St. Petersburg Skin and Laser center

Laser Treatment for Dark Spots

ST. PETERSBURG

Reclaim Your Glow By Banishing Dark Spots with Laser Treatments

Dark spots – those uninvited guests that etch themselves onto your skin, tarnishing your radiance and denting your confidence. Whether they are age spots, liver spots, or simply brown patches, these spots can cast a shadow on your glow, affecting not only your appearance but also how you feel about yourself. We understand how this can chip away at your self-esteem, add stress to social situations, and spark worry when looking in the mirror.

The good news? There’s a beacon of hope with laser treatments for dark spots at St. Petersburg Skin and Laser. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Kesty, a Laser Fellowship Trained and Board Certified Dermatologist, we’re here to help you reclaim your glow, restore your confidence, and rewrite your skin’s narrative. Wave goodbye to persistent dark spots and say hello to a future of clear, radiant skin that truly reflects your inner vibrancy.

Portrait of older woman smiling isolated over grey studio wall
I have had several procedures with Dr. Kesty and have always been very pleased. She gives customized recommendations and her expertise is evident in the results. I will be back for future treatments.

—Jenna G.

Benefits of Laser Treatment For Dark Spots

Addressing the unwelcome changes that sun damage, aging, and other factors bring to your skin.
Significant reduction in dark spots
Long-lasting, proven results
Enhanced skin tone and texture
Swift results
More even complexion
Regained confidence
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Why Choose Us for Your Skin?

Unlock age-defying transformations with the tailored expertise of Dr. Kat Kesty, a pioneer in laser cosmetic dermatology

Double Board-Certified Dermatologist
Broadest selection of lasers in Florida (25+)
One of a handful of fellowship trained laser surgeons in the nation
Customized treatments merge science & artistry

Age Gracefully

Enhance your natural beauty.

Why Opt for Laser Treatment for Dark Spots (Brown Spots, Liver Spots, Age Spots)

Are you yearning for clear, radiant skin free from brown spots? Dark spots can be the result of various factors, including sun exposure, aging, hormonal imbalance, and certain medications. At St. Petersburg Skin and Laser, Dr. Kesty, a Laser Fellowship Trained and Board Certified Dermatologist, possesses the expertise to fade your brown and dark spots as well as diagnose and treat a variety of skin concerns.

Advantages of Laser Treatment for Dark Spots

Significant Reduction in Dark Spots

Whether it’s hyperpigmentation, lentigos, sun spots, age spots or a liver spot, Dr. Kesty’s state-of-the-art laser technology can significantly reduce or even completely remove these unwelcome skin blemishes, ensuring a healthier, radiant complexion.

Enhanced Skin Tone and Texture

Dr. Kesty’s laser resurfacing does not merely tackle dark spots but also enhances the overall tone and texture of your skin. This comprehensive approach ensures a holistic skin rejuvenation process that leaves you with refreshed, youthful skin.

More Even Complexion

If a more uniform complexion is your goal, Dr. Kesty’s laser resurfacing is your solution. Our technology is designed to address dark spots on all skin tones, revealing a beautiful, even complexion.

Proven Effectiveness

Are you tired of ineffective over-the-counter remedies and medications for dark spots? Trust in Dr. Kesty’s scientifically-proven laser therapy, designed to treat various types of skin discoloration effectively. Our state-of-the-art clinic offers a variety of lasers, ensuring a tailored approach to treating all skin tones.

Swift Results

Dr. Kesty’s advanced skill set and cutting-edge laser technology ensure noticeable improvement in your skin’s appearance after just a few sessions.

Choosing an Expert Provider

Seek High Qualifications and Experience

With 14+ years of training and medical education, in addition to being one of a handful of Fellowship-Trained Laser Dermatologists in the U.S. She is also Double Board Certified- in both Dermatology and Mohs Micrographic Surgery. Dr. Kesty is uniquely equipped to address a wide range of skin concerns. Compare Dr. Kesty, who is a surgeon, to the average person who operates a laser in the United States, and the choice becomes clear. No other Doctor in Tampa Bay has more experience with Lasers or Cosmetic Procedures than Dr. Kesty. No other clinic in Tampa Bay has more Lasers and Energy-Based Devices than St. Petersburg Skin and Laser.

Find a Customized Treatment Plan

At St. Petersburg Skin and Laser, we understand that your skin is unique. Dr. Kesty utilizes the most advanced technologies and procedures to curate a customized regimen suited to your specific skin and cosmetic goals.

Laser Patient with cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Kat Kesty

Laser Treatment Options

Can laser remove dark spots on your face? Absolutely! Laser treatments can effectively remove dark spots on your face, and the exact laser used will depend on the type of brown spot, including melasma, solar keratoses, liver spots, lentigos, melanin, freckles, etc. Dr. Kesty will choose the laser best suited to your spots and skin color.

