Professional Laser Treatment for Dark Spots: What You Need to Know

Dark spots, also known as hyperpigmentation, age spots, sun spots, or melasma, are a common skin concern for many patients we see at Central Ohio Aesthetics Clinic. Years of sun exposure, acne, hormonal changes, and natural aging can all lead to uneven pigmentation that’s difficult to correct with skincare alone.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about professional laser treatment for dark spots, including causes, laser options, preparation, results, and aftercare.

What Causes Dark Spots?

Dark spots form when melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, becomes overproduced in certain areas. Here’s what causes dark spots:

• Sun Exposure: UV rays stimulate melanin production, leading to sun spots or age spots.
• Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy or birth control can trigger melasma, a type of hyperpigmentation.
• Acne Scars: Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation appears after pimples or acne lesions heal.
• Aging: As skin ages, uneven melanin distribution can create age spots.
• Other Factors: Medications, genetics, and inflammation can also contribute.

Why Professional Treatment Matters for Dark Spots

While there are numerous over-the-counter products for fading dark spots, professional treatments often deliver faster and more dramatic results. Lasers emit focused light energy that is absorbed by melanin. 

However, not all dark spots respond to the same technology.

Laser treatments can be expensive, and when the wrong device is used for the wrong type of pigmentation, or when melasma is mistaken for sun damage, results can be disappointing. This is why accurate diagnosis and treatment selection are critical.

At Central Ohio Aesthetics Clinic, we take a conservative, diagnostic-first approach to pigmentation, tailoring treatment plans based on the depth of pigment, skin type, and underlying cause.

Professional Laser Treatments for Dark Spots

Here are the following laser treatments that are popular for minimizing dark spots: 

Profractional Laser™

This fractional resurfacing laser creates microscopic channels in the skin to stimulate renewal. It can improve deeper pigmentation, uneven tone, and texture while supporting collagen production.

At our Powell clinic, Profractional Laser™ is often used as part of a layered treatment plan when surface-level treatments alone are insufficient.

MicroLaserPeel®

MicroLaserPeel® precisely removes the outermost layers of damaged skin, making it effective for surface-level pigmentation and sun damage. Downtime is typically minimal, with temporary redness or light peeling.

This treatment is often ideal for patients looking to improve clarity and tone with controlled resurfacing.

Contour Tunable Resurfacing Laser™

This advanced resurfacing option allows our expert team at Central Ohio Aesthetics to customize treatment depth, making it effective for addressing stubborn pigmentation. If you’re ready to target stubborn dark spots, explore our laser resurfacing treatments for smoother and even-toned skin.

BroadBand Light (BBL HERO™)

BBL HERO™ is one of the most effective treatments for sun-related pigmentation, including age spots and uneven tone caused by UV damage. It is often an excellent option for many of our Central Ohio patients with sun-based discoloration.

However, BBL is not ideal for hormonally driven pigmentation such as melasma, where results can be unpredictable. This is why an in-person consultation is essential.

If you’re considering BBL laser treatment, our experienced estheticians in Powell, Ohio, provide personalized consultations for your skin goals.

Treatment Sessions

Most patients require 1–3 treatment sessions, depending on the type, depth, and severity of pigmentation. Treatments are typically spaced several weeks apart to allow proper skin healing.

Recovery and Downtime

Downtime is usually minimal. Temporary redness, mild swelling, or light peeling may occur and typically resolve within a few days. Our team will recommend aftercare instructions to support healing and protect results.

Effectiveness

Laser dark spot treatment is highly effective for treating stubborn hyperpigmentation, especially when topical treatments alone aren’t enough. When combined with proper sun protection and skincare, it can make significant improvements. 

Preparing for Professional Laser Treatment for Dark Spots

Proper preparation is essential to ensure the best results and minimize any skin-related risks. Here’s how you can be prepared for the treatment:

• Skin Assessment: We will examine your skin type, pigmentation type, and overall health of your skin. 
• Avoid Sun Exposure: Sunburned or tanned skin can increase the risk of complications.
• Stop Certain Products: Retinoids or exfoliants may need to be paused before treatment.
• Patch Test: Some treatments require a small test area to ensure your skin reacts safely.

What to Expect During Treatment

Knowing what happens during a session can help you feel more comfortable and confident. Each method has its own procedure, sensations, and time requirements. Here’s what you can expect:

• Treatment Duration: Most sessions last 20–60 minutes, depending on the area being treated.
• During Treatment: You may feel mild discomfort, often described as a quick snapping sensation against the skin.
• Aftercare Guidance: Our team will walk you through personalized aftercare instructions, including skincare tips, sun protection, and activity guidelines to help protect your results and support healing.

Recovery and Aftercare Tips

Proper aftercare is crucial for maximizing results and preventing complications after laser treatment for dark spots. Here’s what you can follow after the treatment:

• Sun Protection: Always use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen to prevent new pigmentation.
• Moisturize: Keeps the skin hydrated and supports healing.
• Avoid Picking or Scrubbing: Let treated areas heal naturally.
• Follow-Up Treatments: Some spots may require multiple sessions for best results.
• Gentle Skincare Products: Avoid harsh cleansers or active ingredients immediately after treatment.

Risks and Considerations

While professional laser treatments for dark spots are generally safe, it’s important to understand potential risks and considerations before committing. Awareness helps you set realistic expectations and choose the right treatment.

• Temporary Redness or Swelling: Common right after the laser treatment.
• Hyperpigmentation or Hypopigmentation: Rare, but possible, especially in darker skin tones.
• Infection: Rare if proper aftercare is followed.
• Sensitivity: Skin may be more sensitive to sun and products post-treatment.
• Cost: Professional treatments can be expensive, but results are often faster and more effective than home remedies.

For patients with early sun damage or uneven tone, treatments like Moxi™ or Halo™ may be recommended as part of a broader pigmentation plan, though deeper dark spots often require more targeted laser or light-based therapies.

Why Choose Central Ohio Aesthetics Clinic for Pigmentation Treatment?

Pigmentation is one of the most commonly mistreated skin concerns. At Central Ohio Aesthetics Clinic, we focus on:

• Accurate diagnosis
• Customized, layered treatment plans
• Conservative energy settings
• Choosing the right device
• Long-term skin health, not quick fixes
  

This approach helps our Powell patients achieve safer, more reliable results.

Conclusion

Laser and light-based treatments can dramatically improve dark spots and uneven skin tone, but only when matched correctly to your skin and pigmentation type. Professional guidance makes all the difference.

Ready to fade dark spots and reveal brighter, healthier skin? Explore our laser treatments in Powell, Ohio, for expert care and visible results.

 

Frequently Asked Questions