Years of Utah sunshine leave their mark – brown spots on the cheeks, dark patches across the forehead, and freckling that no longer fades with the seasons. These sun spots, age spots, and areas of hyperpigmentation can make skin appear older and less vibrant than it should. UltraClear® cold fiber laser technology offers Salt Lake City patients an effective solution for clearing unwanted pigmentation while simultaneously rejuvenating overall skin tone and texture.
Specialized Expertise in Facial Skin Rejuvenation
Dr. Kian Eftekhari’s training as a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained oculofacial plastic surgeon provides him with intimate knowledge of facial skin — how it ages, how pigmentation develops, and how different treatment modalities affect various skin types and tones. His daily work on the delicate periorbital region, where sun damage often appears first, has refined his ability to deliver precise, effective treatments that clear pigmentation without creating new problems.
“Sun spots tell us a story about cumulative UV exposure, but they don’t have to be permanent,” says Dr. Eftekhari. “UltraClear gives us the ability to clear this damage while stimulating the skin renewal that prevents future spots from developing as quickly.”
Understanding How Sun and Age Spots Develop
Sun spots — also called solar lentigines, liver spots, or age spots — form when years of ultraviolet exposure triggers melanocytes to produce excess melanin in localized clusters. Unlike a tan that fades, this pigment becomes trapped in the epidermis and upper dermis, creating persistent brown or gray-brown patches that darken further with continued sun exposure.
These spots appear most commonly on sun-exposed areas including the face, particularly the cheeks, forehead, and temples. The backs of hands, forearms, chest, and shoulders also frequently develop pigmentation. While sun spots themselves are benign, they contribute to an aged, uneven appearance that many patients find distressing.
Additional factors can contribute to dark spot formation, including hormonal changes that trigger melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation following acne or skin injury, and the general slowdown in cell turnover that accompanies aging. UltraClear® can address many of these pigmentation concerns as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
How UltraClear® Clears Unwanted Pigmentation
UltraClear® targets sun spots and dark spots through its precise cold fiber laser technology and multiple treatment modalities. The laser’s ablative function removes the outermost skin layers where much of the excess pigment resides, physically eliminating visible discoloration. Simultaneously, controlled energy penetration stimulates accelerated cell turnover, bringing fresh, evenly pigmented skin to the surface.
The 3DMIRACL® treatment mode is particularly effective for pigmentation concerns, providing surface-level renewal with minimal downtime — often described as a “lunchtime” treatment. For more significant sun damage or deeper pigmentation, more intensive treatment settings deliver greater clearance with correspondingly longer recovery periods.
Unlike some pigment-targeting lasers that can inadvertently trigger rebound hyperpigmentation — especially in patients with medium to darker skin tones — UltraClear’s cold fiber technology minimizes thermal injury to surrounding melanocytes. This reduces the inflammatory response that leads to post-treatment darkening, making UltraClear® safer across diverse skin types.
“What I appreciate about UltraClear for pigmentation is the control it gives me,” Dr. Eftekhari explains. “I can precisely target the damaged areas while protecting the surrounding skin, which translates to clearer results with fewer complications.”
Conditions That Respond to Treatment
UltraClear® effectively addresses the full spectrum of pigmentation concerns that develop with sun exposure and aging. Solar lentigines — the classic flat brown “age spots” — clear well with treatment, as do diffuse sun damage and mottled pigmentation that creates an uneven, blotchy appearance. Freckling that has become permanent rather than seasonal lightens significantly.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from past acne, injuries, or previous cosmetic procedures responds to UltraClear’s resurfacing action. Dull, sallow skin tone brightens as damaged surface cells are removed and fresh skin emerges. Overall skin clarity and luminosity improve as the laser stimulates comprehensive renewal.
For melasma — the hormonally-influenced pigmentation that often appears during pregnancy or with oral contraceptive use — treatment requires careful evaluation. Dr. Eftekhari will assess whether laser treatment is appropriate for your specific melasma presentation and may recommend combining UltraClear® with topical therapies and sun protection protocols for optimal management.