Laser Treatment Technology

Lasers used to treat brown spots are meticulously targeted to reduce and remove the brown pigment, revealing a more even complexion. Different lasers target different types of brown spots. That’s why it’s crucial to have a board-certified physician diagnose the type of dark spots in order to choose which laser would be best suited to achieve your cosmetic goals.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Intense Pulsed Light can be used to remove brown spots, and also help reduce the number of brown spots you get in the future. This targeted device uses light and heat to target brown spots. IPL can also improve red spots, acne, rosacea, facial rejuvenation, and acne scarring.

Fractional Laser

Brown spots can develop anywhere on your body. Fractional lasers are versatile and can effectively treat brown spots anywhere on the body. Fractional Lasers are a form of collagen induction therapy and are one of the best skin treatments. These lasers use microscopic laser beams to target the surface and deeper layer of the skin (the dermis) and stimulate collagen and elastin production.

Q-Switched Laser

Q-Switched lasers are specifically designed to target and break up brown pigmentation, making them an excellent choice for certain types of brown spots. Q-switched is one of the types of laser skin resurfacing works with your body’s chemistry to target the brown spots and skin pigment at different levels of the skin, regardless of skin type.

Treatment Timeline

The number of laser treatments required for dark spots varies based on individual factors and the type of brown spots. On average, a patient may need between 1 to 3 treatments, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart for optimal results. The recovery time and duration post-treatment will vary depending on the laser type used and the individual’s healing process.

Financing Your Laser Treatment

Cost Factors

St. Petersburg Skin and Laser aims for pricing transparency. During your Cosmetic Consultation, Dr. Kesty will formulate a customized treatment plan, including an all-inclusive price for all procedures, ensuring there are no hidden fees or surprise charges. Our pricing includes all follow-up visits with Dr. Kesty and a dedicated Cosmetics Concierge service.

Insurance Coverage

Typically, insurance companies do not cover the cost of pigmentation removal for things like dark spots, brown spots, liver spots, and age spots. It’s often considered an elective procedure.

Payment Plans and Financing Options

We believe that cost should not be a barrier to achieving your desired skin health. Therefore, we offer several financing options, including payment plans through CareCredit, to make treatments more affordable.

Give Your Skin the Best

Don't settle. Choose confident, natural beauty.

More about Brown Spot Laser Treatment

Ideal Candidates for Dark Spot Treatments

A good candidate for laser pigmentation removal (dark spot treatments) are individuals with distinct spots caused by sun damage, a scar, overproduction of pigment, dark patches, skin texture, or aging. They should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the results. Treatment for brown spots and Laser treatment for brown spots with Dr. Kesty is suitable for both darker skin tones and lighter skin tones.

Pre-Treatment Care

Prior to your laser treatment, avoid sun exposure and tanning to reduce the risk of complications. It’s also recommended to discontinue certain skincare products, such as retinol or glycolic acid, as advised by your Physician. If you have an allergy to certain products or have sensitive skin, please let Dr. Kesty know. Also, make sure you discuss the medication, including all your medical prescriptions, over the counter drugs, and topical medication (and their concentration), you are currently taking. This includes any estrogen, progesterone, antioxidant, hormone, kojic acid, vitamin c, broad-spectrum antibiotic, and enzyme.

Post-Treatment Care

Post-treatment care includes following the provider’s instructions for aftercare, which may include applying moisturizer creams, moisturizer, ointments, avoiding sun exposure, and keeping the treated area clean. Most laser procedures have minimal downtime and lead to a more even skin tone and result in most people wearing less or no make up. A proper skincare routine and diligent sun protection are crucial to maintain the results and prevent future spots.

Side Effects and Risks of Laser Brown Spot Treatments

Side effects can include temporary redness, swelling, irritation, and a change in skin color. However, when performed by a Board Certified specialist like Dr. Kesty, the risks are significantly minimized.

Understanding Dark Skin Spots

While called dark spots, brown spots, liver spots, unwanted brown spots, pigmentation problems, or age spots, note that this hyperpigmentation of the skin isn’t always the color brown. Dark pigmented skin lesions are patches on the skin which can appear black, brown or blue. These spots can occur anywhere on the body including, including the face, hands, body, legs, arms, neck, and chest. They can also appear on scars and on previously sunburned areas of skin. These dark spots can be:

  1. Freckles: These are small, flat, brown marks that often appear in sun-exposed areas.

  2. Lentigines (singular: lentigo): These are similar to freckles but are larger and don’t fade in the winter. Solar or sun lentigines are commonly known as age spots, liver spots, or sun spots.

  3. Melasma: Also known as chloasma or the “mask of pregnancy,” melasma is characterized by brown or gray-brown patches, usually on the face.

  4. Cafe-au-lait spots: These are flat, pigmented birthmarks. The color may range from light brown to chocolate brown and are usually present at birth.

