Years of enjoying the sun can leave behind more than just memories; they often leave their mark on our skin in the form of brown spots. Commonly known as sunspots, age spots, or liver spots (though they have no connection to the liver), these areas of hyperpigmentation are a primary concern for many seeking to restore a clear, even-toned complexion. While numerous treatments exist, the PicoSure Pro laser has emerged as a gold standard, offering a revolutionary approach to safely and effectively eliminating these unwanted blemishes.
This guide provides a deep dive into the treatment of sunspots and age spots using
PicoSure Pro, exploring the science behind the technology, the treatment process from
start to finish, and the remarkable results it can achieve.
Understanding Sunspots and Age Spots (Solar Lentigines)
Before we explore the solution, it’s essential to understand the cause. Sunspots and age spots, known medically as solar lentigines, are flat, brown, gray, or black spots on the skin. They vary in size and usually appear on areas most exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, shoulders, and arms.
These spots are the result of excess production of melanin, the natural pigment that gives skin its color. Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun accelerates the production of melanin. Over time, this melanin can become “clumped” or produced in high concentrations in certain areas, forming the visible spots we see. They are a direct indicator of sun damage and tend to become more common as we age.
What is PicoSure Pro?
PicoSure Pro is a highly advanced, FDA-cleared picosecond laser. Its name comes from the incredibly short duration of its energy pulses: a picosecond is one trillionth of a second. This ultra-fast speed is the key to its unique mechanism and its superior ability to treat pigmented lesions without the collateral heat damage associated with older laser technologies.
PicoSure Pro uses a specific wavelength of light, which is highly absorbed by melanin, making it exceptionally effective for targeting and eliminating unwanted pigmentation.
The genius of PicoSure Pro lies in its departure from the intense heat used by traditional lasers. Instead, it utilizes a photomechanical effect.
PicoSure Pro‘s ultra-short pulses create a powerful, non-thermal pressure wave within the skin, a proprietary technology known as PressureWave™. This intense pressure wave travels through the skin so quickly that it doesn’t burn the surrounding tissue. Its purpose is to physically shatter the targeted pigment.
Think of the targeted melanin in a sunspot as a large rock. Older nanosecond lasers would break this rock into smaller pebbles. PicoSure Pro‘s PressureWave™ acts like a sonic boom, pulverizing that same rock into tiny, dust-like particles.
These microscopic pigment particles are so small that they can be easily recognized and cleared away by the body’s lymphatic system, its natural cleaning crew. Over the weeks following the treatment, the body flushes these particles out, causing the spot to fade and eventually disappear, revealing clearer skin underneath.
This process is highly targeted, leaving the surrounding, non-pigmented skin unharmed.
The PicoSure Pro Treatment Journey for Sunspots
The process of getting your sunspots treated is straightforward and designed for patient comfort and safety.
- The Initial Consultation:
Your first step will be a consultation with a qualified provider. They will examine your skin, confirm that your spots are benign solar lentigines, and discuss your goals. This is the time to ask questions and receive a personalized treatment plan, which will include the estimated number of sessions required. - Preparing for Your Treatment:
Preparation is simple. Your provider will likely advise you to:- Avoid significant sun exposure and tanning for at least 2-4 weeks prior to your appointment.
- Stop using any potentially irritating topical products, like exfoliants or retinoids, for a few days beforehand.
- Come to your appointment with clean skin, free of makeup or lotions.
- The Procedure Itself:
The treatment is quick and efficient, often completed in 15-20 minutes.- Your skin will be cleansed.
- For treating individual spots, a topical numbing cream is often not necessary, as the sensation is frequently described as a quick “snap” of a rubber band.
- The provider will use the PicoSure Pro handpiece to deliver the precise laser energy to each sunspot. You will see an immediate, temporary “frosting” or whitening of the treated spot, which indicates the laser has successfully targeted the pigment.
- Post-Treatment Care and Recovery:
Recovery is one of PicoSure Pro’s most significant advantages.- Immediately After: The treated spots will appear darker, sometimes turning a reddish-brown or gray color. This is a normal and expected reaction. You might experience very mild redness or swelling in the area, which usually resolves within hours.
- The Following Days (3-7 days): The darkened spots will continue to look dark and may feel slightly dry, like coffee grounds on the skin. It is crucial not to pick or scrub these areas. They will naturally flake off on their own.
- Aftercare: Do not wash your face within 24 hours. Cleanse skin with a gentle cleanser for 7 days. Do not pick your face when peeling begins. The most critical part of aftercare is sun protection. You must apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily to protect the healing skin and prevent new spots from forming. Keeping the skin moisturized will also aid the healing process. Expect redness and dryness. Use repair facial masks for the first 24 hours. Do not swim or use hot tubs. It is recommended to use Vitamin C and 4% hydroquinone.
Key Advantages of PicoSure Pro for Pigmentation
- High Effectiveness: PicoSure Pro can significantly lighten or completely clear sunspots, often in fewer sessions than other lasers.
- Safety Across Skin Tones: Because it relies on pressure instead of high heat, PicoSure Pro minimizes the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), making it a much safer option for treating pigmentation in individuals with darker skin tones compared to many other lasers.
- Minimal Downtime: There is virtually no true downtime. You can resume your daily activities immediately after treatment. The social downtime is minimal, limited to the temporary darkening of the spots.
- Dual-Action Rejuvenation: While targeting pigment, the PressureWave™ technology also stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin, improving the overall texture and quality of the surrounding skin.
Expected Results and Treatment Plan
For most patients, a series of 1-3 treatments, spaced about 4 weeks apart, is sufficient to clear common sunspots and age spots. You will notice the spots begin to fade after the first session, with results continuing to improve as the body clears the pigment particles.
The results are long-lasting; once a spot is eliminated, it is gone for good. However, new spots can form with continued sun exposure, which is why diligent, lifelong sun protection is paramount to maintaining your clear complexion.
Conclusion: The Clear Choice for Pigmentation
PicoSure Pro represents the pinnacle of laser technology for treating sunspots, age spots, and other forms of benign hyperpigmentation. Its unique ability to shatter pigment with photomechanical pressure rather than heat provides a safer, more effective, and more comfortable patient experience. If you are troubled by the signs of sun damage and wish to restore clarity to your skin, PicoSure Pro offers a powerful and reliable path to a brighter, more even-toned future.