I’ve had a pretty stubborn scar from an excessive use of face serums for months now. My skin had dried off and started peeling off, leaving me with a big scar. I’ve tried different face creams and serum but I haven’t seen a significant improvement, do you have any recommendation about treatments I should be looking into?

Hello. I’m an established patient at your Bryn Mawr office. I’ve had sclerotherapy done several times on my legs and the treatments were successful. I do have a history of hemosiderin staining which usually fades away. I have two small spots that have not faded over the course of a year. Years ago I did a TCA peel at home which worked very well. I do understand the dangers of this and would only consider professional treatment going forward. I was curious to know what type of appointment I should make at your office and what the treatment options are. Thank you

Hello, I have had freckles all over my chest, shoulders arms and back since I was little. My stomach, legs, and face are creamy smooth with no freckles, spots or moles. I am not concerned with the moles on my back, I am concerned with the freckles on my arms, shoulders and upper chest/neck. I spent $1,200 at a dermatologist in Center City Philadelphia with no result. They used IPL. They agreed that there were no results, they were shocked, they had said they thought the treatment would work “beautifully” on me, I have very pale skin. They tried several different lasers at different strengths etc. Nothing worked and I felt awkward in showing up over and over again so I just stopped trying with them. I have read your other responses and see that spots on the body may be more difficult to treat than spots on the face. Is there any hope for me? Would you perform a “test” spot before treatment to confirm it would, indeed work?

I have post inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) on legs and arms. I am african American (Fitzpatrick V). Do you have a laser to remove PIH?

I have like 5 to 6 times darker inner thigh and buttocks compared to my face. Can laser treatment correct it n bring it closer to my other body skin.

I’m 50, have very pale skin and have up to 1cm wide brown spots (from sun exposure) on my legs and forearms. My lower legs are my main concern. I had an expensive series of IPL with zero results. I’ve tried 4 treatments of 12.5% tca (2-3 layers each treatment) with zero results even though I peeled a lot. Once I had salicylic acid of unknown strength on one spot that worked very well (it burned/left area pink for a few weeks so seemed pretty strong). I had a spot frozen on my face that was 100% effective and not uncomfortable like the tca is. I don’t mind discomfort if it works. Can I have my spots reduced/removed on my legs by freezing? Or is there another treatment that would actually work, even if my spots are very resistant or deep? (I have never had my spots treated at Ringpfeil, and just to exclude the question, yes I’ve used sunscreen throughout all treatments; I wear it every day all over my body, even indoors). Thank you!

Hello Dr. Ringpfeil, I have a medium dark skin tone and suffer from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from blemishes. What would be the best treatment to get rid of my brown spots? Peel, laser, or cream (I am currently using Differin because I don’t want to use hydroquinone)? In the past, I got some brown spots when I used the retin-A that never faded. I have two cafe-au-lait macules on my leg and my stomach that I also want to get rid of. Would laser treatment be the best option? Best regards,
Melissa

I have acne scarring hypo pigment from laser and the previous acne. I also have some melasma.

Dear Dr Ringfeil, I am an Asian (Fitz IV -V) in my mid-forties with freckles. I have tried long pulse Alexandrite with good improvement, but then after a few years (about once a year visit) seemed to stop making a difference. Please can you let me know if you have a recommendation? Thanks very much. Y

Hello, I am a 45 year old Asian woman and I have hori’s nevus on my cheeks and nostrils. I also have melasma on my cheeks and forehead/temples. I have read that a Q-Switch ND Yag Laser 1064 nm or picosure laser could help fade this. I have used the melanage peel twice and have used the jessner peel twice as well (both a few years ago). The melanage peels made the melasma on my temples worse. The jessner peels did nothing to fade the discoloration. Have you had success with either of these laser for my issues? and what would be the cost for the entire face? Thank you.

Hi. I fell about 9 months ago on the concrete sidewalk which left a really dark spot under my eye almost immediately. Can that discoloration be removed and what would be the best laser for it if it’s asphalt tattoo?

