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KTP Laser to Remove Brown Spots?

I have one large brown spot on my face about 1 cm in diameter. I went to see a dermatologist who told me that his office can use KTP Laser to remove this brown spot and smaller ones around the face.

But then I read online that KTP Laser is use to remove red vessels on the face? I'm confused.

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by ytsirk978 in Northern Ca

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IPL good for brown spots

There is a variety of laser to treat brown spots. Ruby lasers have been used for years. I prefer IPL as it is gentle to the skin and has a rejuvenating effect as well.

Lasers Confusion

If you are confused, then ask questions! Of course then you must decide which questions to ask and this is where a lot of patients get confused. How do you know what to ask? Lasers are different becauue they generate laser light in different wavelengths and therefore have different effects on the target tissues. Some lasers are better for wrinles, some for vascular lesions (hemangiomas, telangiectasias or small blood vessels), some for brown spots, some for pigmentation, some for hair, some... more

Laser treatment of brown spots

A KTP (532nm) laser can be used to treat pigmented lesions. The ideal treatment for "brown spots" varies depending on the details of the spot. This can be determined by your physician when he/she examines you prior to treatment. If there is any question as to whether a pigmented lesion is benign then it should be biopsied prior to starting treatment.

Paul Carniol, MD

Summit Facial Plastic Surgeon

drcarniol.com

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KTP laser works well for blood vessels AND pigmented spots.

KTP lasers utilize laser energy at 532nm, which is coherent green light. (KTP stands for Postassium--chemical symbol K, T stands for titanyl, and P for phosphate: the potassium titanyl phosphate crystal is used to double the frequency (halving the wavelength) of a Nd-YAG 1064nm near-infrared laser). At this green wavelength of 532nm, there is pretty good absorption of the laser energy by two things present in skin, hemoglobin and melanin, the skin suntan pigment. The rest of... more

The most up to date modality for brown spots on face is the IPL or Photofacial

KTP is an older multi use laser that will remove brown spots. I use IPL Green because it is effective but also "gentler" than the laser and creates minimal down time. It is also much easier to use IPL to treat the whole face to machieve a uniform skin color free of brown spots and broken blood vessels.

Lasers for brown spots

There are many different lasers and skin care programs that can treat brown spots. The KTP is one modality. I prefer IPL. Some patients do fine with skin care regimens of hydroquinone and retin-A based products as well.

Steven Wallach, MD

13 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.

Laser Treatment: Q&A