Sunlight, the elements and the natural aging process all contribute to the development of dark spots and freckles. Your face, hands and chest are the first parts of the body to show signs of aging because they receive so much sun exposure. Age spots and freckles are forms of pigmented lesions. They are caused by excess production of melanin in the skin by cells called melanocytes.

Most of the lesions are just a cosmetic problem. Things that would make some one suspicious about pigmented lesions being precancerous or cancerous are irregular borders, scaling, bleeding, itching, multiple colors or large (or increasing) size. Any suspicious lesion must be biopsied before it is removed. If ever questionable, err on the side of caution.

Lasers and Intense Pulsed Light devices have been used with great success to remove brown spots. The goal here is for the energy to be selectively absorbed by the pigmented areas, sparing the normal surrounding skin. Topical remedies such as bleaching agents, glycolic acid, and retinoids can be tried but usually these agents are only minimally effective.


Unlike a laser, which emits one specific wavelength of light, IPL emits a broad spectrum of light with each pulse. Examples of IPL technologies used at Reflections to treat brown spots include the Starlux, Ellipse and Medilux. Advantages of using an IPL include minimizing downtime and a very low risk of complications. This procedure is performed only by physicians at Reflections.


Intense pulsed light (IPL) pulses can be directed at the pigmented spots. These specific wavelengths of light heat the targeted pigment while sparing the surrounding healthy or normal tissue. The face, neck, chest and hands can all be treated safely and effectively.

The only area that is typically not treated is the area underneath the eyebrow, which is determined to be too close to the eyes for safety.


You should avoid sun exposure and tanning (including artificial tanning products and procedures) before and after your treatments. Also, you should discontinue the use of blood thinners such as aspirin or other types of anti-platelet or anti-coagulant herbal remedies including Gingko biloba and Vitamin E.


Most patients tolerate the procedure quite well and don’t require any topical anesthetic prior to the procedure. For those who desire, we use topical lidocaine 30-40 minutes prior to the IPL treatment. You will see the brown spots darken immediately after treatment and then flake off during the following week. There may be mild redness in the surrounding skin. You can immediately resume all regular activities. By dividing the treatment into several sessions you get progressive improvement with low risk.



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