What Kind of Laser Treatment Removes Dark Spots on Legs?

Intense pulsed light (photofacial rejuvenation) can help with dark spots. Topical products containing hydroquinone may also help.

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Dark spots are the result of excess melanin production in a concentrated area. Some birthmarks are caused by high skin pigmentation. And other forms of dark spots (e.g. age/sun spots) occur when the skin produces higher levels of melanin in response to sun exposure. This is how it tries to protect itself since melanin is like a type of sunscreen that your body manufactures.


Fraxel Dual uses the 1550nm/1927nm wavelengths to break up this pigment in specific areas without being absorbed by the surrounding melanin in other areas. This makes it safe for all skin tones. Fraxel lasers can be used on just about any part of the body. Nd:YAG lasers especially the Q switch modes are also effective in targeting dark pigments specifically. The laser is absorbed by the pigments which are then destroyed. Your specialist laser physician should be able to determine the best treatment approach for your dark patch

Hello and thank you for your question. Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments, also referred to as photofacial rejuvenation, can effectively break down and eliminate unwanted skin pigmentation. Fractional radiofrequency (RF) treatments can also be used for similar results with a quick recovery.


Which type of treatment is best for you will depend on an in-person evaluation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During your consultation, your doctor should be able to determine the type of blemish you are hoping to eliminate and choose the best treatment for the job. Hope this helps!

Photos would help here! It's hard to say which laser is best without knowing what type of "brown spots" you are describing. IPL would be the most general answer, but it depends again, on what type of brown spots they are.