Sun Spots and Melasma in Argyle: BBL, Moxi or a Peel
Texas sun shows up on skin eventually. Brown spots on the cheeks, a patch of uneven color across the forehead, freckles that didn't used to be there on the chest and hands. If you're in Argyle, Flower Mound or Northlake and trying to figure out what to do about it, you'll run into a lot of treatment names fast. BBL, Moxi, peels. Here's how they differ, and why melasma gets its own conversation.
Sun spots and melasma aren't the same thing
Sun spots are flat brown spots from years of sun. They usually have clear edges and show up where the sun hits most: face, neck, chest, hands and arms.
Melasma looks different. It tends to be larger, blotchier patches of brown or gray-brown, often on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip or jaw, and it's often symmetrical. Hormones and sun both play a part, and it has a habit of coming back. Melasma can also react badly to some heat-based treatments, which is the main reason we want to see it in person before suggesting anything.
A lot of people have both. That's normal, and it's exactly what a consultation sorts out.
Sciton BBL: for color
BBL stands for broadband light. Our Sciton BBL photofacial is used for sun spots, redness, broken capillaries and some scarring. After a session, the spots darken for a few days and then flake off. There's no real downtime, and a session takes about 45 minutes.
Most people do a series of three. Pricing starts at $350 for the neck, $500 for the chest and $750 for the face, with arms, back and legs priced separately on the treatment page.
Sciton Moxi: for texture and tone
Moxi is a gentle resurfacing laser. Where BBL goes after color, Moxi is for pigment, pores and overall texture. We put numbing cream on first (that's about 30 minutes), then the treatment itself. Afterward you'll look like you caught some sun for a few days.
Moxi starts at $600 for the neck or chest and $850 for the face. A lot of people stack BBL and Moxi in the same visit.
Chemical peels: often part of the melasma plan
We also offer ZO 3-step and VI peels for tone, texture and melasma. A peel is a different tool from a laser. Expect five to seven days of flaking, then noticeably fresher skin. A peel is $275, and you'll find it on our facials menu rather than the laser page.
For melasma especially, the right plan is often slower and gentler than people expect, and it usually involves good daily sunscreen no matter what treatment you choose. Nobody honest will promise it's gone for good.
So which one do you want?
Our quick rule of thumb:
- Brown spots, redness or broken capillaries: BBL.
- Pores, fine lines and dull or uneven tone: Moxi.
- Melasma: start with a consultation. It may be a peel, it may be something else, and it may be a combination over time.
If you're not sure which camp you're in, book the skin consultation and we'll look together. That's what it's for.
What about hands, chest and arms?
Faces get most of the attention, but the chest, neck, hands and arms often carry just as much sun. Those areas tend to show it more as the years go on, and a lot of people only notice once their face looks clearer than their hands. BBL and Moxi aren't face-only. Both are priced for the neck, chest, arms, back and legs as well. If the backs of your hands bother you, bring them up at the consultation and we'll tell you what makes sense.
Why fall and winter are the busy months
You need to stay out of the sun and off tanning beds for two weeks before any laser session, and wear sunscreen afterward. That's a lot easier in November than in July, when you're at the lake every weekend. So fall and winter are when most people around Argyle start a series. Start now and you can finish before spring.
What to do before your appointment
- Skip the sun and tanning beds for two weeks.
- Tell us about any skin medications, recent peels or treatments.
- Come with your questions. The consultation is a conversation, not a sales pitch.
Book a skin consultation in Argyle
You can see every BBL and Moxi option with prices on our laser and body page. When you're ready, book online or call 940-584-1982. We're at 250 US Hwy 377, Suite 125, Tuesday through Saturday, and we serve Argyle, Northlake, Lantana, Bartonville and Flower Mound.