Age spots, also called solar lentigines, form when ultraviolet exposure accelerates melanin production, creating uneven patches of pigmentation. While generally harmless, these spots signal cumulative cellular damage and are often mistaken for more serious conditions such as melanoma.
Advanced laser therapy has transformed treatment by directly targeting melanin clusters with controlled light energy. The laser fragments pigment into tiny particles that the body naturally clears, while sparing surrounding skin. Unlike creams or superficial treatments, this method penetrates deeper epidermal layers, achieving long-term clearance with minimal discomfort and downtime.
For patients with varying skin tones, modern laser systems use adaptable wavelengths and pulse durations, ensuring safe and effective outcomes across diverse skin types. Legacy Dermatology’s specialists combine high-resolution imaging with real-time pigment analysis to personalize every session. Most patients require several treatments, but progressive improvement is visible after each visit.
Other therapies, chemical peels, cryotherapy, dermabrasion, and prescription creams, remain valuable, but lasers deliver unmatched precision, safety, and cosmetic outcomes. When integrated into a broader care plan, laser therapy not only clears visible age spots but also improves overall texture, tone, and luminosity.
Our specialists design individualized treatment pathways, combining advanced technologies with medical precision, ensuring safe, effective, and natural-looking results for every skin type, tone, and severity level.
Decades of dermatologic expertise driving advanced pigmentation correction.
AI-assisted imaging ensures targeted treatment and safe outcomes.
Blending aesthetics and science for optimal, lasting results.
Patients often ask whether age spots are harmless or dangerous, if treatments are safe for their skin type, how quickly results appear, and whether pigmentation can return. Below are advanced, real-life concerns with expert answers.
Laser therapy fragments melanin clusters, but UV exposure can trigger recurrence. Long-term results require sun protection, routine monitoring, and maintenance treatments personalized to your skin type and lifestyle.
Laser therapy fragments melanin clusters, but UV exposure can trigger recurrence. Long-term results require sun protection, routine monitoring, and maintenance treatments personalized to your skin type and lifestyle.
Chemical peels exfoliate surface pigment but often require multiple sessions for deep spots. Lasers penetrate selectively into pigment cells, achieving more precise results with less risk of uneven lightening.
Cryotherapy can cause hypopigmentation in darker complexions. Our dermatologists evaluate risk and recommend safer alternatives such as laser or topical treatments for patients with melanin-rich skin.
Laser and cryotherapy results often appear within weeks, while creams and peels take months. A tailored plan balances speed, safety, and desired cosmetic outcomes.
OTC lighteners offer mild improvement but rarely penetrate deep enough. Medical-grade prescriptions, guided by a dermatologist, regulate pigment safely without long-term irritation or rebound darkening.
Age spots themselves are benign, but they mark chronic UV damage, a risk factor for skin cancer. Regular dermatology exams ensure early detection of malignant or precancerous lesions.
Most age spot removal procedures are considered cosmetic, so insurance rarely covers them. However, medical evaluation of suspicious lesions may qualify for coverage if cancer risk is suspected.
Yes. Broad-spectrum sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, and antioxidant-based skincare drastically reduce UV-triggered melanin changes, extending treatment results and protecting against premature skin aging.
Patients often achieve optimal results by combining laser therapy for pigment clearance, peels for texture, and topical retinoids for ongoing prevention, creating comprehensive, long-lasting rejuvenation.