Sun Spots and Seborrheic Keratoses: Can They Return After Laser Treatment?
Solar lentigines and seborrheic keratoses often respond well to lasers, and the same lesion does not commonly return after complete removal. Continued UV exposure, however, can create new sun spots nearby that look like recurrence. Ongoing sun protection is therefore part of maintaining the result.
Why do these lesions form?
Solar lentigines are brown patches caused by increased pigment cells and melanin in the epidermis after years of sun exposure. They commonly develop on the cheekbones, forehead, and backs of the hands, increasing with age.
Seborrheic keratoses are thickened growths of epidermal cells and the most common benign epidermal tumors seen in skin clinics. Age and genetic predisposition are major factors; UV exposure may also contribute. They can occur anywhere except the palms and soles, most often on the face and upper trunk[1].
How do solar lentigines and seborrheic keratoses differ?
Both are brown, but their surface and thickness differ, as do their color, causes, and treatment approach.
| Category | Solar lentigines | Seborrheic keratoses |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Flat | Raised, rough, or waxy-looking |
| Color | Uniform light to dark brown | Brown to black, depending on thickness |
| Main cause | Long-term UV exposure | Age, genetics, and UV exposure |
| Treatment focus | Pigment laser targeting melanin | Laser settings matched to thickness; repeat treatment if needed |
Some lentigines thicken into seborrheic keratoses, and melasma often coexists with lentigines. We do not apply the same strong energy to adjacent melasma because irritation can darken it. If your pigmentation has diffuse borders, see our melasma guide as well.
Which lasers remove sun spots?
Treatment usually uses pigment lasers or light at wavelengths readily absorbed by melanin. A systematic review of 41 trials involving 3,234 patients found lasers more effective than other approaches. Reported success rates were 74.6–90% for IPL, 36.36–76.6% for Q-switched lasers, and 67.9–93.02% for picosecond lasers. Most adverse effects were mild and temporary; IPL had relatively less post-treatment pigmentation[2]. In practice, Reepot often works well for clearly defined lentigines and spots that did not respond well to previous pigment treatment.
How does laser treatment for seborrheic keratoses differ?
These lesions consist of thickened epidermis, so simply lightening the pigment may not remove them. Energy must account for thickness, and thicker lesions may need another session. Lasers, electrocautery, cryotherapy, and excision are used according to lesion appearance and patient preference[1]. Although lasers are a standard treatment for lentigines, they do not suit every pigment condition, so diagnosis comes first[3].
Can sun spots return after removal?
Recurrence depends on the method and lesion. A study of 10 low-fluence laser-toning sessions reported a 12.7% recurrence rate, with larger lentigines responding less well[4]. Higher-energy lesion removal aims to finish in fewer sessions. New spots can still form nearby with ongoing UV exposure, making sunscreen part of treatment. Apparent recurrence can also reflect small lesions missed in the initial marking or subtle dermal pigment; careful assessment helps identify these.
How does Dong-An Joongsim Clinic treat sun spots?
We treat lentigines and seborrheic keratoses with Reepot. Its cold sapphire tip compresses the skin and temporarily displaces blood, concentrating high energy on melanin. Your doctor marks each lesion; image processing directs energy only to the marked areas. We generally aim for one session for lentigines, with another possible for thicker lesions. Treatment can include the neck, arms, and backs of the hands as well as the face. One patient said their sun spots cleared completely after treatment. Lecture material from the manufacturer's advisory group reports a recurrence rate below 1%.
On the same day, we may also use BBL Forever to improve surrounding spots and overall tone. Dr. Chang-Hwan Cho lectured on aftercare for pigment lasers including Reepot at the Korean Aesthetic Surgery and Laser Society's 2025 autumn meeting. Radiofrequency firmness treatments such as Thermage can continue immediately after pigment removal. We recommend waiting 1 month after removing DuoDERM before other pigment procedures such as toning. At Dong-An Joongsim Clinic, your doctor personally handles your consultation and treatment.
What should you know before removal?
After treatment, DuoDERM covers the site for around 2 weeks to protect new skin. If it starts to lift, apply a larger piece over it rather than removing and replacing it. Because this dressing period takes time, patients with an imminent photo shoot may be better served by BBL Forever first, which allows an immediate return to normal activities. After dressing removal, redness returns toward the normal skin color over 1–6 months, depending on skin type. Temporary pigmentation may appear and then fade. We do not recommend Reepot for autoimmune disease affecting the skin or during cancer treatment. Spots that suddenly enlarge, have uneven color, or darken again after treatment need examination first. Eyebrow hairs near treated spots may temporarily lose pigment or shed, but grow back. Results and recovery vary.
Sun spots: common questions
How should I choose a sun-spot clinic in Apgujeong, Gangnam, Seoul?
Look for a clinic that distinguishes lentigines, melasma, and seborrheic keratoses and adjusts energy by lesion. At Dong-An Joongsim Clinic, your doctor personally marks each lesion and performs the Reepot treatment.
Can sun spots be removed in one session?
The laser aims to remove lentigines in one session. Thicker or deeper lesions may need another.
Will laser treatment for seborrheic keratoses leave scars?
Redness and temporary pigmentation can occur but fade with time. Keeping DuoDERM in place as instructed and protecting the site from sunlight support recovery.
Can the same laser remove melasma?
Melasma is diffuse and easily darkened by irritation, so it is not this laser's main target. When both conditions are present, your doctor treats lentigines with Reepot and melasma with an appropriate separate laser approach.
What determines the cost?
Cost depends on the number and size of lesions, their location (face, neck, arms, or hands), and the sessions required. Your doctor explains the cost after examination.
References
- Barthelmann S et al., “Seborrheic keratosis”, Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddg.14984
- Mardani G et al., “Treatment of Solar Lentigines: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials”, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70133
- Passeron T, “Lasers”, Annales de Dermatologie et de Vénéréologie, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0151-9638(12)70129-1
- Kaminaka C et al., “The Clinical and Histological Effect of a Low-Fluence Q-Switched 1,064-nm Neodymium: Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet Laser for the Treatment of Melasma and Solar Lentigenes in Asians”, Dermatologic Surgery, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1097/DSS.0000000000001120