Recovery
Results
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Aftercare
Treatment science score
The science of treating age spots
- Age spots can appear on the face, chest & arms
- This form of pigmentation can affect all skin types & tones
- The best laser to remove age spots is the Picosure Pro
- Fractional lasers can also be used on lighter skin types, albeiti more sessions
- Skin can can be effective in preventing, but not treating established age spots
The picosecond laser has revolutionized the treatment of age spots. This laser gives fast results with minimal recovery time.
What causes age spots?
Apart from the obvious, age spots are genetically determined, made worse with UV exposure. Though they present most frequently in mature patients, a genetic predisposition may lead to age spots appearing in the early 30s.
What are the best age spot treatments?
Lasers provide the best, safest & most efficient method to remove age spots. 90% of age spots can be removed with just one laser treatment. The type of laser depends on the size & depth of the age spot, in addition to your genetic skin type or color.
Fair skin patients do best with Q switch lasers as well as fractional lasers & IPL. Darker skin patients do best with Picosure Pro or Picoway lasers.
Skin tone |
Best laser |
Best peel |
Treatment sessions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fair skin tone | Q switch or pico | TCA | 1-2 |
| Intermediate skin tone | Picosure Pro | Vi Precision | 1-3 |
| Dark skin tone | Picosure Pro | Vi Precision | 2-4 |
What lasers do we use to treat age spots?
The Melasma Clinic has over 40 lasers & energy devices in Brisbane & Sydney. The most useful lasers we employ for age spots are-
- CO2 & erbium lasers: for age spots in lighter skin type.
- Fractional 1927 thulium lasers: for superficial age spots in light skin.
- Pico & Q switch lasers: for age spots & pigmentation in darker skin types.
What about chemical peels?
The peel with the greatest efficacy is the Jessner TCA, followed by just TCA. These peels have a long recovery, as compared to AHA peels such as glycolic or lactic acid.
The Cosmelan peel is also very effective, especially if age spots occur with melasma.
Peel type |
Number of sessions |
Recovery |
Efficacy / Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| AHA | 5 | 0 days | ++ / $ |
| Cosmelan | 1 | 7-14 days | +++ / $$$ |
| Jessner TCA | 1 | 10 days | +++++ / $$$$$ |
What results can I expect from a treatment?
Depending on the type of pigment, you can expect a 30 to 100% improvement in age spots.
In most cases a single treatment will suffice. More sessions are required if you have darker skin, or spots that are raised.
How are age spots managed in darker- Asian skin types?
Age spots in darker skin types are tricky, as post treatment skin darkening can occur, especially if the wrong laser or settings are used.
On this basis we prefer picosecond lasers over fractional lasers for age spot removal in darker skin types. Our clinic uses special settings that we have developed over the past 10 years to effectively & safely address pigmentation in ethnic skin types.
Our Gallery of Results
Can creams fade age spots?
Creams can be effective in mild cases of age spots. They are most useful as maintenance treatments.
The top ingredients include-
A simple age spot prevention skin care program is-
AM: Antioxidants, vitamin C, E, ferulic acid, SPF 50+
PM: Retinol, azelaic acid, arbutin
Will age spots return after treatment?
Once cleared the chances of recurrence is low, however in some cases maintenance treatment is required. Targeted skin care & sunscreen will help reduce new age spots from returning.
Picosure Pro as adjunctive therapy for melasma
.
🔫Lasers vs Peels: lasers provide better remodelling of skin, leading to longer remission times as compared to novel peels such as Cosmelan. Additionally lasers (pico) have no downtime nor skin irritation as compared to superficial peeling systems. They do however take several sessions (2-5) for optimal results
.
👉Tip: tailor melasma treatment according to the patient. Understand the potential as well as the limitations of peels, skin care, medical therapy, injectables & energy devices for melasma to formulate a plan based upon the individual
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#picosure #picosuresurepro #picolaser #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist #drdavinlim
Picosure Pro as adjunctive therapy for melasma
.
🔫Lasers vs Peels: lasers provide better remodelling of skin, leading to longer remission times as compared to novel peels such as Cosmelan. Additionally lasers (pico) have no downtime nor skin irritation as compared to superficial peeling systems. They do however take several sessions (2-5) for optimal results
.
👉Tip: tailor melasma treatment according to the patient. Understand the potential as well as the limitations of peels, skin care, medical therapy, injectables & energy devices for melasma to formulate a plan based upon the individual
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#picosure #picosuresurepro #picolaser #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist #drdavinlim
Novel peels are useful for some cases of melasma. At the clinic we employ these peels for individuals who travel to our clinic from far. Peels have the advantage over lasers, namely less sessions to deliver similar outcomes (in actual fact, lasers are better with a ‘hit’ rate of 80-85% as compared to peels with 60-70% success)
.
