Lentigos, often called sun spots, age spots, or liver spots, are a form of hyperpigmentation caused by excess melanin (pigmentation) in the skin. They are commonly caused by sun exposure and aging. Ephelides or “freckles” are usually found in light-skinned individuals after sun exposure on the cheeks and forehead. Other types of brown pigmentation on the skin, like melasma, can be caused by sun, hormonal changes, and genetics. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is yet another form of pigmentation that can present as brown spots on the face. This type is from acne or other injuries that leave darkness in the skin from inflammation. Growths on the skin, like dermatosis papulosa nigricans or DPNs (Morgan Freeman spots) and flat seborrheic keratosis, are common as we age and present as brown spots of different sizes, and are mostly genetic.
View Patient GalleryRed on the skin also comes in multiple forms. Background redness is common in the skin of northern European descent or in patients with rosacea. Visible linear blood vessels can be seen on the nose, chin, and cheeks, and can be from sun damage, rosacea, genetics, or all of these. Cherry or spider angiomas are the red, slightly raised, small bumps. These are related to sun exposure and genetics, but can also be hormonal.
At JanigaMDs, patients have access to advanced treatment options that are often safer and more effective than over-the-counter treatments or topical medications. Patients can benefit from the expertise of Dr. Janiga and her associates to examine the patient and determine what type of “brown and red spots” they have and develop a customized treatment plan based on the individual patient’s skin type and specific needs. It is important to have a thorough evaluation of your skin before beginning any therapy, as sometimes brown and red “spots” can be signs of skin cancer or precancerous blemishes and should be treated with specific therapies to make sure they are completely resolved before continuing with cosmetic treatments. Some of the most common treatments we offer for brown and red spots include:
IPL uses broad-spectrum light to reduce pigmentation and redness while improving overall skin tone and texture. This treatment is ideal for patients with pigmented sun damage, freckles, sun spots, blood vessels, and diffuse background redness. Patients can consider IPL, which targets individual tiny blood vessels and areas of skin discoloration, or a Photofacial, which rejuvenates the entire face. With advanced IPL technologies, many patients can benefit, but those with darker skin tones may not be good candidates. In addition, some of the growths on the skin, like flat seborrheic keratosis or DPNs, will not likely respond to this type of light therapy, and those with melasma should be careful, as some melasma will worsen with IPL.
ThreeForMe combines ICON laser resurfacing with IPL to simultaneously target dark spots, freckles, background redness, linear blood vessels, and angiomas while stimulating collagen production to address a wide range of concerns, including rough skin texture and acne scars.
Medical-grade chemical peels exfoliate dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, revealing healthy new skin cells with a more even skin tone and texture. There are chemical peels like pyruvic acid that target pigment in the skin and can be beneficial. This treatment can help lighten dark spots while addressing other signs of sun damage and aging. Chemical solutions can be customized from light peels to deeper TCA peels, depending on your needs.
Topical treatments or medical-grade skincare products can be effective for lightening mild skin blemishes like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and may be the best first option for skin conditions like melasma and improving overall skin health. Dr. Janiga is passionate about skincare and has helped many patients develop personalized skincare routines with trusted, science-backed products.
Sometimes, a growth on the skin needs to be removed as it will not respond to IPL or creams. These lesions can sometimes be removed with a different type of laser called an erbium: Yag or with more surgical-like procedures that involve taking the growth off with a cutting-type procedure. Some pigmented lesions like DPNs can be treated with a light dessication, and they will shrivel up and fall off in a couple of days. As there are many types of growths on the skin, please speak to Dr. Janiga or one of her well-trained advanced practitioners to understand the best way to treat these other types of “brown spots” that can occur on the face.
Treatment for brown and red spots is customized based on the type, depth, and severity of discoloration, as well as the patient’s skin type, skin color, and aesthetic goals. Before your procedure, your provider will review your medical history, evaluate your skin, and determine the most effective treatment plan at an initial consultation. Patients are typically advised to minimize sun exposure, wear broad-spectrum sunscreen, and temporarily discontinue certain skincare products such as retinoids or exfoliants. It is also important to inform your provider of any medications, medical conditions, or skin sensitivities to ensure a safe and effective treatment.
