Caused by pigment changes? Dark spots? Liver spots or pregnancy spots?
Pigmentation spots on the face, chest area, and hands are mainly caused by sun exposure, hormonal influences, and skin aging. The spots can be removed, but it should be expected that they may return after a period, after which they can be treated again.
If you have pigmentation spots, liver spots, or pregnancy spots, the Danish Health Authority requires that these are exclusively treated by dermatologists. However, sun damage in the form of skin discoloration ("dull" skin), broken capillaries, and mild wrinkles may be treated by nurses who are registered with the Danish Health Authority for this purpose.
We of course help assess what type of pigmentation change you have in your skin. If it is pigmentation spots, you can have them removed by one of our skilled dermatologists in Copenhagen, Skodsborg, or Aalborg. We take care of your pigment changes in the skin.
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What are pigment spots?
Pigment spots (lentigo or liver spots), post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) are located in the epidermis and can be removed with laser or intense pulsed light (IPL).
Other pigmentations, also called hormonal spots (melasma), lie deeper in the skin (or are light-sensitive), and are very difficult to remove and are best treated with a combination of pico laser, creams, and peels.
Age warts can also be pigmented but are removed with CO2 laser, freezing, or scraping. Flat beauty marks (naevi) are not removed.
How is the treatment performed?
The treatment uses IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and can advantageously be combined with fractional laser if you are also interested in reducing enlarged pores and fine wrinkles and achieving mild skin tightening as part of your treatment. Consult your practitioner about this.
The area to be treated is exposed to a flash of light lasting a few milliseconds, heating the pigment while sparing the surrounding skin as much as possible. The damaged dark skin cells are subsequently broken down by the body's repair systems, achieving the treatment effect.
Which areas can be treated?
We treat pigment spots on the face, neck, and décolleté using IPL.
How does the treatment work?
It is important that you are not sunburned at the time of treatment. Therefore, you must avoid sun exposure on the treatment area at least 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after the treatment, and avoid using self-tanner 2 weeks before.
The treatment itself feels like a prickling warmth, which can be felt in the skin for a few minutes afterward. You may take 1 gram of paracetamol about 1 hour before treatment to reduce any discomfort.
We always recommend using sunscreen both before and after treatment with SPF 50+ including UVA and UVB filters.
What is the effect of the treatment?
The effect varies from complete removal of pigment to partial or no removal, depending on the pigment type, depth, and cause. In many cases, more than one treatment is required. In a few cases, the pigment cannot be removed at all, and other lasers such as Ruby, Nd:YAG, or CO2 lasers may be needed (possibly due to skin thickening in the pigmented area). In such cases, a new paid treatment with another laser is necessary.
Treatment of pigment spots does not remove a possible tendency to form new pigment changes, and maintenance treatments are recommended (usually after summer). This means repeated treatments and maintenance are necessary.
It is important to have a clear agreement on expectations before treatment. Refunds for treatments are not provided.
Who cannot be treated?
Pregnant women
Relevant allergies
If you have skin type V-VI
If you have tattoos or permanent makeup in the treatment area
If you have keloid formation
If you have an active skin disease, skin cancer, or coagulation disorders
If you take medication or herbal supplements that cause photosensitivity or act as blood thinners
If there is an active infection in the area, including active herpes
If you have epilepsy
If you have had sun exposure 4 weeks before or used self-tanner 2 weeks before on the treatment area
Possible side effects?
The skin becomes red and warm immediately after treatment, often feeling like a sunburn. Some patients may experience some swelling, especially around the eyes when treating the face. These symptoms disappear within a few days to a week. Ice packs can be applied to the treatment area for 10 minutes every hour during the first 4 hours if needed.
After treatment, the pigment spots may darken slightly, becoming more pronounced over a few hours, indicating the effect of the treatment. After 1–2 days, the darkening rises to the surface and peels off after 5–10 days.
Avoid peeling products. Sauna, intense physical exercise, chlorine, and swimming in the sea are also discouraged during the first 24 hours.
The treatment is not painless, and pain can be reduced by taking 1 gram of paracetamol 1 hour before treatment.
In rare cases, burns with wounds may occur after treatment, and in the worst case, permanent scarring may develop—though this is extremely rare. Pigment disturbances may occur in treated areas, causing them to become lighter or darker than the surrounding skin. This risk is greatest for darker skin types or if post-treatment sun exposure recommendations are not followed. Pigment disturbances are difficult to treat but usually fade over months to years with sunscreen use.
During treatment, the flashing light may appear intense despite protective goggles. The strong light is reflected from the bones and is perceived by the optic nerve as if there is light inside the “head.” There is no eye damage because protective goggles are used during treatment.
Recommended aftercare (creams) to optimize treatment results
After IPL treatment, we recommend using effective creams that support your treatment’s effect:
C E Ferulic (day and night) – Antioxidants for skin aging protection – Strengthens the skin – Protects against free radicals
H A Intensifier (day) – Supplies skin with hyaluronic acid – Natural moisturizer, regulates moisture balance – Provides volume and firmness – Can be used with fillers
Mineral Radiance (sun protection) – 100% ultra-light mineral sunscreen for all skin types – Enhances natural skin tone and gives a radiant glow – Waterproof, paraben-free
EU Data Protection Regulation – Privacy Policy
We respect your privacy and comply with the EU Data Protection Regulation. You can review what personal data we collect, why, legal basis, your consent, and your rights here: https://www.dermocosmetic.dk/privatlivspolitik-forkunder
Information and Consent
After reading this written information, you will receive verbal information about the treatment and have the opportunity to ask questions. You will be asked about your health situation. Withholding necessary health information or medication use can increase the risk of side effects. You may bring a companion if you wish. After verbal information, treatment may begin immediately, but not before you give your consent to the treatment.