Want to Remove Brown/age Spots from my Chest, Best Laser Treatment?

Age spots or sun spots (medical term: lentigo, plural lentigines) are collections of melanocytes in the upper layers of the skin. They typically occur in sun-exposed areas such as the neck and chest, where sunscreen use is less common, but can also be seen on the face or other areas of the body.

The best laser for treatment of these brown spots is one whose emitted energy wavelength (color) is best absorbed by melanin (the pigment in melanocytes that gives our skin its coloration, and which darkens with ultraviolet exposure). Melanin absorbs energy best at the blue-green end of the visible light spectrum, with less absorption at the red-yellow end of the spectrum, so a laser which emits energy at that wavelength (color) will have more energy absorbed by the pigmented spots. Enough energy selectively-absorbed can lighten or remove the pigmented spot, with less absorption and damage by the adjacent normal skin that could cause a burn or scar. That's how it works. So which laser is best?

Let's pause for a second and discuss IPL or BBL. IPL (intense pulsed light) or BBL (broadband light) are essentially big, bright lightbulbs (flashlamps) that emit light energy across the entire visible spectrum, not just specific wavelengths or colors, but white light of all wavelengths through a handpiece to the target, your skin. Since the pigmented spots absorb energy at part of the visible spectrum (the blue-green end), of course these broadband, full-spectrum, white-light sources contain (some) energy that can be absorbed by the pigmented spots. And lots of wavelengths that are not absorbed, but still heat the skin. These devices do indeed work, but lack the selectivity and specificity of a single-wavelength laser.

Since IPL or BBL include a lot of "wasted" energy in the remainder of the non-absorbed light emitted by the flashlamp, that energy goes somewhere, and that "somewhere" is your skin in the form of thermal energy (heat). Which is why you can have burns and scars from over-aggressive power settings when these devices are used for sunspot removal. Properly used by experienced operators, IPL or BBL is "just fine" and can indeed lighten or remove your spots. However, neither is a laser, and neither is "best!"

But, a green-light laser is better! The KTP laser emits energy at a green (532nm) wavelength that is much more specific and selective for brown spots, with that color of energy being more effectively absorbed by your spots, and less by your skin! KTP is not a brand name, but stands for the crystal (Potassium--K, Titanyl--T, Phosphate--P) that actually frequency doubles (wavelength halves) a 1064nm Neodymium:YAG near-infrared laser to the desired 532nm green wavelength that is best for pigmented spots. Since oxygenated hemoglobin has an absorption peak near 532nm, tiny blood vessels (telangiectasias and angiomas) are also best treated by this (KTP) laser.

So, you shouldn't use the laser your doctor owns, but use the laser that is best for the job at hand. If that means finding a different provider who owns this laser, so be it. But when there is indeed a laser that is specifically engineered and designed for specific purposes, that is the laser to use--even if there are other devices that do the job (not as well). A hot poker gets rid of brown spots too, but you certainly don't want to have that device used just because it is what the doctor "happens to have on hand!"

Resurfacing lasers are not advised for the neck or chest skin as there is too high a risk for scarring. Even fractional lasers are used for skin removal, and are not specific for brown spot treatment. We own both CO2 and Erbium:YAG resurfacing lasers and use neither for brown spots!

For full disclosure, yes, I do own a KTP laser (have used it for over 20 years for exactly these indications with splendid results.) But my partner and I own 5 lasers, and lease several more for individual uses, each specifically-designed for the application at hand, not a  "1-device fits all" approach. Too many lasers are sold to physicians as "this one does it all!" devices. Nothing is further from the truth, but too many doctors do not have training in the biophysics of lasers.

If there was a high-energy short pulse-duration argon laser (488 and 514nm), this would be as good or even better, but this laser does not exist commercially. So, KTP is indeed the "best" laser for your spots. Good luck and best wishes!

Our top protocol for aging on the decollete includes skin prep with Exfolase and luminase creams followed by fractional laser. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian#Realself100 Surgeon

Brown pigmented spots tend to respond well to photofacial rejuvenation with IPL techology. This is designed for this particular issue.

Thank you for your question. I like to use IPL in this area for brown spots.  If the damage is more severe, very modest CO2 resurfacing is a good alternative.  And yes, the area heals slower, and the skin is very thin here with higher risk, so lower energy is needed.  Be certain to be under the supervision of a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon with expertise in laser surgery for the most effective and safe treatments. I hope this helps.

Until fractional lasers were developed, the pigment-specific lasers such as the Alexandrite, NdYag and Ruby lasers were the only lasers available to treat chest lentigines.  The glass-tip handpiece of the V-beam perfecta, 595nm. laser, works very well on these spots. Although not a laser, the IPL light source is a good treatment too.  I find that a combination of the Elure lightening cream by Syneron and the Fraxel Dual laser work very well in combination, and the Fraxel component helps treat the background sun damage as well as the distinct lentigines.

Hello, and thank you for your question. Your dermatologist is correct that the chest does not heal as quickly as the face, but that is not a reason to avoid treating the area. There are several different treatment options available depending on your ethnic background, skin type, and level of sun damage. One method is IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light, which can be an effective treatment for some patients. This procedure is best performed in months where you have little or no sun exposure. There are also a variety of other treatments which include a variety of laser treatments or topical medications. Thank you for your question. All of the best, Dr. Armstrong

I would recommend an IPL treatment (FotoFacial), a non-invasive light based therapy that combine Intensed Pulsed Optical and Radiofrequency Energy treatments that erase skin damage without disrupting the skin surface and subsequently require no downtime. IPL treatments improve skin texture and irregular pigmentation of the face, neck, hands, arms, chest and back, and are often used to soften the texture and color of recent surgical scars. Specifically, pigmented lesions such as freckles, sunspots, and age spots are treated, along with Rosacea, spider veins, and skin imperfections caused by sun damage. Gradual and cumulative improvement is achieved between 3-5 treatments spaced 3 weeks apart, without discomfort. Patients generally return to normal activities and can apply makeup immediately after treatment sessions.

Your dermatologist is correct that the area does not heal well from traditional lasers. IPL (intense pulsed light devices) are most common to treat this area. Fractional lasers are another possibility. Consult with laser specialists who can customize a treatment for you utilizing multiple lasers, if necessary.

I feel the Q-switched pigment-specific lasers are best for treating brown spots on the chest.  I use the Q-switched Alexandrite laser from Candela which usually provides for consistent and significant clearing with as little as one or two treatments depending upon the area being treated, the skin type of the patient, and the degree of sun damage on the skin.  Often times I use this laser to remove discreet brown spots on the chest and then a fractionated resurfacing laser over the entire area in the same treatment session to help with background blotchy pigmentation, thinned skin and for general collagen stimulation.  This combination of lasers will usually  result in significant clearance of brown spots and impart a more youthful appearance to the chest. I also agree with Dr. Pozner that in Boston the Chestnut Hill group is outstanding.  Good luck.

Brown spots can be treated with intensed pulse light systems (IPL)  This included othe brand names using broad band light devices as well.  This should be relatively straight forward to treat.