Age Spots

Fraxel Laser

Fraxel Laser is the gold standard treatment for all types of pigmentation, from freckles, sun spots and age spots, to the previously very difficult to treat hormonal pigmentation. Fraxel can also treat solar keratosis (those pink scaly superficial pre-cancers), although a number of treatments may be required. Using the 1927 wavelength, Fraxel safely and effectively renews the top layer of the epidermis taking with it any pigmentation and leaving skin that is remarkably clear and smooth. Fraxel is not generally not used for individual spots, as the skin may appear uneven. For this our Doctors recommend Revlite Laser or IPL.

Fraxel treatment takes about 30 minutes and, with a local anaesthetic cream applied beforehand, causes only minimal discomfort. Your skin will be quite pink for a few days, and the pigmentation takes on a bronzed appearance, before flaking off 4-5 days after. the treatment. And that’s when the compliments start.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Rejuvenation

IPL Rejuvenation is very effective at treating superficial pigmentation like freckles and sun spots, and has the advantage of also treating any redness and broken capillaries present. It is not often recommended for deeper pigmentation, such as hormonal pigmentation, or for skin that is very tanned.

At Skin Resus our experienced Registered Nurses and doctors all perform IPL treatments, which take about 20 minutes. Over the next 24 – 48 hours the pigmented area of the skin will darken to a dark brown, before flaking off 7-10 days later. IPL Rejuvenation also stimulates collage production, leaving your skin fresher and clearer. IPL is highly recommended for its anti-ageing benefits on skin when performed regularly.

PhotoDynamic Rejuvenation (PDR)

This is an alternate form of IPL rejuvenation, most often used to treat solar keratoses (pink, scaly sunspots), in combination with improvement of other brown and red blemishes. In this treatment, a special ALA cream is applied 90 minutes before the treatment, which makes solar keratoses more sensitive to light. The IPL treatment is then performed. The light activates the cream destroying the abnormal cells. After PDR there is more redness, swelling, bronzing and occasional crusting than with IPL alone, and time off work may be needed. The results however, are well worth it, with clear skin and a reduction in fine lines.

A significant improvement will usually be seen after the first treatment. Where there are a number of solar keratoses, a course of treatments may be required.

PicoPlus

PicoPlus is a cutting-edge laser technology that effectively targets and treats age spots, also known as solar lentigines. These pigmented lesions are caused by prolonged sun exposure and are a common sign of skin aging, appearing as flat, brown spots on areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, and décolletage. The PicoPlus laser emits ultra-short pulses of energy that targets the pigment containing superficial skin cells (keratinocytes). These cells are then disrupted and dehydrated and will be naturally exfoliated over  a period of 7 – 14 days later. 

What makes PicoPlus especially effective for age spots is its precision. Energy is delivered only to targeted skin cells and nearby cells are not affected. Unlike traditional lasers that rely on heat, PicoPlus uses photoacoustic energy, making it safer for a wider range of skin types including darker skin types. Patients often see noticeable improvements after just one session, with continued fading of pigmentation over time. It’s a safe, non-invasive solution for rejuvenating sun-damaged skin and restoring a more youthful appearance.

Erbium Laser

Erbium laser is our strongest laser and is used to treat resistant pigmentation such as seborrheoic keratoses, those slightly thickened pigmented spots which appear on the face, arms and legs after years of sun exposure. Erbium can also be used for Laser Resurfacing, which treats lines and wrinkles as well as sun spots, and firms and tightens the skin. The healing time for erbium laser treatment is longer than other treatments. Some pinkness can persist in the treated area for weeks. This is particularly evident for treatment of spots on the legs.