[2010-09-30 22:42:58 - Dan]: 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

[2010-11-02 18:33:17 - Dr. Rinpgfeil]: 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