Cited Research
Solar lentigines — age spots — are the most common reason patients ask about pigmentation. They are benign, but treatment selection matters: the wrong laser on the wrong skin type can leave permanent dark or light spots.
First-line: topicals and SPF
Hydroquinone, retinoids, azelaic acid, and disciplined SPF 50 use can lighten spots over 8–12 weeks.
Second-line: laser or IPL
Q-switched and pico lasers and IPL are very effective on lighter skin types. Higher Fitzpatrick skin types require careful device selection to avoid post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Excision
Reserved for spots that are atypical, changing, or biopsy-indicated. Cosmetic-only excision is rarely the right answer.
References & Further Reading
This article is general information about procedures we perform. It is not medical advice and does not replace an assessment by a physician who has examined you. Individual results, risks and recovery vary.