I am an African-American man who suffers from hyperpigmentation on the back, buttocks, shoulders and upper arms due to acne scaring. I have recently started using a 10% benzyl peroxide wash, which has helped to keep the acne at bay, but it does nothing for the dark acne spots. I have read that microdermabrasion and/or chemical peels may not be the best option for those with darker or sensitive skin. However, I am open to suitable treatment options. Does your practice offer any services for this issue?

Do you use the Picoway Laser for sun spot treatment? Or do you use a similar laser for sun damage? I’ve recently seen Picoway Laser results and am considering this treatment.

Hi, I have several big freckles on my cheek that I want to remove if possible and I also have mild rosacea that hurts my face when it’s too hot or irritated. What would be the cost for them separately? Thanks!

Hi, I have some sun spots on my face, and I have looked at several treatment options, PicoSure really intrigues me, but seems like you only use this technology for Tattoo removals? What technology do you use to treat brown spots on the face and why? Thank you.

I have brown spots on my arms and legs doe to eczema I was wondering how much it would cost to have them removed.the spots are pih.can you give me a estimation of what the arms a cost and legs plz thank you

Hello Dr. I have 2 large sun spots on my face. What would the best treatment be and how much would it cost?
Is dark spot same as a sun spot, or is there a difference? Thank you! Laura

I have dark spots on forehead and cheeks. How much it will be to remove then with laser? and how effective its is and is there any side effects????

Hello, I am fair yellow skin. Recently, I got a tiny brown spot on my cheek, which I did not like. I tried to use peel it myself with a needle, but it came back with a bigger brown spot after 1 month. I am wondering if laser can permanently remove it. How much would it cost for only one spot? Will it make even bigger? Do you have satisfaction guarantee for the treatment? Thank you!

I have sunspots/discoloration due to sun damage but I also just found out I am pregnant. Is the laser treatment safe during pregnancy or should I wait until after the pregnancy to have melange done? Which treatment is more effective?

Hi: I have red hair and freckles all over my body; I would like to have them removed from my back chest and arms; not my face as they are very light there. Is this possible; I stopped going in the sun 20 years ago and had a skin scan to ensure no cancer. terry

I have freckles and seborrhea keratosis that were supposedly removed laser last year. They have come back (and then some). Is there a possibility that I needed a different laser, or is that expected that they come back? I am fair complected and it seems that my arms are loaded w scaley spots that show up more when I apply self-tanning gels. Please help as I am tired of covering up my arms all of the time. Thank you

How much is freckles removal? I want to get the freckles on my face remove. I have it on my cheeks mostly. And also some on my eyelid is it safe to get it remove from my eyelids. There are a couple on my nose also. Can they be remove? Btw my freckles aren’t very pigmented. How many treatment will I need? P.S There are some dark spot that I don’t mind on my face and don’t want it to be remove if so, will I still be able to get this treatment done?

Hi, I have had PDT at your office. It’s a miracle! Anyway, I think I need one more treatment. My question: How long after PDT can I get Botox and a filler? Thank you

How much is brown spot removal? Does it depend on the treatment?

Hi Dr. , I was wondering if your services offered the Q-switched Nd:YAG Laser. I was hoping that it would be used for my pih. I am African American. thank you

Hi Doctor, Would you be able to treat a freckle on the lips with the Alexandrite laser? Thannk you!

Hi, I am an African American and wish to eliminate dark spots on my face due to acne and hair follicles. Can you help with this or will this never end due to my diabetes?

I am Asian ( South East Asia ) 48 years old. After I had the second child at age 29. I see some light brown freckles on my cheek. I have tried many brightening cream ( even those expensive one ) but seem like it’s not working for my brown spot. Over the year, the spots on my cheeks got darker. I want to have laser treatment done. Any side effects? Do I need to take days off from work?
Thank you
Lisa

Iam a 47 have discoloration and freckles on may face if I want a lesser treatment what do I need to do like appointment and how long do I need to wait to got an appointment and do you charge for the first visit to start my treatment or Ican start right away from first time because I don’t want to come may times for on thing thank in advance

I developed a new sun spot and would like to get it removed. Do I need to make an appointment to get it treated right away, or can I wait? Do sun spots get worse with time, and is it easier to remove the sooner you get it treated after it appears? Once it is removed, will it come back?

