Why sun spots respond faster than other pigmentation
Sun spots — also called solar lentigines or age spots — are the most straightforward type of pigmentation to treat. They're caused directly by cumulative UV exposure, sit at a relatively consistent depth, and don't carry the hormonal instability that makes melasma prone to flaring up worse. That means Dr. Mortazavi can generally use more direct PicoLazer settings on sun spots than would ever be appropriate for melasma, which is why sun spot treatment tends to move faster and clear in fewer sessions.
Still, "fast" doesn't mean "generic." Dr. Mortazavi selects the wavelength and intensity based on your specific skin tone and the depth of the spot — the same dual-wavelength PicoLazer platform used across every pigmentation type at Plump, just tuned differently for sun damage than it would be for melasma or post-acne marks.
Where sun spots typically show up
F
Face
Cheeks, forehead, temples — the most sun-exposed facial areas.
H
Hands
Decades of daily exposure often show up here first.
C
Chest & Décolletage
Thin skin with high cumulative sun exposure over the years.
S
Shoulders & Arms
Common in patients with an active outdoor lifestyle.
Sun spots vs. melasma — why it matters
Not every dark spot is the same, even if it looks similar. Sun spots are typically well-defined, single-layer, and directly UV-driven — melasma is diffuse, hormonally-driven, and prone to worsening with aggressive treatment. Confirming which one you have at consultation is what allows sun spots to be treated more directly, without the caution required for melasma. If you're not sure which applies to you, our pigmentation identification guide breaks down the differences.
What to expect
01
Assessment
Dr. Mortazavi confirms the pigment is sun damage rather than melasma or another condition, and maps the treatment area.
02
Treatment
PicoLazer pulses target the pigment directly. Spot treatments take minutes; full-face sessions run 20–30 minutes.
03
Darken & Flake
Treated spots typically darken slightly, then flake off naturally over 1–2 weeks — a normal, expected part of clearing.
04
Protect
Daily SPF prevents new spots from forming and protects the results of treated areas long-term.
Who benefits most
Strong candidates
Well-defined brown spots from cumulative sun exposure
Age spots on hands, chest, or shoulders
Patients wanting fast, visible results in limited sessions
Any Fitzpatrick skin type — including darker complexions
Worth confirming at consultation
Diffuse, symmetric facial patches — may be melasma, not sun spots
Spots that have changed shape, color, or size recently — dermatology referral first
Very recent tan or sun exposure — treatment is best timed around this
Raised or textured spots — may need a different approach than flat pigment
Any spot that looks new, is changing, or has irregular borders should be evaluated by a dermatologist before cosmetic treatment. Dr. Mortazavi screens for this at consultation, but if you have concerns about a specific spot beforehand, mention it when booking.
Pricing
Treatment pricing
PicoLazer — targeted spot or full-face session
Most sun spots respond in 1–3 sessions. By appointment only.
View Pricing & Book →
Frequently asked questions
What causes sun spots?
Sun spots, also called solar lentigines or age spots, are caused by cumulative UV exposure over years or decades. Melanin production increases in response to sun damage, creating flat, well-defined brown spots most commonly on the face, hands, chest, and shoulders.
How is sun spot removal different from melasma treatment?
Sun spots are typically more responsive to treatment than melasma. They are usually well-defined, single-layer pigment caused directly by UV damage, without the hormonal component or rebound risk associated with melasma. This means sun spots can generally be treated with more direct PicoLazer settings and often clear in fewer sessions.
How many sessions does sun spot removal take?
Most sun spots respond within 1 to 3 PicoLazer sessions, spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart, depending on the depth and density of the pigment. Larger areas of diffuse sun damage may require additional sessions for full-face improvement.
What happens to the sun spot after treatment?
Treated sun spots typically darken slightly in the days following treatment before flaking off or fading over 1 to 2 weeks. This is the fragmented pigment clearing to the surface and is a normal, expected part of the healing process.
Can sun spots come back after treatment?
Existing treated sun spots do not typically return, but new sun spots can develop from ongoing UV exposure. Daily SPF and sun protection are essential to maintaining results and preventing new spots from forming over time.
How much does sun spot removal cost at Plump Medical Spa?
Sun spot removal with PicoLazer is available as a targeted spot treatment or a full-face session for more widespread sun damage. Current pricing is available on the Plump Medical Spa treatment menu.
Ready to clear your sun spots?
Consultations Tuesday through Saturday. Every session performed personally by Dr. Mortazavi.