Brown Spots, Sun Spots, & Melasma Treatments
Our personalized treatment plans are designed to address common skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation, sun spots and signs of aging. Years of sun exposure associated with an active, outdoor lifestyle can cause unwanted dark spots on your skin. We utilize state-of-the-art technologies, advanced treatment techniques, and potent skin care products to deliver effective and personalized treatment regimens.
Before & After Brown Spots, Sun Spots & Melasma Treatments
What are Brown Spots, Sun Spots & Melasma?
Brown Spots & Sun Spots both refer to areas of discoloration or pigmentation irregularities on the skin's surface. These irregularities can range from red to brown and may vary in intensity based on the time of year and recent sun exposure. Spots are caused by various factors, such as sun damage, age, hormonal changes or underlying skin conditions.
In summary, while "brown spots'' is a more general term that encompasses various forms of pigmentation on the skin, "sun spots" specifically denotes brown spots resulting from sun exposure. Brown spots can occur at any age and in individuals of all skin types, but individuals with light skin are most susceptible. Sun spots are characterized by their round or oval shape and uniform brown color. They are caused by the overproduction of melanin (skin pigment) in response to UV radiation.
Melasma is a common skin condition characterized by the development of brown or grayish-brown patches on the face, typically on areas exposed to the sun. It most commonly affects women, although men can also develop melasma. The condition is often associated with hormonal changes and is sometimes referred to as the "mask of pregnancy" because it frequently occurs in pregnant women.
Key characteristics of melasma include:
- Hyperpigmentation Melasma results from an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for the color of the skin, hair, and eyes. This excess melanin accumulates in certain areas of the skin, leading to darker patches.
- Pattern Melasma patches typically appear on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip and chin, forming a symmetrical pattern on both sides of the face. They can also occur on other sun-exposed areas, such as the neck and arms.
- Triggers Hormonal changes are a major trigger for melasma. It often occurs during pregnancy (chloasma), with the use of birth control pills, or as a result of hormone replacement therapy. Sun exposure is another significant trigger, and UV radiation can worsen existing melasma.
- Chronic Condition Melasma is a chronic condition, and the patches may persist for years. In some cases, they may fade gradually but then reappear with sun exposure or hormonal changes.
- No Physical Symptoms Melasma does not cause physical discomfort, itching, or pain. It is primarily a cosmetic concern.
Treatment for Brown Spots, Sun Spots & Melasma
Milwaukee Laser & Body Aesthetics proudly utilizes three different treatment paths for brown spots, sun spots, and melasma. Our office uses a combination of skin care products, BroadBand Light treatments, and PicoSure® Laser treatments. During our complimentary consultation, we will recommend the unique blend of these treatments that will be most effective for you. Trust the optimal treatment plan for your skincare to our many years of expertise and experience.
Skin Care Products
Milwaukee Laser & Body Aesthetics proudly carries the award-winning ZO Skin Health® & Colorescience® product lines, specifically chosen for their efficacy and practicality in alleviating these skin conditions. Our trained experts will personally work with you to determine which product or combination of products works best with your particular skin type, color, and concerns. Call our office to receive a complimentary time to meet with our aesthetician and receive product explanations and recommendations.
BBL (BroadBand Light) Treatments
Milwaukee Laser & Body Aesthetics utilizes BroadBand Light treatments that can safely remove brown spots by selectively targeting the brown pigment. Light energy is delivered in a series of pulses that break down the dark pigment in the skin, causing it to disperse and eventually clear.
Brown spots often need three to five treatment sessions of BroadBand Light to maximize results, although sometimes only one treatment is needed. Treatment sessions are usually spaced four weeks apart and cannot be within three weeks of sun exposure. Melasma often requires more treatments than traditional brown spots. We offer packages of 4 treatments for brown spots and 6 treatments for melasma.
| Purpose | Targets the excess pigment that causes brown spots |
| Appointment length | 30 minutes |
| Time between appointments | 1 month |
| Downtime | None |
| Payment plan eligible? | Yes |
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) vs BroadBand Light (BBL) Treatments
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and BroadBand Light (BBL) are both advanced light-based treatments used in dermatology to address various skin concerns, but they have some key differences. IPL is a generic term for light-based treatments that target pigmentation and vascular issues, while BBL is a specific brand of light therapy technology developed by Sciton. BBL utilizes a broader range of wavelengths, allowing for more precise targeting of specific skin concerns, such as pigmentation irregularities, sun damage, and vascular conditions. While IPL is a more general term, BBL represents a specific and customizable technology that may offer enhanced precision for targeted skin improvements. Milwaukee Laser & Body Aesthetics utilizes BroadBand Light treatments for optimal customization and results.
PicoSure® Laser Treatments
As the world’s first 755nm picosecond laser, the PicoSure by Cynosure targets pigment, without causing hypopigmentation of the skin. The PicoSure Laser emits ultra-short pulses in the picosecond range (trillionths of a second), that break down the excess pigmentation responsible for these dark patches. This pulse duration is significantly shorter than traditional nanosecond lasers. The shorter pulse duration enables faster delivery of laser energy, resulting in enhanced efficacy, less discomfort and better treatment outcomes.
As the laser energy is absorbed by the pigment, it causes the pigment to shatter into tiny particles the body can rapidly absorb. The use of PicoSure technology nearly eliminates the risk of scarring. Surplus pigment may also gradually shed from the surface of the patient's skin in the 1 to 4 weeks after treatment.
Similar to the BBL treatments, brown spots often need three to five PicoSure treatment sessions for maximum results. These sessions are usually spaced four weeks apart and cannot be within three weeks of sun exposure. Melasma often requires more treatments than traditional brown spots. We offer packages of 4 treatments for brown spots and 6 treatments for melasma.
| Purpose | The laser's ultra-short pulses shatter the pigmented cells into tiny particles, which are then naturally eliminated by the body's immune system |
| Appointment length | 30 minutes |
| Time between appointments | 1 month |
| Downtime | None |
| Payment plan eligible? | Yes |
Free 30 Minute Consultation No Strings Attached
Receive a free consultation with our trained staff. All consultations end with a proposed treatment plan outline. We also offer a free follow-up appointment to check on your results after treatment is completed.
Rejuvenate. Renew. Revive.
12-Month Interest-Free Financing
Our treatments are very affordable with eligibility for payment plan options. We offer 12-month interest-free financing for various packaging options.