What Are Age Spots?

Age spots, also commonly called sun spots, liver spots, or solar lentigines, are flat brown or dark patches that usually develop after years of sun exposure.

They commonly appear on areas frequently exposed to UV light, including:

• Face
• Cheeks
• Forehead
• Hands
• Arms
• Shoulders
• Décolletage

Despite the name, age spots are primarily associated with accumulated sun exposure and skin aging rather than age alone.

How Are Age Spots Removed?

Age spot treatment focuses on targeting excess melanin within clearly defined areas of pigmentation.

Depending on the patient's skin and pigmentation pattern, treatment may include:

• Pico Laser
• Q-Switch Laser
• IPL Photofacial
• Laser Toning
• Other pigment-focused treatments

Before treatment, brown lesions should be appropriately assessed because not every dark spot is a simple age spot.

Pico Laser for Age Spots

Pico Laser uses ultra-short laser pulses to target selected pigmentation.

It may be considered for localized age spots, sun spots, brown spots, and uneven pigmentation, with settings customized according to skin tone and pigment characteristics.

Q-Switch Laser for Age Spots

Q-Switch Laser is another commonly used technology for selected pigmented lesions.

The laser targets melanin within the spot while treatment parameters are adjusted according to the pigmentation's depth, color, and the patient's skin type.

IPL Photofacial for Age Spots

IPL may be particularly useful when age spots and sun damage are distributed across a larger area.

It can be considered when patients have a combination of:

• Age spots
• Freckles
• Sun damage
• Uneven skin tone
• Selected facial redness

This makes IPL a popular option for broader photorejuvenation and skin-tone improvement.

Age Spots on the Face

Age spots frequently develop across the cheeks, temples, forehead, and other sun-exposed facial areas.

Treatment can target individual spots or form part of a broader pigmentation program when multiple types of discoloration are present.

Age Spot Removal on the Hands

The backs of the hands receive significant cumulative sun exposure and are a common location for visible age spots.

Selected laser or light-based treatments may be considered for hand pigmentation after evaluating the individual lesions.

Age Spots vs. Freckles

Age spots and freckles are both forms of brown pigmentation but have different characteristics.

Freckles are often smaller and strongly influenced by genetics, while age spots tend to develop after accumulated sun exposure and become more common over time.

Age Spots vs. Melasma

Age spots generally appear as clearly defined individual brown spots.

Melasma typically appears as larger, irregular or symmetrical patches, often across the cheeks, forehead, or upper lip.

Correct identification is important because melasma generally requires a more conservative treatment strategy.

Age Spots vs. Skin Cancer

Not every brown or changing lesion should automatically be treated as a cosmetic age spot.

A lesion that is new, rapidly changing, irregular, bleeding, persistently irritated, or otherwise unusual should be medically evaluated before cosmetic laser removal.

Can Age Spots Be Permanently Removed?

Individual age spots may become significantly lighter after treatment, but new pigmentation can develop with continued sun exposure and aging.

Consistent broad-spectrum sunscreen and UV protection are important for helping maintain clearer, more even-looking skin.

How Many Age Spot Removal Sessions Are Needed?

The number of treatments depends on:

• Number of spots
• Pigmentation depth
• Size and color
• Treatment technology
• Skin tone
• Previous treatments
• Individual response

Some superficial spots may respond relatively quickly, while others require multiple sessions.

Age Spot Laser Removal Downtime

Downtime varies depending on treatment intensity.

After targeted laser treatment, spots may temporarily appear darker before fading. Mild redness, sensitivity, or small crusts can also occur.

Patients should avoid picking treated areas and follow appropriate post-treatment sun protection.

Age Spot Removal for International Patients in Seoul

Located in Cheongdam, Gangnam, Cheongdam JIA Skin Clinic provides personalized age spot and pigmentation treatments for international residents and visitors in Seoul.

Patients can receive an assessment to distinguish age spots from freckles, melasma, and other pigmentation before selecting an appropriate treatment.

Why Choose Cheongdam JIA Skin Clinic for Age Spot Removal?

• Personalized pigmentation assessment
• Pico Laser options
• Q-Switch Laser treatment
• IPL Photofacial
• Laser Toning options
• Facial age spot treatment
• Sun damage treatment
• Hand pigmentation treatment options
• Combination pigmentation programs
• Convenient Cheongdam, Gangnam location
• International patient-friendly consultation

FAQ – Age Spot Removal in Gangnam

Can age spots be removed with laser?

Selected age spots may respond well to pigment-targeting laser treatments such as Pico or Q-Switch Laser.

What is the best treatment for age spots?

Pico Laser, Q-Switch Laser, and IPL may be considered depending on the number, depth, and distribution of the spots.

How many laser sessions are needed for age spots?

Some superficial spots may improve after relatively few treatments, while deeper or multiple spots may require additional sessions.

Do age spots come back after laser treatment?

Treated spots may improve significantly, but new age spots can develop with continued UV exposure and skin aging.

Can IPL remove age spots?

IPL may help selected superficial age spots, especially when pigmentation is spread across a larger sun-damaged area.

Can age spots on the hands be treated?

Yes. Selected pigmentation on the backs of the hands may be treated after appropriate assessment.

Can foreigners get Age Spot Removal in Gangnam?

Yes. International residents and visitors can consult Cheongdam JIA Skin Clinic about customized age spot and pigmentation treatments in Seoul.