Age spot laser treatment results: top left, before treatment; bottom left, immediately after treatment; right, 6 weeks after treatment. Individual results vary.
At Kent Skin & Laser Clinic, our consultant dermatologist-led team assesses every patient before treatment, so that the right approach is chosen for your skin. Based in Canterbury, we welcome patients from across Kent, including Whitstable, Herne Bay, Faversham, Ashford, Folkestone, Dover, Deal and the surrounding areas.
What are Age Spots?
Age spots are flat, brown marks that build up gradually as a result of sun exposure over the years. They appear most often on the areas that see the most sun:
- The face
- The backs of the hands
- The chest and shoulders
They are usually harmless, but they can make skin look uneven, and many people choose to have them treated for cosmetic reasons. Because some skin changes can look similar to age spots, any mark that changes in size, shape or colour, bleeds or feels different should be checked by a clinician rather than treated. If you are unsure, our dermatology consultation is a good place to start, and our mole check service is available for marks you would like looked at.
Treatments We Offer for Age Spots
We use medical-grade light-based technology to target the extra pigment in age spots. Your clinician will recommend the option that suits your skin type and the marks you would like treated.
Laser Treatment
Laser energy is directed at the pigmented spot, where it is absorbed by the excess pigment. The treated spot typically darkens slightly, then flakes away naturally over 1 to 2 weeks, revealing lighter, more even skin underneath. Single age spots, benign lentigos and freckles can usually be treated in one laser session.
IPL Treatment
Intense pulsed light (IPL) uses broad-spectrum light and is well suited to treating several spots across a wider area, such as the face, hands or chest. IPL treatment is usually repeated every 4 weeks for a course of 2 to 4 sessions. You can read more on our IPL treatment page.
Consultation and Patch Test
Before any treatment, your skin is assessed and a patch test is carried out on a small area. This confirms that your skin type is suitable and helps us choose safe settings for you.
Why Choose Kent Skin & Laser Clinic?
Our clinic offers medical assessment and light-based treatment for pigmentation in a clinical setting. Patients choose us because we provide:
- Consultant dermatologist-led care, with laser treatment overseen by Dr Mark Hudson-Peacock, Consultant Dermatologist and the clinic's Laser Protection Supervisor
- Medical-grade laser and IPL systems
- A consultation and patch test before every course, so settings are matched to your skin
- Experienced laser practitioners, many of whom have been with the clinic for years
- Clear advice on sun protection to help look after your results
Based in Canterbury, we welcome patients from across Kent, including Whitstable, Herne Bay, Faversham, Ashford, Folkestone, Dover, Deal and the surrounding areas.
What Happens at the Appointment?
Your first visit starts with a consultation. During the appointment, we will:
- Look closely at the marks you would like treated
- Ask about your medical history and sun exposure
- Confirm that treatment is suitable for your skin
- Carry out a patch test
- Agree a treatment plan with you
During treatment, laser or IPL is applied directly to the age spots. Most patients describe a warm sensation with a brief snapping feeling against the skin. Afterwards, treated spots darken before fading, and there is usually little downtime beyond this.
Most age spots respond within 1 to 3 sessions, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, which we will plan with you. Daily sun protection afterwards is important, as new age spots can develop with continued sun exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes age spots?
Age spots are caused by cumulative sun exposure over the years, which is why they typically appear on the face, hands and chest. Skin that has been exposed to a lot of sun over time is more likely to develop them.
How many sessions will I need?
Age spots, liver spots, benign lentigos and freckles can usually be treated in one laser session. If IPL is the better option for you, treatment may be repeated every 4 weeks for a course of 2 to 4 sessions. Your clinician will confirm the plan after your patch test.
What happens to the spot after treatment?
The treated spot typically darkens slightly before flaking away naturally over 1 to 2 weeks. This is a normal part of the process, and lighter, more even skin is revealed underneath.
Will age spots come back after treatment?
Treated spots are not expected to return in the same place, but new age spots can develop over time with continued sun exposure. Daily sun protection is important afterwards. Individual results vary.
Is age spot removal safe?
It is carried out following a proper consultation and patch test, which is why we always assess your skin before treatment begins. Your clinician will explain what to expect and answer any questions.
Book this treatment
Price
£250 to £350 per session
Fees
Vary by area and are confirmed at your consultation
Appointment
30 minutes
Downtime
Minimal, some temporary darkening before fading
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