions when other treatment options are not appropriate. This modality involves controlled tissue removal and requires careful patient selection and planning.

WHAT LASER TREATMENT CAN — AND CANNOT — DO

Laser treatment may:

Lighten or reduce existing benign pigmentation
Improve overall skin appearance when appropriately selected

Laser treatment does not:

Prevent formation of new pigmentation
Cure underlying causes of pigment development
Replace biopsy or histologic evaluation when indicated

Some pigmented lesions may continue to change or enlarge over time regardless of cosmetic treatment.

EXPECTED RESPONSE AND ACTIVITY

Following pigment laser treatment:

Treated areas may temporarily darken before gradually lightening
Mild redness or sensitivity may occur
Activity recommendations vary depending on the treatment selected

Recovery expectations are discussed during consultation so patients can make informed decisions.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

Laser treatments are not “magic erasers” and do not correct the underlying skin processes that contribute to pigment formation
Lasers reduce or lighten existing pigmentation but do not prevent new pigment from forming in the future
In many cases, combination treatment may be recommended, which can include laser therapy, pharmacologic treatment, and a maintenance skin care program to support longer-lasting results
Some pigmented lesions require additional evaluation before cosmetic treatment. In certain cases, a skin biopsy may be recommended to establish a histopathologic diagnosis and ensure that laser treatment is appropriate. This step is used selectively and is discussed during consultation when indicated

Depending on the type, depth, and behavior of the pigmented lesion, treatment may involve:

Ablative removal of select lesions when clinically appropriate
Followed by non-ablative laser treatments to improve surrounding pigmentation or overall skin appearance

Treatment planning is individualized and discussed during consultation to ensure realistic expectations and appropriate care.

This treatment is one of many Cosmetic Laser Treatments offered at IVSI and performed by Dr. Jozef Tryzno.

SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION

Accurate diagnosis, appropriate technology selection, and realistic expectations are the foundation of pigment treatment at IVSI.
Each treatment plan is individualized based on lesion type, skin characteristics, and clinical findings.

📞 Call (847) 518-9999 to schedule your consultation.

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a personalized medical evaluation. Cosmetic results may vary between patients. Laser treatments are intended for benign pigmentation only and do not prevent future pigment formation. Treatment recommendations, outcomes, and recovery vary based on individual skin characteristics and lesion behavior.