Six years ago I used the Obagi routine to treat sun damage in the form of freckles and brown spots, but as I recall, the initial expense was around $400. I used it on hands and face. I have thin, fair skin, so my skin was red and irritated and not a pretty sight during these weeks. I did maintenance for a year or two and did the once a year "Obagi Shock" once, but then decided to rely on Retin A three times a week.
I was happy with the results on my face--most of the discoloration went away, but it did not work so well on my hands. Obagi is too harsh on my skin to stay with it long term. I do have one area where a brown spot is returning--sometimes I go out in the early morning sun to putter in my garden before I put on sunscreen. You do have to be fanatical about sun exposure from now on.
I hope this helps. I will be glad to answer any more questions you have.
