Why hands and chest age differently than the face
Most patients are diligent about sunscreen on their face, and far less consistent everywhere else. The hands are in near-constant sun exposure — driving, walking, daily errands — and rarely get reapplied SPF throughout the day. The chest and décolletage sit directly in the path of sun exposure during nearly any outdoor activity, and the skin there is naturally thinner with less collagen support than facial skin. The result: many patients develop visible sun damage on their hands and chest years before it becomes prominent on their face.
Treating these areas isn't simply "the same laser, somewhere else on the body." Skin outside the face is generally thinner, heals more slowly, and — particularly on the chest — carries a higher risk of visible textural change if treated too aggressively. Dr. Mortazavi adjusts PicoLazer settings and session spacing specifically for these areas rather than using facial protocols on the body.
Common treatment areas
Hands
The most common area patients request treatment for once they notice their hands "look older" than their face. Age spots here respond well but the skin is thin, so gentler settings and slightly longer spacing between sessions is standard.
Chest
One of the more delicate areas to treat — thinner skin and a higher tendency toward visible textural change if treated too aggressively. Conservative settings and careful technique matter more here than almost anywhere else on the body.
Shoulders & Arms
Common in patients with an active outdoor lifestyle or a history of tanning. Generally more forgiving to treat than the chest, with a faster healing response.
Back
Less commonly requested but treated the same way — assessed individually for pigment depth and density before determining settings.
Why body skin needs its own protocol
The chest is one of the least forgiving areas on the body to over-treat. Thinner skin, slower turnover, and a documented tendency toward textural complications mean that what works safely on the face can cause problems on the chest at the same settings. Dr. Mortazavi treats every body area at intentionally more conservative energy levels than the equivalent facial treatment, extending the timeline slightly in exchange for a safer, more predictable result.
What to expect
01
Assessment
Dr. Mortazavi evaluates the treatment area, skin thickness, and pigment depth to determine appropriate settings.
02
Conservative Treatment
PicoLazer settings calibrated for body skin — gentler than facial protocols. Sessions run 15–30 minutes depending on area.
03
Extended Healing
Body skin heals more slowly than facial skin — expect a longer clearing window and wider spacing between sessions.
04
Protect
Daily SPF on hands and chest — not just the face — is essential, since these areas are the most commonly under-protected.
Who benefits most
Strong candidates
Age spots on hands from years of daily sun exposure
Sun damage on chest or shoulders visibly older than facial skin
Any Fitzpatrick skin type — including darker complexions
Patients willing to commit to daily SPF on treated areas going forward
Worth discussing at consultation
Very thin or fragile skin — settings may need to be especially conservative
History of poor healing or keloid scarring on the body
Recently tanned skin in the treatment area — best to wait before treating
Widespread pigmentation across a very large area — may need a phased plan
Facial pigmentation is treated separately. If you're primarily concerned with sun spots, melasma, or dark marks on your face, our hyperpigmentation hub will point you to the right facial-specific page.
Pricing
Treatment pricing
PicoLazer — priced by treatment area
Most areas need 2–4 sessions. By appointment only.
View Pricing & Book →
Frequently asked questions
Why do hands and chest show sun damage before the face?
The hands and chest receive near-constant daily sun exposure, often without the same sunscreen habits applied to the face, and the skin in these areas is naturally thinner with less collagen support. This combination causes age spots and sun damage to appear earlier and more densely on the hands and chest than on the face for many patients.
Is PicoLazer treatment different on the body than on the face?
Yes. Skin on the hands, chest, and body is generally thinner and heals more slowly than facial skin, so Dr. Mortazavi adjusts PicoLazer settings and session spacing accordingly. The chest in particular is known for being more prone to visible scarring or slower healing than the face, which requires a more conservative approach.
How many sessions does body dark spot removal take?
Most hand and chest dark spots respond within 2 to 4 PicoLazer sessions, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart — slightly longer spacing than facial treatment to account for slower healing in these areas.
Can dark spots on the hands and chest come back?
Yes, if sun exposure continues without protection. The hands and chest are difficult areas to consistently protect with SPF, which is why new spots often develop even after successful treatment. Daily sunscreen on these areas, not just the face, is essential to maintaining results.
How much does dark spot removal cost for hands, chest, or body at Plump Medical Spa?
Dark spot removal for hands, chest, and body is priced by treatment area. Current pricing is available on the Plump Medical Spa treatment menu.
Ready to treat your hands, chest, or body?
Consultations Tuesday through Saturday. Every session performed personally by Dr. Mortazavi.