I am a 40 year old Korean female with sun damaged skin. Have many freckles, sun spots, and some fine lines and am interested in laser treatments. I have already had a consultation with the aesthetician who did not recommend laser for me due to my asian skin. However, I am still interested and looking for a skilled dermatologist. Would you be able to provide me with more information on what kind of laser would be used, if you would perform them, and if you have before/after pics of patients with skin similar to mine.

What kind of laser do you use to remove aged and sun spots? What’s your opinon on IPL vs q-switched laser?

Hi,
I am an african American young woman that have brown spots on my upper and lower lips. I wasn’t born with this but I’ve had them since about age 8 or 9 maybe younger. I’ve seen quite a few people of the same nationality with the same problem so I know I’m not alone with this but I want it gone! Are there any creams out there that can help or is there a procedure of any kind?

Hello,
Do you have experience in treating asian skin for sun/brown spots? I am looking for an experienced dermatologist who isn’t going to charge me an arm and a leg for multiple treatments, only to be disappointed. I have had laser treatments done before with great results followed by cream (prescribed by the doctor) to apply at home 3x a week to maintain my skin. But she is leaving the practice to be with her family. I am extremely cautious because I’ve had a horrible experience at a dermatologist office where they had a certified technician who actually didn’t have a license perform laser on my face but instead my face looked the same, instead I paid $350 for no results and paid for an Obagi kit that I was directed to use afterwards! I was fully compensated but I will never have laser done again except by a doctor.

hi, im 33 years old i have a little brown spots in my face since i was a child, i tried a cream called be white advanced by vichy. it worked i mean thos spot become light.but they come back and im really not happy whit this. so i heard about a laser technology so i want to know please.im a male.thanks

I wanted info on African American skin. Does this office have hair laser and chemical pees with African American skin. I did not see any photos on the web page do you have any before and after photos in the office.

I would like the removal of singular freckles (not sun spots) on the neck and ear lobe. What is my best option/treatment? Would an IPL or another laser treatment fade or remove the freckles?

I have poikiloderma civatte and I have had only 2 ipl rx (i believe). I don’t see much difference. Someitimes it itches and if a were certain fabrics it seems to aggravate the problem. Are you able to help me with this condition?

hi, I am 33 years old i have a little brown spots in my face since i was a child, i tried a cream called be white advanced by vichy. it worked i mean thos spot become light.but they come back and im really not happy whit this. so i heard about a laser technology so i want to know please.im a male.thanks

Many years ago, I had laser treatment to remove a quarter sized sun/age spot from my face. Over the years, the spot has returned. Is there any treatment that will allow me to enjoy the sun, with sunscreen, and still have the spot removed and not return.

I have a half inch age spot on my temple, but actually both cheeks are discolored (slight brown) with small spots on my checks.
I was speaking with a friend who had laser surgery done, and she said that large areas like my cheeks can be done.
What is the surgery time, and how much typically does something like this cost?
Thank you, Dan

I would like the removal of very small age spots on one hand. The other hand was already done abroad. I would appreciate info on the cost of laser removal?

The most common side effects of sclerotherapy are post inflammatory hyperpigmentation due to melanin leakage into the skin overlying the inflamed blood vessels, matting, and blue coagula of blood inside vessels that were sclerosed. Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation usually resolves by 3 – 6 months. TCA helps skin turn over and lifts trapped melanin in the epidermis from an inflammatory process. TCA peel for epidermal pigment has largely been replaced by the more predictable and precise picosecond laser treatment. If you have already been evaluated for the dark stains by our dermatologists, please send me a portal message or text the office at 610-525-5250. If not, you may schedule a complimentary evaluation with one of our aestheticians to learn if picosecond laser treatment is appropriate.
Hemosiderin staining is a rare side effect of sclerotherapy. Picosecond laser treatment has also the best record to clear hemosiderin stains because it can safely reach into the dermis, the second layer of the skin, where it shatters the large hemosiderin molecules into small fragments so that our body can clear these naturally.

