What is the best treatment for sun spots and age spots in Sydney?

At 99 Medispa Sydney, Picosure picosecond laser is our most effective treatment for sun spots and age spots. The 755nm wavelength specifically targets melanin, shattering pigment particles into fragments the body can clear. Most patients see significant improvement in 3-5 sessions with no downtime. For thicker or more resistant spots, we may recommend Fotona laser for targeted ablation.

Can laser treatment help with melasma?

Melasma is more complex than simple sun spots because it involves both epidermal and dermal pigmentation with a hormonal component. At 99 Medispa Sydney, we approach melasma cautiously — aggressive treatment can worsen it. Picosure's gentle photomechanical action is safer for melasma than thermal lasers. We combine conservative laser treatment with strict sun protection for the best outcomes.

How many sessions are needed to remove sun damage?

At 99 Medispa Sydney, most sun spots and age spots show significant improvement within 3-5 Picosure sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart. The number of sessions depends on the depth, size, and number of pigmented lesions. Some isolated spots may clear in 1-2 sessions. Diffuse sun damage across larger areas typically requires the full course for comprehensive improvement.

Is there any downtime after sun spot laser treatment?

Picosure laser treatment at 99 Medispa Sydney has no significant downtime. You may experience mild redness for a few hours. Treated spots may darken slightly before fading — this is a normal part of the pigment clearance process. You can return to normal activities immediately. We recommend SPF 50+ daily and avoiding direct sun exposure for 2 weeks after each session.

Will sun spots come back after laser treatment?

At 99 Medispa Sydney, the specific pigmented lesions treated with Picosure or Fotona laser are permanently cleared. However, continued sun exposure will cause new sun spots to develop over time. Rigorous daily SPF 50+ protection is essential to maintain results. Many patients return annually for a maintenance session to address any new spots that have developed.

Concern

Sun Damage
& Age Spots

Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world — sun damage is treatable

Years of Australian UV exposure leave their mark: age spots, sunspots, uneven tone, and textural damage. Picosure and Fotona laser technologies target pigmentation at its source, restoring clarity without aggressive downtime.

Book Your Free Consultation 0452 008 115

Understanding the Concern

Types of Sun Damage & How They Form

Solar lentigines (age spots, sun spots, liver spots) are flat, brown patches caused by localised melanin overproduction from cumulative UV exposure. They most commonly appear on the face, hands, décolletage, and forearms — areas with the highest lifetime sun exposure. They are benign but indicate significant UV damage to the skin.

Melasma is a deeper, hormonally-influenced pigmentation that presents as symmetrical brown or grey-brown patches, typically on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. Unlike simple sun spots, melasma involves both epidermal and dermal melanin deposits, making it more complex to treat. Hormonal triggers (pregnancy, oral contraceptives) interact with UV exposure to activate melanocytes.

Australia receives some of the highest UV radiation levels on Earth. Two-thirds of Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by age 70. While laser treatment addresses cosmetic sun damage, any new or changing pigmented lesion should first be assessed by a dermatologist to rule out melanoma or other skin cancers before cosmetic treatment.

Why Treatment Matters

Sun Damage Is Cumulative and Progressive

UV-induced pigmentation does not improve on its own. Without treatment, existing spots darken with continued sun exposure, and new spots develop. The underlying collagen damage from UV also progresses, contributing to wrinkles and skin laxity.

Modern laser treatments can effectively clear or significantly reduce sun spots and age spots. However, treatment must be combined with rigorous sun protection — daily SPF 50+, physical barriers, and sun-smart behaviour — to prevent recurrence and protect against further damage.

Treatment Comparison

Sun Damage Treatments Compared

Picosure

Picosecond laser (755nm)Epidermis to upper dermis

Picosure delivers ultra-short picosecond pulses at 755nm — the ideal wavelength for targeting melanin. The photomechanical impact shatters pigment particles into tiny fragments that the body's lymphatic system can clear, without the thermal damage associated with older nanosecond lasers. This means faster clearance, fewer sessions, and minimal risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Particularly effective for solar lentigines, freckles, and diffuse sun damage across the face, chest, and hands.

Fotona Laser

Er:YAG + Nd:YAG dual wavelengthEpidermis to deep dermis

Fotona's dual-wavelength system provides complementary approaches. The Er:YAG laser precisely ablates superficial pigmented lesions by vaporising the pigmented epidermis. The Nd:YAG wavelength penetrates deeper to target dermal pigmentation and stimulate collagen remodelling. This combination addresses both surface spots and the underlying textural damage from chronic sun exposure. Fotona is particularly effective for thicker or more resistant pigmented lesions.

IPL

Intense pulsed lightEpidermis to upper dermis

Chemical Peels

Acid exfoliation (glycolic, TCA)Epidermis to mid-dermis

Chemical peels (glycolic acid, TCA, Jessner's) accelerate cell turnover to shed the pigmented outer layers of skin. They are effective for mild to moderate sun damage and provide overall skin rejuvenation. Deeper peels offer more dramatic results but require more downtime. Multiple sessions are typically needed for significant pigmentation reduction.

Cryotherapy

Liquid nitrogen freezingEpidermis

Liquid nitrogen cryotherapy freezes individual sun spots, causing the pigmented cells to die and slough off over 1-2 weeks. It is quick, inexpensive, and effective for isolated spots. However, it offers less precision than laser, can cause hypo- or hyperpigmentation scarring, and is not practical for treating numerous or widespread sun spots.

Topical Retinoids

Vitamin A derivativesEpidermis

Why 99 Medispa

Advanced Pigmentation Expertise

At 99 Medispa Sydney, we combine the precision of Picosure picosecond laser with Fotona's dual-wavelength capability to address all types of sun damage. With over 20 years of experience treating Australian sun-damaged skin, our practitioners understand the specific challenges of our UV environment and recommend treatments that deliver visible results while protecting against rebound pigmentation.

20+

Years Experience

TGA & FDA

Approved Lasers

Laser Platforms

Real Results

Before & After

Real results from treatments at 99 Medispa Sydney. Individual results may vary.

Before and after Picosure sun damage treatment 1

Before and after Picosure sun damage treatment 2

Before and after Picosure sun damage treatment 4

Before and after Picosure sun damage treatment 5

Before and after Picosure sun damage treatment 6

Your Questions Answered

Frequently Asked Questions

Book Your Free Consultation

Your consultation includes an assessment of your sun damage, pigmentation type, and skin tone to determine the safest and most effective treatment approach. We will recommend a realistic treatment plan and discuss sun protection strategies to maintain your results.

Your consultation is complimentary — no deposit required

Book Your Free Consultation Call or Text Us

Location

Sydney, NSW

Technologies

Picosure + Fotona

Sessions

3-5 Typical

Consultation

Complimentary