Réhabital
Sun Spots (Solar Lentigo) Treatment in Côte Saint-Luc
Sun spots, also called solar lentigines, are small flat brown marks that appear on sun-exposed areas over the years: the face, backs of the hands, chest and forearms. Unlike melasma, which forms more diffuse patches often linked to hormones, solar lentigo results directly from decades of accumulated ultraviolet damage, with a localized concentration of melanin at a specific spot on the skin. At Réhabital in Côte Saint-Luc, our aesthetics team uses SharpLight laser technology to target these spots precisely, taking into account each person’s skin type and sun exposure history.
Book an AppointmentUnderstanding This Condition
Solar lentigo develops when the skin’s keratinocytes respond to years of UV exposure by producing excess melanin localized in a specific area, rather than spreading diffusely. These spots typically appear after age 40, although intense repeated sun exposure earlier in life, especially without adequate protection, can speed their appearance. They differ from melasma by their generally sharper borders, more uniform color, and location on the most exposed areas such as the face, hands, shoulders and chest. Solar lentigo is a benign lesion, but its appearance can resemble other pigmented lesions that require dermatological evaluation, which makes prior screening important before any aesthetic treatment, particularly if a spot changes shape, color or size. Aesthetically, SharpLight laser technology selectively targets the melanin concentrated in the spot, without excessively damaging the surrounding skin, allowing a gradual reduction of visible pigmentation over several sessions. Treatment is generally combined with rigorous sun protection recommendations, because without this protection, new spots can appear in the same exposed areas.
Common Symptoms
Common Causes
Cumulative UV exposure
Decades of sun exposure without adequate protection lead to accumulated damage that results in excessive localized melanin production.
Natural skin aging
With age, skin becomes more prone to developing localized areas of hyperpigmentation in response to past sun exposure.
Repeated sunburns in youth
Intense exposures and sunburns from years earlier can manifest later as lentigines, even after adopting regular sun protection.
Skin type and genetic predisposition
Lighter skin types and certain family predispositions are associated with more pronounced and earlier onset of sun spots.
Frequent occupational or recreational exposure
People who work or spend extended time outdoors often show a higher density of spots on exposed areas.
Our Treatment Approach
Treatment begins with an aesthetic consultation with Liliana Ciocoi, Elena Caliniuc or Farzaneh to assess skin type, spot location and rule out any lesion requiring prior dermatological evaluation. SharpLight laser technology then targets the melanin concentrated in each spot with energy calibrated to skin phototype, causing pigment fragmentation that the skin naturally clears over the following days, often visible as temporary darkening followed by light peeling. Depending on the number and depth of spots, several sessions spaced a few weeks apart are generally recommended to achieve a visible, even reduction in pigmentation. Dermalogica or MCCM Spain products may be recommended as complementary care to support skin regeneration between sessions and prolong results. Rigorous sun protection before, during and after treatment is essential, as treated skin is temporarily more sensitive to UV rays, and new unprotected exposure can encourage spots to return or cause uneven pigmentation.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
The initial consultation lasts about 30 to 45 minutes and includes a skin assessment, discussion of your goals and a personalized treatment plan. Each laser session generally lasts 15 to 30 minutes depending on the area treated, with a feeling of mild warmth or tingling, and temporary darkening of the spots is expected in the following days.
At-Home Self-Care Tips
- Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, without exception.
- Avoid direct sun exposure for two weeks following each session.
- Do not scratch or exfoliate spots during the natural peeling phase.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat during prolonged outdoor activities.
- Use soothing products recommended by your aesthetician between sessions.
- See a dermatologist if a spot changes shape, color or size.
Prognosis & Recovery Timeline
Most sun spots show a visible reduction in intensity after 2 to 4 laser sessions, with optimal results reached gradually over several weeks as the skin clears the fragmented pigment. Without continued rigorous sun protection, new spots can appear over time in the same exposed areas.
When to See Us at Réhabital
Book an appointment if stable brown spots bother you cosmetically and you want to explore a laser option. See a dermatologist before any aesthetic treatment if a spot has recently changed shape, color, size or bleeds, as these signs require priority medical evaluation.
Why Réhabital Clinic
In Côte Saint-Luc, our aesthetics team combines SharpLight laser technology with careful assessment of skin type and sun exposure history, with rigorous prior screening to ensure aesthetic treatment remains safe and suited to each person.
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Address
D4-5800 Cavendish Blvd
Côte Saint-Luc, QC H4W 2T5
Phone
(438) 842-3550Hours
Mon–Fri: 10AM–8PM
Sun: 10AM–4PM
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