I suspect that you refer to pigment changes of your skin which is called scarring by many laymen. The most common pigment change is skin darkening in response to irritants or photo-enhancers (e.g citrus).
Sun protection with a mineral based sunscreen that you reapply every 2 hours when outdoors is the most important measure to reduce ongoing pigment formation. You should stop the serum that has darkened your skin and force hydration with hyaluronic acid containing moisturizers twice daily. There are many common brands that sell hyaluronic acid creams, gels or sera.
Scars are defined as permanent and they result from skin breakdown between its 2 top layers, the epidermis and the dermis. I would lie to assure you that this permanent state cannot be achieved with over the counter face sera. If you developed blisters in response to a facial serum and you developed a true scar at the site of the blister(s), please schedule an appointment with your dermatologist.

Given the history of 3 unsuccessful IPL treatments as well as several failed distinct laser treatments, review of all treatments parameters is essential in planning any next step and to determine if treatment is possible. If you wish to get ahead, please schedule a cosmetic telehealth visit with me and forward all treatment records for review prior to this appointment. If treatment is possible, we will schedule complimentary test spots when the COVID 19 crisis is over.

Post inflammtory hyerpigmentation on the face, chest and back can usually resolve with treatment, but it is not easy to remove post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation on arms and legs, and there is no specific laser for this task.
Picosecond lasers often afford treatment possibility for stubborn hyperpigmentation on extremities. These types of lasers are colorblind and can safely be used on all skin tones. When we use we also assure that the process must be accompanied by meticulous sun protection (sun protective clothing or broad-spectrum SPF>30), fading agents including kojic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid or azelaic acid and by vigilant hydration of skin. You may schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our aestheticians to find out if you are a candidate.

Darkening of skin occurs on inner upper thighs and buttocks occurs with repeated friction. Removal of friction removes the darkening. There are no known other remedies.

Sun spots on the legs are much harder too remove than on the face. Freezing is an option considering the failure of the other methods, yet success on the face does not constitute the same on the legs. Cryosurgery can leave the skin lighter than the surrounding. In this scenario, you should aim to treat one spot first, see if and how it responds, and only proceed with treatment of others after 6-8 weeks if you are happy with results.

This blog format addresses general concepts. An in-person consultation would be most appropriate to address your very specific concerns.

Please schedule a consultation at our office.

You might try the Picosure Focus Lens.

Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation is the type of darkening of skin created after inflammation resolves. It is often prominent with acne. It is generally treated with fading agents, microdermabrasion or theor combination and peels depending on the extent and spread on the body. Microdermabrasion is safe for all skin types and shades. (Dermabrasion is only suitable for fair skin). Peels that simply reduce pigment such as Melanage peel are color blind and were created for all skin types. Glycolic acid peels up to a certain percentage can be safe, too. The strength that will help improve hyperpigmentation is usually used in medical offices but even low percentage peels in spas can help. Glycolic acid peels are not usually used as the sole method of pigment fading, whereas as any of the others above are.

Both lasers can treat Hori’s nevus. The picosure laser can treat both Hori’s nevus and melasma. Both conditions will need several treatments at least 6 weeks apart. And both can be treated at the same time.

If the darkening is from asphalt, and ablative treatment is usually the way to remove the asphalt particles. Fractional ablation by CO2 laser rather than full ablation by CO2 laser or dermabrasion might be sufficient. With a fractional technique the healing is very fast and there will be no difference in color between treated and non-treated skin but several treatments might be needed for full success. If the darkening is from a deep seated bruise, fading agents combined with microdermababrsaion or picosure laser would be appropriate. You may schedule a consultation with me at the Haverford office.

We use the Picosure laser, other alexandrite lasers and IPL for sun spot removal. Picosecond lasers, including Picosure and Picoway, have the added benefit of elastin and collagen production in the process of sun spot removal and they create almost not down time (few hours opf rednes only). Picosure was the very first picosecond laser to be FDA approved and the Picoway came to the market about a year later. Picosure and Picoway differ in their wavelength but there is no clinical difference in the outcome.