What Results Can You Expect
Most patients notice visible lightening of sun spots and improved skin brightness within two to three weeks following treatment. As treated skin heals and renews, the contrast between pigmented areas and surrounding skin diminishes progressively. Full results typically develop over six to twelve weeks as cell turnover continues and residual pigment clears.
For mild to moderate sun spots, significant improvement often occurs after a single treatment session. Patients with extensive sun damage, multiple dark spots, or deeper pigmentation typically achieve best results with a series of two to four treatments spaced four to six weeks apart. Each session builds on the previous treatment, delivering cumulative clearance.
Results can be long-lasting with appropriate sun protection. However, continued UV exposure will generate new pigmentation over time. Many patients maintain their results with annual maintenance treatments and diligent daily sunscreen use.
The Treatment Experience
UltraClear® treatment for sun spots and pigmentation typically takes 20 to 30 minutes for a full face. For lighter treatments targeting surface pigmentation, topical numbing may not be necessary — many patients tolerate the 3DMIRACL® mode comfortably without anesthesia. More intensive sessions include topical numbing applied beforehand to ensure comfort throughout.
Recovery varies with treatment intensity. Light pigmentation treatments may produce only 24 to 48 hours of mild pinkness before skin appears normal. More aggressive sessions for significant sun damage require three to five days of visible healing, including redness and light peeling as damaged tissue sloughs away and fresh skin emerges.
Strict sun protection following treatment is essential — both to optimize healing and to protect your investment in clearer skin. Dr. Eftekhari provides detailed post-care instructions including appropriate sunscreen recommendations and skincare guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About UltraClear® for Sun and Age Spots
Most patients notice visible lightening within two to three weeks as treated skin heals and renews. Optimal clearance develops over six to twelve weeks, with continued improvement possible for several months following treatment.
Yes. While facial treatment is most common, UltraClear® can safely and effectively treat sun spots on the hands, chest, arms, and other areas of photodamage. Dr. Eftekhari will assess your specific areas of concern during your consultation.
For mild to moderate sun spots, significant improvement often occurs after a single session. More extensive damage or deeper pigmentation typically requires two to four treatments for optimal clearance. Dr. Eftekhari will recommend a treatment plan based on your specific presentation.
UltraClear® clears existing pigmentation, but continued sun exposure will generate new spots over time. Consistent sunscreen use and sun-protective behaviors help maintain results, and many patients schedule annual maintenance treatments to address any new pigmentation.
Yes. UltraClear's cold fiber technology minimizes the thermal injury that can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in melanin-rich skin. The laser is FDA-cleared for all Fitzpatrick skin types, making it one of the safest options for pigmentation treatment across diverse skin tones.
UltraClear® typically delivers more dramatic clearance than IPL or superficial chemical peels, particularly for established sun damage. Its combined ablative and collagen-stimulating action addresses both surface pigment and underlying skin quality, providing comprehensive rejuvenation beyond simple spot removal.
Why Choose Eyelid Center of Utah for Pigmentation Treatment
Dr. Eftekhari’s expertise in facial aesthetics and skin physiology ensures that every pigmentation treatment is approached with both scientific understanding and artistic sensibility. His oculofacial training — focused on the face’s most visible and sun-exposed areas — translates to precise technique and customized protocols for each patient’s unique skin type and pigmentation pattern. Combined with state-of-the-art UltraClear® technology, patients receive care designed to deliver genuinely clearer, more radiant skin.
Restore Even, Radiant Skin in Salt Lake City
Sun spots and age spots don’t have to be permanent reminders of years in the Utah sun. Dr. Kian Eftekhari and the team at Eyelid Center of Utah are ready to evaluate your pigmentation concerns and create a personalized treatment plan to restore the clear, even-toned skin you remember. Contact our Salt Lake City, Draper, or Heber City office to schedule your UltraClear® consultation today.