🍌Peels: We have the Dermamelan, Cosmelan, novel Melanopro & Vi Precision peels as well as Jesser, TCA, salicylic acid, AHA, & retinoic acid peels. We perform focal phenol peels, but not segmental phenol peels for melasma as the risks are too high for our mode of practice
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
Brisbane | Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasmaclinic #melasma #melasmatips #dermamelan #cosmelan #cosmelanpeel #drdavinlim #sydneydermatologist #melanopropeel
.
Disclaimer: lighting slightly different in exposure settings as different camera systems are employed.
Novel peels are useful for some cases of melasma. At the clinic we employ these peels for individuals who travel to our clinic from far. Peels have the advantage over lasers, namely less sessions to deliver similar outcomes (in actual fact, lasers are better with a ‘hit’ rate of 80-85% as compared to peels with 60-70% success)
.
🍌Peels: We have the Dermamelan, Cosmelan, novel Melanopro & Vi Precision peels as well as Jesser, TCA, salicylic acid, AHA, & retinoic acid peels. We perform focal phenol peels, but not segmental phenol peels for melasma as the risks are too high for our mode of practice
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
Brisbane | Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasmaclinic #melasma #melasmatips #dermamelan #cosmelan #cosmelanpeel #drdavinlim #sydneydermatologist #melanopropeel
.
Disclaimer: lighting slightly different in exposure settings as different camera systems are employed.
Picosure Pro can be useful in highly motivated & educated patients as adjunctive therapy for melasma pigmentation
.
👉Results can be seen in as little as 2 weeks, however a series of 3-5 sessions provides the best outcome
.
👉Success rate: 80-85%. Melasma can be significantly improved in most, but not all cases. Pico lasers are best combined with medical therapy for optimal outcomes
.
📅Remission: varies according to radiation exposure, hormonal influx, topical usage, maintenance treatments & adjunctive procedures💯
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
Brisbane | Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasmaclinic #melasma #melasmatips #picosure #picolaser #picosurepro #drdavinlim #sydneydermatologist
Disclaimer: lighting slightly different in exposure settings as different camera systems are employed.
Picosure Pro can be useful in highly motivated & educated patients as adjunctive therapy for melasma pigmentation
.
👉Results can be seen in as little as 2 weeks, however a series of 3-5 sessions provides the best outcome
.
👉Success rate: 80-85%. Melasma can be significantly improved in most, but not all cases. Pico lasers are best combined with medical therapy for optimal outcomes
.
📅Remission: varies according to radiation exposure, hormonal influx, topical usage, maintenance treatments & adjunctive procedures💯
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
Brisbane | Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasmaclinic #melasma #melasmatips #picosure #picolaser #picosurepro #drdavinlim #sydneydermatologist
Disclaimer: lighting slightly different in exposure settings as different camera systems are employed.
Melasma can be effectively treated in most cases with a combination of medical therapy as well as energy based devices & novel peels
.
👉This case: Lutronic Q switch nano short pulse (5ns) laser. 5 sessions, spaced 2 weeks apart
.
🔫Laser concepts: low fluence 1064 nm q switching reduces melanin transfer to cells, reduces melanin production, vaporises the stratum corneum allowing better penetration of topicals, shrinks down the dendritic arms of the melanocyte & has limited shattering of pigment particles. Flares are uncommon, results are seen in over 80% of cases
.
👍🏻Laser: Lutronic Hollywood Spectra: is the gold standard in QSL nano laser technology, it has an excellent beam profile with a short pulse duration with super accurate & steady state fluence.
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#lutronic #hollywoodspectra #dermaltoning #toninglaser #melasma #melasmaclinic #drdavinlim #melasmatreatment
Melasma can be effectively treated in most cases with a combination of medical therapy as well as energy based devices & novel peels
.
👉This case: Lutronic Q switch nano short pulse (5ns) laser. 5 sessions, spaced 2 weeks apart
.
🔫Laser concepts: low fluence 1064 nm q switching reduces melanin transfer to cells, reduces melanin production, vaporises the stratum corneum allowing better penetration of topicals, shrinks down the dendritic arms of the melanocyte & has limited shattering of pigment particles. Flares are uncommon, results are seen in over 80% of cases
.
👍🏻Laser: Lutronic Hollywood Spectra: is the gold standard in QSL nano laser technology, it has an excellent beam profile with a short pulse duration with super accurate & steady state fluence.