Sun freckles can be removed by laser. Usually up to 3 treatments are needed. If your sun freckles are ever so slightly raised, laser treatment is ineffective and cryosurgery would be the method of choice. An exact price quote is not going to be possible without exam but you should expect up to $400 per treatment of sun freckles. Pain with rosacea or rosacea flushing is a medical concern and you should be evaluated for best management options. If flushing is your most dominant feature, laser treatment will help reduce it. It takes 3-5 treatments on average to make a substantial difference in the intensity of flushing. Each treatment can be up to $400.

We have used PicoSure Focus lens for sun spots on face, chest and arms with great success since this hand piece came to teh market 3 years ago. It takes about 4 treatments for skin to become very even toned and at the same time, you stimulate elastin and collagen production. When you have few larger brown spots, a standard alexandrite lser will be more efficient and achieves the desired results in up to 3 treatments. Some people have brown spots that are raised above the skin. These could be treated with CO2 laser yet most of the time, simpler measures remove them from the skin in 1-2 treatments.

It is very difficult for me to provide an estimate for this. Treatment of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation always takes a customized approach. We would have to see you in person to judge the type, extent and severity of discoloration and to see which treatment works best. You may schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our aestheticians.

Sun spots are also called brown spots and I often hear the word age spots. I believe the name sun spots to be most appropriate as they are directly related to a life time of sun exposure. You should be able to tell if they are related to the sun by comparing the affected skin to an area that has never been exposed to the sun. Dark spots could be sun spots but could also be a leftover after a rash has cleared on the skin.
Sun spots are most efficiently removed by laser but IPL treatments may work as well. Larger sun spots might need several treatments four weeks apart for removal. The laser or light based device that will give best results is based predominantly on your skin type/color – not the color of the brown spots. When you commit to a lifetime of diligent sun protection these will stay away for good. If you allow sun exposure, they will return very quickly no matter what technology is used to remove them. Sun spots can be present on evenly pigmented pale skin, on skin that is permanently tan or on freckled skin. When skin has a permanent tan or is freckled, spot removal is not recommended, rather the entire face including the sunspot should be treated. Some sunspots require evaluation by a dermatologist before removal might be deemed safe. In our office, the cost for removal could be between $125 and $400 per treatment given the many variables that I have to consider without in person evaluation.

Dark spots can be sun freckles that come out with delay, changes after an inflammatory process such as acne or they can be moles. Without evaluation and their history, I cannot even say if laser treatment is possible. Please make an appointment for in office or online consultation to obtain a diagnosis and specific discussion of your treatment options. If you believe that they are sun spots you can schedule a complimentary consultation with our aestheticians.

Please schedule a consultation so that we can evaluate what type of brown spot it is (freckle, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, nevus etc) and to learn if it can be removed, how it can be removed and if multiple treatments are needed to remove it. If applicable, laser treatment of a single spot is $105 per treatment in our practice.

Both Melanage peel and laser are equally effective for sun spots. The difference is one vs 1-3 treatments as well as downtime 10 days of scaling and redness over the entire face vs focal scaling on day 1 and day 8 after treatment. Melanage peel cannot be performed during pregnancy or while nursing your baby. We do not perform elective laser procedures during a pregnancy. However, laser can be performed immediately after delivery. Please assure diligent sun protection with sun protective clothing or sunscreen at all times. A physical sun sun block such Neutrogena sensitive skin sun block SPF 50, Anthelios mineral tinted SPF 50 or Elta MD clear SPF 46 are safe choices during pregnancy and nursing. When outdoors, sunscreen should be applied every 2 hours. These safe sun practices will have to be continued after treatment to maintain results.

Removal of freckles is possible. If your goal is to diminish the look of your freckles, three treatments every 6 weeks and subsequent diligent daily sun protection will achieve good results. If your goal is porcelain white skin, you are in for a tedious undertaking with many treatments potentially with different lasers for perfect skin.

