What is the best method for removing sun spots from my cheeks and nose?

Question

In my mid 30's now and I have many sun spots on my cheeks and nose. What type of laser, peel or other method is best to get rid of these for good and get an even skin tone?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

There are many options for the treatment of sun spots and it all depends on how many, how large, and what your skin type is.  Global treatments include chemical peels, fractional lasers and topical bleaching/lightening creams.  Spot treatments can be done by a variety of chemical and laser devices (Q switched lasers, Excel V, fractional ablative/nonablative).   I suggest seeking a cosmetic dermatologist with experience in treating sun spots/pigmentation in all skin types.  Best, Dr. Emer.

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. 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

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Manderin.  We commonly use q-switched lasers (Medlite C6 and Palomar Q-Yag V) to permanently remove sun damage and brown spots.  Are you Asian (Manderin user name)?  If so, we commonly treat your skin type IV using templates and small spot sizes on the Palomar Q-Yag V.  The device more commonly used in our industry is an IPL.  The problem with IPL is that it cannot permanently remove many types of sun damage.  To see examples of Los Angeles and Orange County, CA sun damage patients before and after laser treatments, click on the link below.

Dennis Gross, MD · Answer

Our Alexandranite laser resurfacing treatment removes dark spots. Depending on the severity, downtime can vary from five to seven days. The spots turn darker then fall off and yet there is no pain.The treatment is quick and results will leave you with clear youthful skin.

Omar Ibrahimi, MD, PhD · Answer

Most importantly, I would recommend seeing a dermatologist to make sure anything treated is not medically concerning. I personally find creams and peels to have only a modest effect on sun spots. Lasers can help remove these lesions, these can be used to directly target the brown spot or done in the context of an overall rejuvenating laser that can also help lighten/remove the spots. An in person consultation would be needed to determine the best approach. Good luck.

What is the best method for removing sun spots from my cheeks and nose?

Answers (5)

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