KTP Laser to Remove Brown Spots?

Question

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.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

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 the skin doesn't absorb this wavelength of laser energy well, so when you have either tiny superficial blood vessels you want to eliminate, or brown spots (sun spots, freckles, keratoses--not moles or skin cancers) that you want removed or lightened, this is an excellent choice.

	Your doctor is giving you good advice. Listen to him. Online research should supplement, not replace, consultation with experienced, board-certified physicians that you trust. If your doctor won't take the time to answer good questions, find another who will.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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.  Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. 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

Paul Carniol, MD · Answer

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.

Robert Kasten, MD · Answer

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.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

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.

KTP Laser to Remove Brown Spots?

Answers (7)

Answer: IPL good for brown spots

Answer: IPL good for brown spots

Answer: Lasers for brown spots

Answer: Lasers for brown spots

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KTP Laser to Remove Brown Spots?

Answers (7)

Answer: IPL good for brown spots

Answer: IPL good for brown spots

Answer: Lasers for brown spots

Answer: Lasers for brown spots

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.