Sun spots (solar lentigos) are best removed by laser and can take several treatments in monthly intervals to resolve. If sun protection is not meticulous year-round, these sun freckles come back with new sun exposure. Seborrheic keratoses can be removed by CO2 laser, curettage, electrocautery and electrofulguration. They can be minimized by cryosurgery. There is a very small chance that they return after the aforementioned removal techniques (except cryosurgery) but new ones can form. They do not usually occur in exactly the same spots but in areas of generalized sun damage. Without knowing which procedure you had, I cannot be sure that you need a different laser. You should confirm with your laser surgeon which one he/she used.

Freckles on the face except on the eyelids can be removed by laser. It can take between 1-3 treatments 4-6 weeks apart to remove freckles. Each treatment is $400. Please make an appointment for complimentary consultation with our aestheticians to learn about the details. Dark spots on the face that are not freckles can be moles (nevi – in medical terms). We do not treat these but treat around them for safety reasons.

Thank you for the positive feedback. You should wait 14 days after PDT to have filler or Botox.

Brown spot removal is charged by number of lesions, however, if there are more than 15 lesions in a given anatomic area, e.g. the face, a flat fee applies. Our current fee is $105 for the first spot and $20 for each additional per treatment (1-3 treatments may be needed), $400 for more than 15. If brown spots are in more than one anatomic area, e.g. arms, chest, neck, thighs, legs, separate charges apply. You will learn about the cost during your complimentary consultation with our aesthetician.

Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is not easy to treat. The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser can deliver good results in some people and in others in can cause paradoxical hyperpigmentation. For fear of the latter, we do not offer Q-switched Nd:YAG laser treatments for PIH. If PIH is located on the face, Melanage peel works very well and is colorblind and therefore safe and effective on all skin tones. If elsewhere on the body, Picolaser treatments may work well (they are even faster than the Q-switched lasers and do not generate heat and therefore no paradoxical hyperpigmentation.

If it is a freckle, it is possible to use an Alexandrite laser to remove it. If it is a mole, laser treatment is not currently recommended. In most instances, clinical evaluation by a dermatologist is enough to distinguish between them.

There are a number of treatments that allow dark spots to fade, even on darker skin. Melanage peel and/or a combination of glycolic acid peels, microdermabrasion treatments and topical fading agents such as kojic acid, arbutase, hydroquinone, vitamin C, and others are effective. An an-office evaluation would allow us to tailor a plan for you. However, the underlying problems should also be corrected to avoid that new dark spots form. Acne can be treated and laser hair reduction is the best treatment to deal with unruly hair that causes inflamed hair follicles on the face.

If you have sun induced freckles, laser treatment is possible. A number of different lasers are suitable and safe for your skin color. All of these lasers cause the treated skin to be red and slightly swollen on the day of treatment, and cause the skin to shed off the dark pigment on day 8 after the procedure. In between, the treated area will look a little darker brown and you may feel more comfortable covering with make up. These sun freckles will stay away after treatment if you are committed to diligent sun protection. If you have unopposed sun exposure, they can come back but can easily be treated again.

Most discoloration and freckles on the face may be removed by laser or Melanage peel. We would need to examine your skin to determine the most effective option for you. We will also discuss what to expect in the days and weeks after your first treatment. Sometimes, treatment is possible at the time of consultation. Please schedule a complimentary evaluation with one of our aestheticians.

Sun spots do not have to be treated right away. However, if you let them darken over time, they may need more treatments to be removed. When they are only faintly pigmented they usually go in only one treatment. Any sunspot can come back if you do not shield the treated area meticulously from sun light. Sunscreen use is highly recommended for long lasting results, however, should you not be meticulous with sunscreen and the spot returns, it can be treated again.

Freckles, sun spots and fine lines on your lighter Asian (Korean) skin color may not be completely treatable with the laser technology available to date, however, Melanage peel may be the answer to your quest. It is a hydroquinone and tretinoin based peel that removes freckles and brown spots. Any remaining fine lines may then be tightened by TCA peels every couple of years or radiofrequency treatments every few months after a series of 4 every 2 weeks. I will point out the downfall of current laser technology for your skin color: A Q-switched Nd:YAG laser may be able to reduce some freckling and brown spots as long as melasma is not present. Other lasers may also be used to remove some of the brown spots. CO2 laser could tighten the skin and reduce very fine lines but cannot be used efficiently on your skin color to remove freckling and brown spots.

