Most clients see significant improvement after 1 or 2 sessions with the Lutronic Clarity II. Deeper, denser, or more clustered spots may need 3 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Your physician confirms a personalized plan during your free consultation.

Most clients describe each pulse as a quick warm snap, similar to a rubber band tap. The Clarity II features an integrated cooling system that keeps the skin surface comfortable throughout, so anaesthetic cream is rarely needed. Immediately after, the skin feels warm, similar to a mild sunburn, calming within hours.

Within 1 to 3 days, treated spots darken visibly, this is the expected response and means the laser is working. Over the following 7 to 14 days, the darkened pigment forms micro-crusts that flake off naturally, revealing clearer, more even-toned skin underneath. Do not pick or scrub during this period.

With consistent broad-spectrum SPF 50, most clients enjoy clear, even-toned skin for 1 to 2 years or longer. New spots can form with continued UV exposure, which is why daily sunscreen and one annual maintenance session each spring are strongly recommended to keep results fresh.

Yes. The Lutronic Clarity II’s 1064nm Nd:YAG wavelength is specifically engineered for Fitzpatrick IV and V skin, where older laser platforms carry a higher risk of pigmentation changes or burns. Settings are calibrated to your skin type at every session by a physician.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) uses a broad spectrum of light to address diffuse pigmentation, redness, and overall radiance across larger areas. The Clarity II laser uses precise single wavelengths to target individual sun spots and lesions with more energy density. We often use both, IPL for diffuse tone, the Clarity II for stubborn discrete spots.

Yes, the Clarity II treats pigmented lesions on the face, neck, decolletage, shoulders, arms, hands, and back. Hands and decolletage are some of the most rewarding areas to treat because they show age the fastest. Pricing varies by area, ask during your consultation for a custom quote.

Single-spot treatment starts at $79. Full-face pigmented lesion treatment is $159, hands are $129. Most clients reach their goal in 1 to 3 sessions. Package pricing is available, ask during your free consultation.

Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanner for 4 weeks before treatment. Stop retinol, AHA/BHA, and vitamin C for 5 to 7 days. Disclose all medications, especially photosensitizers (doxycycline, isotretinoin, St. John’s wort). Arrive with clean, product-free skin on the day. We send you a complete checklist when you book.

Yes, but plan ahead. Treated spots darken and flake over 7 to 14 days, and you should avoid sun exposure for at least 2 weeks after. Schedule your session a minimum of 3 to 4 weeks before any major event or sun-heavy trip. We will help you map out timing during your consultation.

Side effects are mild and short-lived. Expect light pinkness or warmth for a few hours, micro-crusts on treated spots that darken then flake over 7 to 14 days, and occasionally minor swelling. Serious side effects (burns, persistent hyperpigmentation, scarring) are rare when the laser is performed by trained professionals on appropriate candidates with proper aftercare.

Sun spots are discrete, well-defined patches caused primarily by accumulated UV damage. Melasma is a hormonal pigmentation pattern, usually symmetrical across the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip, and behaves differently. Lasering melasma without the right protocol can make it worse. If we suspect melasma, we adapt the plan to a gentler combination approach.