Age spots

Age Spots (also referred to as “Brown Spots” or “Liver Spots”) are the result of excess melanin production, and are often triggered by over-exposure to UV light (or perhaps many years of accumulated sunbathing). While often small in size, many patients dislike their appearance as they can make the skin appear uneven, and are often associated with an ageing complexion. However, our expertise in treating pigmentation, in combination with the very best energy-based devices, enables us to effectively eradicate age spots – so you can feel confident in your skin once more.

Age Spots (also referred to as “Brown Spots” or “Liver Spots”) are the result of excess melanin production, and are often triggered by over-exposure to UV light (or perhaps many years of accumulated sunbathing). While often small in size, many patients dislike their appearance as they can make the skin appear uneven, and are often associated with an ageing complexion. However, our expertise in treating pigmentation, in combination with the very best energy-based devices, enables us to effectively eradicate age spots – so you can feel confident in your skin once more.

What can help?

Laser is the gold-standard technology in treating unwanted Age Spots, and we use the BBL device from Sciton which can achieve spectacular results. It works by focusing a variety of wavelengths of extremely bright light into the skin, where it reacts with the melanin pigment and causes it to shatter. The reasons we love BBL is because skin issues like pigments rarely exist in isolation and BBL allows us to treat multiple skin issues – like vascular changes, texture issues, pores, firmness – can all be improved in the one treatment. Normally, a course of three sessions is recommended. In more severe cases, we recommend combining BBL with the Halo laser for even greater improvement.

In Action

Non-surgical solution: BBL laser treatment.

Halo laser treatment

The Halo laser is a great overall skin rejuvenator – dealing with issues like texture, fine lines, pores and it is also excellent for targeting pigment. Especially pigment changes that are a bit deeper within the skin. It has downtime of around 5-7 days, but when healed, patients often notice and immediate ‘glow’ and results improve for up to three months after the treatment as collagen remodelling happens in the deeper layers of the skin.

In Action

Learn more about the Halo Laser. We often add Halo laser for patients who have more severe pigmentation or texture issues that they want to improve.

Tailor-made solutions

Since age spots are the result of sun damage, in the most severe cases the optimal treatment is full field laser resurfacing. This is the most aggressive treatment available, which removes the entire surface of the skin. This is a major procedure, with around 10 days of downtime, although it is a one-off treatment and the results are permanent.

Treatment Options

Your treatment plan will be tailored to your individual needs and the results you are looking to achieve.

Full laser resurfacing

BBL® treatment

HALO Laser Treatment

Are you ready to start your consultation?

Finding the right treatment for you is the most important factor in ensuring that you are on the correct path to achieve the results you desire. Our pre-consultation enquiry helps us to identify your needs and, ultimately, gets you on the right path to achieving your optimal results.

Consultation between a male practitioner holding a tablet and a female patient seated at a desk in a modern clinic setting.

Patient Reviews

Hear from our patients about their experience at McKeown Medical.

Expert Video

Dr Rhona Cameron heads up our laser team at the clinic. Here she discusses the options for laser treatment.

Common Questions

What causes age spots?

Age spots, sometimes called liver spots or sun spots, are areas of concentrated pigment that develop where skin has had repeated ultraviolet exposure over many years. They appear most commonly on the face, neck, chest and backs of the hands. They are not a sign of ill health, but they are one of the clearest visual markers of accumulated sun damage.

Can age spots be removed permanently?

Existing age spots can be cleared with laser or BBL® treatment, and once a pigmented lesion has been broken down it does not return. New age spots can still form if the skin continues to be exposed to ultraviolet light, which is why daily high-factor SPF is recommended as part of your ongoing routine.

How many sessions will I need?

Your doctor will recommend a course based on the depth and extent of the pigmentation, with four weeks between each session. You should notice progressive improvement after every treatment, with the fullest result visible once the course is complete.

 

Is laser treatment for age spots painful?

Cold air is used to cool the skin throughout, which offsets the heat generated by the laser. For more intensive treatments, numbing cream or local anaesthetic injections may be added for additional comfort. Most patients tolerate treatment well and describe it as a series of brief warm snaps.

What is the downtime after treatment?

The skin is usually a little red immediately afterwards, and this has normally settled by the following day. Treated age spots will darken noticeably within a few hours, then begin to fade after around a week before flaking away to reveal clearer skin. Keep the skin free of makeup and use a gentle routine with high SPF in the days afterwards.

Who should not have age spot treatment?

Treatment is not suitable if your skin is tanned, whether from sun exposure or fake tan, as this significantly increases the risk of an adverse reaction. It is also unsuitable if you have recently taken photosensitising medication, most commonly tetracycline antibiotics prescribed for acne. Your doctor will confirm suitability at consultation.

Your Expert Team

Dr Rhona Cameron

Medical Director, Women's Health

Dr Rhona Cameron

Dr Rhona Cameron (GMC 6103281), Medical Director of Women’s Health at McKeown Medical and a University of Glasgow-trained GP, is a skilled injector extensively trained in Dr McKeown’s signature intuitive technique. Her treatments blend advanced facial optimisation with powerful, energy-based devices, such as lasers, BBL, and radio frequency, energising the appearance and enhancing skin health.

 

Dr. Darren McKeown

Founder & Medical Director

Dr Darren McKeown

Dr Darren McKeown (GMC 6128508) is renowned for his expertise and artistry with dermal fillers. As a Full Member of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM), the UK’s leading professional body for aesthetic medicine doctors, and a peer-reviewed medical author, he is passionate about treatments that stand up to scientific scrutiny. Above all, he genuinely cares about helping each patient feel their most confident, natural self.

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