Laser Treatment for Sun Spots, Discoloration & Wrinkles in Clovis & Fresno, CA
Years of sun exposure in the Central Valley take a visible toll on the skin — sun spots, uneven skin tone, fine lines, and wrinkles are among the most common complaints we hear from patients at Dehesa Dermatology. Our board-certified dermatologist Dr. Luis A. Dehesa offers advanced laser treatments that precisely target damaged skin cells to reduce pigmentation, improve texture, and stimulate collagen production — delivering real, measurable results with minimal downtime. Serving patients throughout Clovis, Fresno, and the greater San Joaquin Valley.
How Laser Treatment Works
Laser therapy uses concentrated, precisely calibrated beams of light energy to treat specific targets within the skin. Depending on the wavelength and technology used, laser light can selectively target melanin (the pigment responsible for sun spots and discoloration), water in the skin (for resurfacing and collagen stimulation), or blood vessels (for redness, broken capillaries, and vascular lesions). This selective targeting means that the surrounding healthy skin remains largely unaffected — a significant advantage over older, less precise treatment methods.
During a laser session, the light energy is absorbed by the targeted tissue, creating a controlled thermal reaction that destroys damaged pigmented cells, breaks up irregular melanin deposits, or stimulates the skin’s natural collagen-rebuilding process. Over the days and weeks following treatment, your body’s immune system clears the disrupted cells, revealing clearer, more even-toned skin. Most patients require a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart to achieve optimal results, as skin responds gradually to the cumulative effects of laser therapy.
What Laser Treatment Can Address
At Dehesa Dermatology, our laser treatments are tailored to address a wide range of common skin concerns:
- Sun Spots and Age Spots (Lentigines): Flat, brown spots that develop from accumulated UV exposure on the face, hands, shoulders, and chest. Laser treatment breaks up the concentrated melanin deposits, causing spots to darken briefly before fading and sloughing off.
- Diffuse Hyperpigmentation and Uneven Skin Tone: Blotchy, uneven coloring across larger areas of the face or body caused by sun damage, melasma, or post-inflammatory discoloration following acne or injury.
- Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Particularly effective for fine lines around the eyes, mouth, and forehead, where laser energy stimulates collagen and elastin remodeling to gradually smooth and tighten the skin.
- Freckles: Laser treatment can significantly lighten or eliminate freckling in patients who wish to reduce their appearance, with longer-lasting results than topical bleaching products.
- Post-Acne Discoloration (PIH): Dark marks left behind after acne heals. Laser treatment accelerates the fading process. Learn more about our comprehensive acne treatment services including scar management.
- Actinic Keratoses: In select cases, laser resurfacing can be used to treat multiple actinic keratoses in sun-damaged areas simultaneously while also improving overall skin quality. See our actinic keratosis page for more details.
- Vascular Lesions: Broken capillaries, spider veins on the face, and redness associated with rosacea can be effectively treated with specific vascular laser wavelengths, as part of our broader skin rejuvenation services.
- Skin Texture Improvement: Overall refinement of skin surface, minimizing enlarged pores and improving smoothness as part of a comprehensive skin rejuvenation plan.
What to Expect During Your Laser Treatment
Your first step is a thorough consultation with Dr. Dehesa or our clinical team to assess your skin, discuss your goals, review your medical history, and determine the most appropriate laser approach for your specific concerns and skin type. Laser treatment is not a one-size-fits-all procedure — parameters must be carefully set based on your skin tone, the depth and nature of your concerns, and your ability to tolerate downtime.
On the day of your treatment, a topical numbing cream is typically applied to maximize comfort. Most patients describe the sensation during laser treatment as a brief snapping or mild warming sensation. Sessions typically last 15 to 45 minutes depending on the area treated and the extent of the concerns being addressed. Immediately following treatment, the skin may appear pink or flushed — similar to a mild sunburn — and sun spots may initially appear darker before they flake off over the following 5 to 10 days.
Most patients achieve their best results after 4 to 6 monthly treatment sessions, with ongoing maintenance treatments recommended to preserve results and address new sun damage over time. Sun protection is critical before, during, and after your laser treatment course.
Sun Protection in the Central Valley
Living in Clovis or Fresno means enjoying some of the sunniest weather in California — but that also means your skin is continuously exposed to one of the most significant sources of aging and pigmentation damage. At Dehesa Dermatology, we emphasize that laser treatment is most effective and longest-lasting when paired with a consistent daily sun protection routine, including a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, protective hats and clothing, and avoidance of peak sun hours. Patients who protect their skin diligently between treatments see dramatically better long-term outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Treatment for Sun Spots & Wrinkles
How many laser treatment sessions will I need for sun spots?
Most patients with sun spots or age spots see significant improvement after 1 to 3 sessions, depending on the depth, size, and number of lesions being treated. For more widespread pigmentation concerns or wrinkle reduction, a course of 4 to 6 monthly treatments is typically recommended for optimal results. Dr. Dehesa will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific skin during your initial consultation at Dehesa Dermatology.
Is laser treatment safe for all skin tones?
Laser safety in diverse skin tones depends heavily on the specific laser technology and settings used. Some laser wavelengths carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones if not properly adjusted. At Dehesa Dermatology, Dr. Dehesa carefully evaluates your skin type and selects appropriate laser parameters to ensure both safety and effectiveness regardless of your skin tone. Always disclose any recent tanning or sun exposure before your session.
How long do laser treatment results last?
Results vary based on the concern treated and your sun habits after treatment. Sun spot removal results can be long-lasting — even permanent for individual lesions — but new spots can develop with continued UV exposure. Wrinkle reduction benefits from laser-stimulated collagen typically last 1 to 2 years and can be maintained with periodic touch-up sessions. Consistent daily sun protection is the most important factor in preserving your results.
Is there downtime after laser treatment?
Most laser treatments at Dehesa Dermatology involve minimal downtime. Sun spots will darken and flake off over approximately 5 to 10 days following treatment. The skin may appear pink or slightly swollen immediately after the session, typically resolving within a day or two. Ablative resurfacing procedures involve more downtime, which our team will discuss in detail during your consultation. Most patients return to normal daily activities the day after treatment.
Can laser treatment be combined with other skin rejuvenation services?
Yes — laser treatment pairs very well with other skin rejuvenation and cosmetic services. Many patients combine laser for pigmentation and wrinkles with chemical peels or esthetician services from our esthetician team for comprehensive skin improvement. Dr. Dehesa can develop a combination treatment plan that addresses multiple concerns simultaneously for more complete and efficient results.
Can laser treatment help with acne scars?
Yes. Certain laser technologies are highly effective for both the discoloration and textural changes caused by acne scarring. Resurfacing lasers stimulate collagen remodeling that can improve the appearance of depressed scars, while pigment-targeting lasers address post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This is often incorporated into our comprehensive acne treatment and scar management approach.
Do you offer laser treatment for patients from Fresno?
Absolutely. We regularly treat patients from Fresno, Clovis, and throughout the Central Valley for sun damage, pigmentation, and anti-aging concerns. Given the intense UV exposure that comes with Central Valley living, laser treatment for sun spots and photo-aging is one of our most requested services. Our office at 978 N Temperance Ave in Clovis is conveniently accessible from Fresno via Highway 168. Call (559) 951-9000 to schedule your consultation.