Brown and red spot procedures are performed in-office and are generally well-tolerated. Depending on the treatment method used, topical numbing cream may be used to ensure the most comfortable treatment experience. Treatment sessions typically last between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the size and number of areas being treated.
Following treatment, it is normal to experience temporary redness, mild swelling, or sensitivity in the treated areas. After laser and light treatments or chemical peels, brown spots may darken initially before gradually flaking off or fading, while red spots and visible blood vessels typically diminish over time. Patients are advised to follow all post-procedure instructions, which may include avoiding UV exposure and using gentle skincare products during the healing process. Lesion removal requires some recovery time, and patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities for a few days after treatment.
Results develop gradually as the skin heals and regenerates. Your recovery will depend on the type of “spot” you had and the treatments provided. Many patients notice visible improvement within a week, with continued enhancement over time or after a series of recommended treatments. The number of sessions required varies based on the type and severity of the spots being treated. With proper skincare and diligent sun protection, results can be long-lasting, allowing patients to maintain a more even, brighter complexion. Please discuss your specific recovery with Dr. Janiga or her associates.
Choosing the right provider for brown and red spot treatment is essential for achieving clear, even-toned skin while protecting long-term skin health. At JanigaMDs, patients benefit from care led by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jennifer Janiga and our team of highly trained medical professionals and advanced aestheticians. Dr. Janiga has personally trained her advanced practitioners and medical aestheticians to recognize and treat an extensive array of lesions on the face, but she does recommend an annual skin check by a board-certified dermatologist before proceeding with any cosmetic treatments to the face.
Dr. Janiga completed her dermatology residency at the Henry Ford Health System, along with a specialized fellowship in light therapy. Her extensive hands-on experience and advanced training in pigment and vascular conditions using advanced technologies allow her to accurately diagnose the source of brown and red spots and determine the right treatment for each patient’s skin type and concerns.
Dr. Janiga’s expertise and dedication to compassionate patient care are reflected in her numerous “Best of Reno” and “Top Dermatologist” awards. She has been consecutively named Castle Connelly Top Doctor in Dermatology five years in a row and has been recognized in the Top 5% of America’s Most Honored Professionals. Dr. Janiga is an elected member of the elite Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, reflecting her commitment to continuous advancements and knowledge of the latest dermatologic and aesthetic treatments.
JanigaMDs is known for its strong medical foundation and collaborative model, and is the only practice in Northern Nevada to offer the expertise of a board-certified dermatologist and a board-certified plastic surgeon under one roof. This integrated approach allows patients to access the most advanced aesthetic options in a practice that prioritizes safety, education, and natural-looking results. Patients seeking treatment for brown and red spots choose JanigaMDs for its combination of medical excellence, personalized treatment planning, and commitment to delivering visible improvements with precision, care, and state-of-the-art technology.
It’s easier than ever to successfully treat pigmentation, like superficial brown spots and vascular lesions, with non-invasive treatments. For more information or to set up a consultation with Dr. Jennifer Janiga or her associates in the comfort of our Reno office, please send us an email or call 775-364-0224.
My family and I have seen Dr. Jennifer Janiga many times. She is knowledgeable, caring and honest. Dr. Tim Janiga has cared for me several times and I feel very confident in his skills. They both seem like they are genuinely interested in their patients. They are both very nice people and fine physicians.
Amazing office, staff and doctors. During my consultation I felt very comfortable and could tell how extremely knowledgeable the providers were. All of my questions were answered and acknowledged. The treatment I received exceeded my expectations. 10/10 recommend!
As a patient of both Dr. Jennifer and Tim Janiga, I have the utmost praise for the care I have received. They are fantastic at what they do. The attention to detail and going ‘above and beyond’ is very much appreciated.
Discover Clearing Up Skin Care by Dr. Jennifer Janiga—a no-nonsense guide to understanding your skin, choosing the right products and treatments, and building a routine that truly works for you. Pick up a copy in our office or purchase online to start building a routine that works.
JanigaMDs is the only practice in Reno where patients can consult with both a board-certified dermatologist and a board-certified plastic surgeon in one visit.
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Founded in 2010, the team at JanigaMDs has been proven to provide the utmost care for all patients. With a 4.7 rating over almost 700 reviews, JanigaMDs is the premier aesthetic practice in Northern Nevada.
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