Pigmentation & Sun Spot Removal

Sun spots, age spots and freckles appear when pigment-producing cells in the skin make extra melanin, usually after years of sun exposure. They are harmless, but many people would like a more even skin tone, particularly on the face, hands and chest.

We use the Candela GentleMax Pro Plus, the same medically graded laser we use for hair removal. Its alexandrite wavelength is absorbed by the excess pigment, which breaks it into smaller particles. Over the following one to two weeks the treated spots usually darken slightly and then flake away as the skin renews, and the body clears the remaining pigment naturally.

Every treatment starts with a consultation and a close look at the areas you would like treated. We only treat benign pigmentation: any mole or mark that is new, changing, raised, bleeding or irregular is not treated, and we will advise you to have it checked by your GP first. A patch test confirms the right settings for your skin, and suitability for darker skin tones is assessed individually because the risk of pigment changes is higher.

Many spots lighten noticeably after one session, while larger or more stubborn areas may need two or three, spaced about four weeks apart. Daily SPF protects your results, because new sun exposure can cause new spots. Melasma, a hormone-related form of pigmentation, behaves differently and often responds better to chemical peels and skincare; we will tell you honestly at your consultation which approach suits your skin.