Highlights
Age spot treatment in Geneva
Age spots, also called solar lentigines, are brown marks appearing with age and sun exposure. Often on the face, hands and décolletage, these pigmentation spots can dull skin radiance and create an aged appearance. Effective solutions are available to
reduce or remove age spots. Laser is the most effective treatment .
Even, radiant and rejuvenated skin can be restored through personalised treatments targeting lentigines and signs of ageing.
What causes age or sun spots ?
The main cause of age spots is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or sunbeds. UV damages melanocytes, the skin cells producing melanin, the pigment giving skin its colour. Dysregulated melanocytes start producing more melanin. Over time, excessive UV exposure causes pigment accumulation and brown spots.
Other factors can also contribute :
- Natural skin ageing : with age, skin cell regeneration slows. A sign of skin ageing, lentigines are thought to affect 90 % of people over 70.
- Heredity.
- Phototype : phototypes 1-2-3 are most affected.
- Skincare : insufficient sun protection and unsuitable cosmetic products can accentuate this concern.
Do brown spots disappear ?
Unfortunately, melanin deposits do not disappear spontaneously. Current techniques remove pigment but do not correct melanocyte activity, so recurrence is consistent. Avoiding sun exposure is recommended to prevent pigmentation returning. Sun is also the main cause of skin ageing and skin cancer development.
When should age spots be treated ?
Age spots should be treated when aesthetically bothersome or showing unusual changes. Some pigmented lesions resembling simple spots can represent more serious conditions, such as melanoma. Consulting a doctor is recommended if a spot changes colour, shape or size, or starts itching, bleeding or becoming painful.
What treatments are available for age spots ?
Several medical treatments reduce or remove age spots.
Fractional laser acts directly on pigment, fragmenting melanin without damaging surrounding tissues.
Chemical peels use acid solutions to exfoliate skin and gradually reduce pigmentation.
Cryotherapy freezes the spot with liquid nitrogen to destroy it.
Depigmenting creams can lighten spots using ingredients such as hydroquinone or retinoids.
According to Dr Romano, laser is the most effective and best-tolerated treatment ; it is the only technique she uses for this indication.
Age spots : how can brown spots be removed ?
Many patients want pigmentation spots removed.
This request is exclusively aesthetic, but pigmentation should be monitored to ensure no malignant changes. Lentigines are not precancerous lesions, but skin cancer can occur anywhere, even on a spot.
Several aesthetic medical techniques can remove sun spots.
Which laser removes lentigines ?
Several laser types can be used :
- Q-switch lasers, which fragment pigment for gradual elimination by the body.
- Alexandrite laser, which works through photothermolysis by burning pigment.
- Ablative lasers, which remove the thin superficial skin layer containing pigment. Dr Romano favours this approach because it is effective with limited trauma.
One session is generally sufficient. Slight redness may remain at the spot for around a week after treatment.
What happens during an ablative laser session
Ablative laser treatment is performed in the medical practice. The area is first disinfected and, if needed, anaesthetic cream is applied for comfort. The laser beam then targets the pigment, which is progressively vaporised.
Treatment duration depends on spot number and area size ; removing one spot generally takes only a minute.
Slight redness and swelling may appear immediately afterwards, resembling mild sunburn. These reactions are normal and resolve within a few days. A soothing cream is applied at the end of treatment.
Instructions before ablative laser treatment
Before ablative laser treatment for age or sun spots, certain precautions are essential to prepare the skin and limit complications.
- Avoid all UV exposure : protecting skin from the sun and avoiding sunbeds for two to four weeks before the session is recommended, applying SPF 50+ sunscreen daily.
- Pause certain skin treatments : retinoids, glycolic acids, hydroquinone or other irritating products must be stopped at least one week beforehand to avoid skin hypersensitivity.
- Tell your doctor about your treatments : certain medicines or supplements can increase sun sensitivity (antibiotics, oral retinoids, etc.). Reporting them allows laser settings to be adapted and adverse reactions prevented.
- Reduce or stop smoking : if possible, stopping a few days before the session is recommended because smoking can slow healing and increase complication risks.
Instructions after ablative laser treatment
After ablative laser treatment, the skin needs specific care for proper healing and to avoid complications.
• Apply soothing cream : immediately afterwards, a healing or soothing cream (generally containing panthenol or hyaluronic acid) will be prescribed to accelerate healing. Apply it several times daily.
• Avoid sun exposure : direct sunlight must be avoided for at least four weeks after treatment. Outdoors, use broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (50+). This prevents post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation risks.
• Do not pick scabs : scabs may form after treatment. Do not scratch or remove them, as this can cause scars or infection. They will fall off naturally within days.
• Cleanse gently : use gentle, alcohol-free and fragrance-free cleansers on the treated area. Avoid exfoliants or scrubs during healing, generally 7 to 10 days.
• Seek advice for reactions : consult your doctor for persistent redness, swelling or infection signs (pus, intense pain, warmth).
Before/after results of sun spot treatment
Results depend on the chosen treatment. Laser often removes spots in one or two sessions, while peels require several for a similar result. In both cases, skin gradually becomes more even, radiant and uniform. Strictly following sun protection instructions afterwards is essential to prevent recurrence.
How much does brown spot removal cost ?
Sun spots, or lentigines, can be effectively reduced through medical treatments performed in the Geneva practice. Sessions start at CHF 300, whether a peel or pigmentation laser.
Technique selection depends on lesion location, age and skin type. Session number is adapted to the observed clinical response.
Sun spot treatment reviews
Patients choosing ablative laser to reduce age or sun spots are generally very satisfied with results.
They describe noticeably clearer, more even complexions after only one session. Some mention slight discomfort or temporary redness, but these side effects are generally well tolerated and resolve quickly . Treatment is considered effective for younger, brighter skin and particularly appreciated for its minimally invasive nature.
Quick results and relatively short recovery make it a preferred treatment for patients seeking a lasting, effective aesthetic solution for age spots.
What natural solutions are available for age spots ?
Some natural remedies can slightly reduce age spot appearance, although they do not replace targeted aesthetic treatments. Aloe vera gel, valued for soothing and regenerative properties, may improve skin appearance and gradually fade pigmentation spots.
Frequently asked questions about age spots in Geneva
How can you tell whether a brown spot is cancerous ?
To identify a suspicious spot, follow the ABCDE rule :
• Asymmetry : one half differs from the other.
• Border irregularity : edges are blurred, irregular or notched.
• Colour : the spot has several shades (brown, black, red, white).
• Diameter : a size greater than 6 mm may be suspicious.
• Evolution : any rapid change in size, shape or colour should raise concern.
If in doubt, consulting a dermatologist for a precise diagnosis is essential.
How can an age spot be recognised ?
Age spots, also called solar lentigines, are flat, brown to black marks appearing mainly in sun-exposed areas (face, hands, décolletage). They are regular, painless and do not rapidly change shape or colour.
What is the difference between age spots and skin cancer ?
Age spots are benign and stable over time. They have defined edges, uniform colour and do not evolve rapidly. A cancerous spot, such as melanoma, has irregular edges, colour changes and rapid progression. If in doubt, medical consultation is essential.
Can age spots change or worsen over time ?
Yes, age spots can darken or increase in number over time, particularly with excessive sun exposure. However, they do not become cancerous. If a spot suddenly changes appearance, consulting a dermatologist is recommended.
Can age spots develop in areas not exposed to the sun ?
Age spots generally appear mainly on frequently sun-exposed areas. However, natural skin ageing can sometimes cause spots in less exposed areas, although this is rarer. Good sun protection limits their development.