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#lutronic #hollywoodspectra #dermaltoning #toninglaser #melasma #melasmaclinic #drdavinlim #melasmatreatment
This is generally what happens, hence why it takes a few weeks before best outcomes are achieved following pico laser (providing the diagnosis & settings are accurate)
.
👉Exceptions: if pigment production is not halted, e.g. melasma or PIH, this may result in more (paradoxical) pigment production. For dermal pigment, the rate limiting factor is pigment removal via the immune system, or if the particles are broken down to much smaller pieces that reflect light
.
👉Concept: in some cases, pigment worsens before improving. This momentary increase in pigment lasts 2-4 weeks. Our clinicians will discuss this with you if we employ these settings💯
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#picosure #picosuresurepro #picolaser #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist #drdavinlim
This is generally what happens, hence why it takes a few weeks before best outcomes are achieved following pico laser (providing the diagnosis & settings are accurate)
.
👉Exceptions: if pigment production is not halted, e.g. melasma or PIH, this may result in more (paradoxical) pigment production. For dermal pigment, the rate limiting factor is pigment removal via the immune system, or if the particles are broken down to much smaller pieces that reflect light
.
👉Concept: in some cases, pigment worsens before improving. This momentary increase in pigment lasts 2-4 weeks. Our clinicians will discuss this with you if we employ these settings💯
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#picosure #picosuresurepro #picolaser #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist #drdavinlim
Retinoids such as #tretinoin & retinol can be useful in addressing melasma as they address cellular aging, increasing turnover of cells, & reduce pigment production (extremely weak action compared to other pigment correctors) 💯
.
👉In some cases our clinicians may titrate retinoids into your melasma routine, along with other pigment correcting ingredients
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#retinol #tretinoin #retinylaldehyde #melasmaclinic #davinlim #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist
Retinoids such as #tretinoin & retinol can be useful in addressing melasma as they address cellular aging, increasing turnover of cells, & reduce pigment production (extremely weak action compared to other pigment correctors) 💯
.
👉In some cases our clinicians may titrate retinoids into your melasma routine, along with other pigment correcting ingredients
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#retinol #tretinoin #retinylaldehyde #melasmaclinic #davinlim #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist
Retinoids such as #tretinoin & retinol can be useful in addressing melasma pigmentation. Best applied at night due to photosensitivity
.
👉Vitamin C: can be used as an antioxidant or as a pigment corrector. Personally I prefer patients to apply in the am, under sunscreen
.
👉Azelaic acid: can be applied twice daily
.
👉Glycolic acid: can be potentially photosensitising (in theory, however practically not too much of an issue)
.
👉Pigment correctors: generally applied in the PM, with exceptions such as #thiamidol, azelaic acid, HQ that can be applied twice daily depending on other skincare actives
.
👉Sunscreen: at least twice daily, AM & midday application
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasma #melasmatips #skincaretips #melasmaclinic #davinlim #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist
Retinoids such as #tretinoin & retinol can be useful in addressing melasma pigmentation. Best applied at night due to photosensitivity
.
👉Vitamin C: can be used as an antioxidant or as a pigment corrector. Personally I prefer patients to apply in the am, under sunscreen
.
👉Azelaic acid: can be applied twice daily
.
👉Glycolic acid: can be potentially photosensitising (in theory, however practically not too much of an issue)
.
👉Pigment correctors: generally applied in the PM, with exceptions such as #thiamidol, azelaic acid, HQ that can be applied twice daily depending on other skincare actives
.
👉Sunscreen: at least twice daily, AM & midday application
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasma #melasmatips #skincaretips #melasmaclinic #davinlim #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist
Vitamin C is useful in most cases of melasma, however formulations matter. Low pH formulations offer better bioavailability with the downside of higher rates of skin irritation
.
👉How to use: Apply under sunscreen as an antioxidant, or at night as a pigment corrector, or, in some cases twice daily. We prefer a combination vitamin C & ferulic acid plus #tocopherol or vitamin E in a stabilized low pH formulation. The most well known tiple combination is patented at a fixed percentage of 15% L-ascorbic acid with a distinctive metallic smell that stains whites. Several drops go a long way
.
👍🏻Tips: Spend the most amount of time & money on photoprotection. Over 90% of melasma patients do not get this correct, but rather spend efforts on skin care products & procedures. You will get the biggest traction out of understanding how to photoprotect your pigment as well as identifying triggers (beyond the usual ‘it’s hormonal’, think IR heat, additional sources of radiation, frictional components, including cosmetic (self induced) skin irritation). Skin care is always adjunctive to UV & visible light protection💯
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasma #melasmatips #vitaminC #ascorbicacid #melasmaclinic #davinlim #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist #ceferulicacid #vitamincskincare
Vitamin C is useful in most cases of melasma, however formulations matter. Low pH formulations offer better bioavailability with the downside of higher rates of skin irritation
.
