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Brown Spots and Age Spots

Brown spots — also called age spots, liver spots, or sun spots — are flat patches of pigmentation that develop over time from chronic sun exposure, aging, and genetics. They most often appear on the face, chest, hands, and arms, in areas that get the most UV exposure. While medically harmless, they can make skin look uneven, dull, or prematurely aged.

  • UV exposure: Sunlight stimulates melanocytes (pigment producing cells in the skin), causing pigment overproduction.
  • Hormonal shifts: Pregnancy, menopause, and birth control pills can worsen pigmentation. Often times this presents as melasma.
  • Genetics & aging: Cumulative exposure causes pigment to surface in middle age.

At our Park Avenue office, we take a customized approach depending on skin type and pigmentation depth:

  • Laser Therapy:
    • Fraxel Dual – targets pigment while resurfacing skin for overall rejuvenation
    • Q-switched & picosecond lasers – precisely break down stubborn pigmentation
    • CO2 Laser Resurfacing – removes the outer layers of sun-damaged skin, allowing new, evenly pigmented skin to regenerate.
  • Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): Treats diffuse discoloration and sun spots in a single session.
  • Chemical Peels including glycolic, salicylic, jessner, and TCA peels
  • Topical Therapy: Prescription-strength hydroquinone, retinoids, azelaic acid, and medical-grade peels lighten and suppress pigmentation.

  • Clears brown spots and discoloration
  • Brightens complexion and restores radiance
  • Improves skin texture and tone
  • Provides both cosmetic and preventative benefits (lasers like Fraxel may reduce skin cancer risk by treating precancerous sun damage)

  • In-office treatments take 20–40 minutes.
  • Brown spots often appear darker before flaking off after lasers or peels.
  • Downtime varies: Picosecond lasers and IPL have minimal downtime; Fraxel may require 3–5 days of social downtime.

  • Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) is essential to prevent recurrence.
  • Photoprotective clothing (hats, sunglasses) and seeking shade when outdoors during peak hours of UV radiation (10am-4pm) helps maintain results
  • Periodic maintenance treatments (e.g., yearly fractional non-ablative laser) keep skin luminous.
  • Medical-grade skincare (vitamin C, retinoids, antioxidants) prolongs results.

Are results permanent?

Treated spots are significantly lightened, but new ones may form with further sun exposure. Even with strict sun protection, dark spots typically recur due to prior sun damage that was accumulated during earlier years. Daily sunscreen, photoprotective behaviors, and medical-grade skincare ingredients can sustain results.

How many treatments are needed?

Many spots clear in 1 session, especially when picosecond and non-ablative fractional lasers are combined in one visit. Other pigmented spots may require 2–3 treatments depending on depth of pigment.

Is it safe for all skin tones?

Yes, with customized treatment selection. We carefully adjust laser settings for darker skin types or employ chemical peels and prescription brightening ingredients to minimize risk of pigmentary alteration.

Is there downtime?

Downtime depends upon the treatment modality used to address brown spots and unwanted pigmentation. With chemical peels and lasers, there can be a few days of darkening of the spots and peeling of the skin. With medical grade skincare routines, there is typically no downtime but improvement will be more gradual.

Why choose Dr. Brian Hibler for treatment of brown spots?

With extensive training in cosmetic dermatology and a reputation for excellence, Dr. Hibler combines medical expertise with an artistic eye to help patients achieve smoother, healthier, and more youthful-looking skin. His deep understanding of skin health, safety protocols, and aesthetic goals ensures that each treatment is customized and carefully performed for optimal outcomes. Patients seeking a non-invasive yet effective solution to improve their skin’s appearance often find laser treatment and chemical peels to be an excellent choice.

Whether your goal is to correct uneven tone, erase unwanted sun damage, or reduce the appearance of brown spots, Dr. Hibler will help guide you toward the most effective treatment for your needs. Contact Dr. Hibler at his Midtown Manhattan office to schedule your consultation today.

At a Glance

Dr. Brian Hibler

  • Board-certified dermatologist
  • Fellowship-trained dermatologist
  • Ivy League educated at Cornell and Harvard Medical School
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