A number of lasers and pulsed devices are available to safely treat sun spots in individuals who are Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, fair Asian or lighter skin colors. These include the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, alexandrite laser as well as several intensed pulsed light (IPL) devices. In a fair skinned individual we use an alexandrite laser and in those who are Mediterranean, fair Asian or Middle Eastern we use a single wave length pulsed device of 585 nm. Sun spots on the eyelids should not be treated by any deep reaching laser. If the skin is fair enough, cryosurgery is an option.

I am unaware of a reliable treatment for brown spots on the red part of the lip.

We have many “Asian” patients and often perform brown spot removal by laser. The treatment is always gauged to the skin color and skin type because to us “Asian” is a very wide spectrum.
Usually, brown spot removal is performed by our licensed aestheticians after consultation with me for proper treatment parameters, however, upon request, I perform the laser procedure.
Brown spots take between 1-3 treatments to fully resolve. The treatment cost is the same to all of our patients. We charge $105 for the first spot and $20 for each additional per treatment if you have less than 15 spots total. If you have more than 15 spots in one cosmetic area, such as on the face, the cost is $400 for all per treatment. Removal of more than 15 in larger cosmetic area such as on the chest or forearms is $600 per treatment. Removal of brown spots on hands is $300 per treatment.

Brown spots on the face can be treated by laser as long as the surrounding skin is fairly light. If the surrounding skin is darker other treatments including peels can be used to safely remove them. You need an evaluation to learn about the options that are most effective and safe for you.

We treat skin of every color and have the expertise and technology (including lasers and peels) to do so. I apologize for not showing pictures and will work on correcting that.

It sounds as if you have a nevus on the neck and on the earlobe. They are commonly referred to as liver spots or moles and are not related to sun exposure. If the diagnosis nevus is correct, treatment may not be as simple as you assume. To this date, we do not have any conclusive data on the safety of laser treatment of a nevus. Therefore, it is not generally offered in the United States. A flat nevus can be excised but this will leave a scar. If it is a little bit elevated above skin surface it can be flush removed. Evaluation is key to give you the proper treatment options.

In my experience, pulsed dye laser works better than IPL, although IPL is a reasonable treatment. Regardless, it takes usually aloud 4 treatments with the pulsed dye laser and possibly even more with IPL to correct poikiloderma.

Brown spots on the face can be treated by laser as long as the surrounding skin is fairly light. If the surrounding skin is darker other treatments including peels can be used to safely remove them. You need an evaluation to learn about the options that are most effective and safe for you.

Laser is the most effective technology to date to remove sun spots. Once a sun spot/ brown spot/ age spot is fully treated, it must be diligently protected from the sun, especially from its UVA rays. This is achieved by wearing sun protection daily, by reapplying sunscreen with prolonged exposure and by avoidance of sun bathing. The type of sunscreen is important as not all sunscreens protect from UVA rays equally. Physical protection with zinc oxide or chemical sunscreens containing Cell Ox Shield, Mexoryl or Helioplex technology are the most effective sunscreens currently available in the US. Franziska Ringpfeil, MD

From your description it appears that you have a sun spot / brown spot / age spot. If an evaluation confirms the diagnosis, the most efficient way to eradicate these benign sun induced pigment changes from the skin is the use of a pigment specific laser. Between 1-3 treatments 4-6 weeks apart are needed. The treatments feel very warm on the skin but take only minutes. The cost depends on the size of the area or number of spots treated. We charge $105 (for spot size up to 1 cm) for the first spot and $20 for each additional spot per treatment. If there more than 15 spots on the face, we charge a flat fee of $400 per treatment. Franziska Ringpfeil, MD

Sun or age spots are common on the hands and can effectively be removed using a laser that specifically targets pigment. Depending on the intensity of the sun spots, 1-3 treatments 4-6 weeks apart are needed to remove them. With proper application of a potent UVA filtering sunscreen, you can even prevent new ones from forming. The treatment per session for both hands is $300, but if less than 10 spots total are present, the charge will be smaller.