  5. Seborrheic keratoses: These can appear as brown, black or light tan growths on the face, chest, shoulders or back.

  6. Moles (Nevi): Moles are a common type of skin growth. They often appear as small, dark brown spots and are caused by clusters of pigmented cells.

  7. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: This refers to darkening of the skin that occurs after an inflammatory skin condition like acne or eczema.

 

Unraveling the Causes of Dark Spots

Indeed, brown spots can be a result of a multitude of factors. Chief among them is exposure to sun and UV radiation, the culprits behind a majority of these blemishes. Intense sun exposure over time prompts the skin to produce excess melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, leading to these spots, often referred to as ‘solar lentigines’ or ‘sun spots’.

As we age, our skin becomes more susceptible to these spots. This is a part of the natural aging process, with these age spots or ‘liver spots’ often making their appearance in our later years. The skin, over time, loses its ability to regenerate and recover, thus making it harder to fend off the damage caused by environmental factors.

Genetics also play a crucial role. If your family members have a history of developing dark spots, you may be more predisposed to experiencing the same skin issue.

Lastly, an often overlooked cause is childhood sunburn. Yes, you read that right. A severe sunburn that occurred in your childhood can lay dormant, only to surface as dark spots in your later years. This delayed reaction is a stark reminder of how crucial it is to protect young skin from excessive sun exposure.

Additionally, hormonal fluctuations, often seen in conditions like pregnancy or menopause, and certain medications, especially those causing photosensitivity, can also contribute to the formation of these spots. It’s important to remember that while these spots are usually harmless, any sudden changes in their appearance should be evaluated by a dermatologist to rule out serious conditions like melanoma.

 

Prevention of Dark Spots

Preventive measures include sun protection strategies like using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF and wearing protective clothing, and a skincare regimen that includes antioxidants and cell-regenerating ingredients to protect your cells. While some sunlight is beneficial for producing Vitamin D, avoid sun tanning, especially indoor tanning. If you have fair or light skin, this becomes even more important if you want to prevent dark spots. It is also important to have regular skin cancer screenings to make sure a dark spot is not cancerous. Rest assured, Dr. Kesty checks for this in her consultation with you.

Alternative Treatments

Other treatments for dark spot removal include chemical peels, microdermabrasion, cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen), and topical creams and serums containing hydroquinone or glycolic acid. Retinol can also be beneficial for brown spots as it accelerates skin cell turnover, helping to fade the spots over time.

However, laser treatments offer precise, customizable, and long-lasting results, making them Dr. Kesty’s preferred method.

 

Say Hello to A More Radiant You

If you’re ready to say goodbye to brown spots and hello to a more confident, radiant you, contact St. Petersburg Skin and Laser today to schedule your consultation for brown spot treatment with Dr. Kat Kesty. She and her team are ready to help you achieve your skin goals with their expertise and state-of-the-art technology. In your consultation, we’ll listen to your concerns, answer all your questions, and provide you the information you need to make an informed decision. Dr. Kesty blends science and art in her practice of aesthetic medicine. You deserve to feel beautiful in your skin, and we’re here to help you do just that. Contact us today!

Give Your Skin the Best

Don't settle. Choose confident, natural beauty.

FAQs about Dark Spots Laser Treatments

Are Laser Treatments for Dark Spots Painful?

Most patients describe the sensation during laser treatment as a mild stinging or rubber band snapping sensation. The level of discomfort varies depending on the individual’s pain threshold and the type of laser used. Topical numbing creams can be applied before the procedure to minimize discomfort. Mild inflammation may be present for a short period after the treatment.

How Many Treatments Will I Need for My Dark Spots?

The number of treatments needed varies greatly depending on the individual and the type of brown spots being treated. On average, patients may need between 1 to 3 treatments, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. During your consultation, Dr. Kesty will provide you with a personalized treatment plan.

What is the recovery time for skin pigmentation treatment?

The recovery time depends on the specific laser treatment used. Some treatments may require no downtime, while others may require a few days to a week. Dr. Kesty will discuss what you can expect during your consultation.

How soon will I see results?

Some patients see improvement in their brown spots after just one treatment, while others may need multiple treatments to achieve their desired results. In general, you can expect to see a gradual lightening of the brown spots over several weeks following the treatment.

Can’t I just go to a Med Spa for treatment for my dark spots?

Many med spas offer laser treatments. However, the training requirements of a medical spa tech to use a laser are shockingly minimal–sometimes as little as a couple of weekend classes. There is no board certification, and definitely not any type of training similar to the Fellowship in Lasers like Dr. Kesty possesses. Remember, that brown spot laser treatment is a medical procedure, not a massage. Plus, Dr. Kesty can evaluate if a brown spot is concerning and might be a skin cancer.

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