👉How to use: Apply under sunscreen as an antioxidant, or at night as a pigment corrector, or, in some cases twice daily. We prefer a combination vitamin C & ferulic acid plus #tocopherol or vitamin E in a stabilized low pH formulation. The most well known tiple combination is patented at a fixed percentage of 15% L-ascorbic acid with a distinctive metallic smell that stains whites. Several drops go a long way
.
👍🏻Tips: Spend the most amount of time & money on photoprotection. Over 90% of melasma patients do not get this correct, but rather spend efforts on skin care products & procedures. You will get the biggest traction out of understanding how to photoprotect your pigment as well as identifying triggers (beyond the usual ‘it’s hormonal’, think IR heat, additional sources of radiation, frictional components, including cosmetic (self induced) skin irritation). Skin care is always adjunctive to UV & visible light protection💯
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasma #melasmatips #vitaminC #ascorbicacid #melasmaclinic #davinlim #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist #ceferulicacid #vitamincskincare
Can BBL or IPL be used to treat age spots & sun spots?
BBL or IPL are excellent options for age spots, especially in lighter skin types. Though we still perform this procedure (especially for the chest & decolletage), pico lasers give better results with less pain & downtime.
The Melasma Clinic treats all forms of pigmentation
Our specialist clinic is overseen by dermatologists who have extensive experience in the treatment of age spots & pigmentation in all skin types. We employ the latest lasers, chemical peels & compounded bespoke skin care to provide the best skin rejuvenation & outcomes.
What types of chemical peels can treat age spots?
The best peels are medium depth Jessner TCA chemical peels, as they can address deeper pigmentation.
Superficial peels such as Cosmelan, Dermamelan or Vi Precision Plus can address milder forms of pigmentation. They often require between 1-2 sessions for best results.
Glycolic & lactic acid peels can often fade early age spots.
Do age spots get bigger?
Age spots may slowly grow over time, doubling in diameter every 2-5 years. They may also increase in height & may get warty over time.
What is the cost for age spot removal?
Cost depends on the type of procedure & who performs the treatment. As a guide-
- Pico laser: starting at $690 per session, extending to $1890 (by dermatologist)
- Fractional laser resurfacing: from $990 per session, performed by nurses, to $2590 by dermatologist.
- Chemical peel: From $890, factor in 2-4 sessions.
Dr Davin Lim
645K subscribersHow to treat PIGMENTATION
If I can identify the cause of pigmentation, chances are I can treat it. This can only be achieved with careful real time examination…
More of our mostFrequently asked questions
Can microdermabrasion get rid of age spots?
Can hydroquinone fade age spots?
What are DPN or dermatosis papulosa nigra spots & how do we treat them?
What can be mistaken for an age spot?
Can age spots turn into skin cancer?
How can I tell the difference between a melanoma and an age spot?
Why did my age spot go darker after treatment?
What is the best natural age spot remover?
Can liquid nitrogen be used to treat age spots?
Is Fraxel a good laser for treating age spots?
Treating Age Spots; a Summary
Dr Davin Lim | Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic, Brisbane | Sydney
The treatment algorithm for age spots is straightforward –
Lighter skin types: Fractional lasers such as LaseMD Ultra or Fraxel HD, with the option of erbium or CO2 lasers. For high contrast age spots, Picoway, Picosure Pro or Hollywood Spectra lasers are optional. Chemical peels include TCA or Jessner, followed by Dermelan or modified Cosmelan peels. The number of sessions depends on the device used.
Darker skin types: Picosure Pro over other lasers, with the option of novel chemical peels. Fractional lasers can be useful, however they require 3-5 sessions, spaced 4-10 weeks apart.
Blending. Blending is key, especially on areas such as the arms, chest, & decolletage. This gives a natural transition between treated areas & sun damaged skin vs more photos protected areas. The use of modified laser settings with less fractional coverage, using good laser equipment is the key. For best results, factor in 2-5 sessions, depending on pigment contrast.
Prevention. Post removal, prevention is essential to reduce recurrence. You can not prevent aging (hence the name ‘age’ spots), but you can reduce pigment production via sun protection & skin care. SPF 50 plus is recommended, twice daily without exception. If we had to pick one ingredient to prevent age spots & as an anti-aging topical it would be retinoids. Recommendations are-
- Retinol OTC (over the counter): 0.1 to 0.2% formulation.
- Tretinoin: 0.05 to 0.2% formulation, Retrieve or compounded.
- Trifarotene: 4th generation retinoid, once a week.
- Retinoic acid 2-4% peel: once a month
