Although most freckles are pretty harmless, they can be annoying for some people while others don’t bother. There are multiple treatment options for freckles, but here, we will discuss laser freckle removal. Freckle removal using laser is a high-demand skincare treatment nowadays. You don’t need to wait for a specific season or lock yourself indoors for months after treatment to avoid infections. Keep reading to learn more about the topic!
What are Freckles?
Freckles are tiny, less marginated, and pale brown macules usually found in fair-complexioned individuals. They are primarily found in areas that are more exposed to the sun. Freckles can be formed on your face, neck, hands, arms or any other area exposed to UV light. However, patients with skin type IV and V also are at risk of developing freckles.
Why Freckles Develop?
Melanin produced by your skin turns into freckles directly affected by sunlight and melanin. Melanin protects the skin tissues by absorbing sunlight; thus, too much sunlight exposure increases the melanin secretion from melanocytes. So, this increased melanin may cause freckle formation in the top skin layer.
How Laser Freckle Removal Works?
Laser freckle treatment works by targeting the melanin pigment of your skin. Melanin in the freckle areas partially absorbs the laser light and gets heated. In this way, melanin breaks down into tiny particles and is removed naturally along with dead skin cells.
According to a study performed on Egyptian patients, the Q Switched Neodymium YAG Laser is effective for treating freckles.
Other research study reports that the Q-switched alexandrite laser is a safer and more effective technology to remove freckles in Asian skin types.
How is Laser Freckle Treatment Performed?
Laser freckle treatment requires three preliminary steps before proceeding for freckles removal treatment:
1- Preliminary examination of the patient includes a physical exam and necessary tests. It is used to detect whether the skin area has freckles or other skin issues.
2- Sometimes, a skin spot test is performed to analyze the skin type suitable for laser or not.
3- Mitigating the risks of skin cancer before starting the treatment
After the protocols mentioned above, the patient is categorized on the waiting list. The skin type, color, and density of freckles are checked to proceed further.
Now anesthetic creams may be applied (if the patient feels pain) on the selected skin area for laser; however, not necessarily done. The freckles may not disappear after the end of the first laser session. our doctor recommends the required sessions depending on your skin and freckles density.
How many Laser Sessions are required for Freckle Removal?
Three laser sessions are recommended on average, but you may remove freckles after one session if your skin is not covered with too many freckles. So, you may expect almost 30-40% fading of freckles at the end of first session. You can get nearly 90% freckles removal by completing all three sessions.
Advantages of Laser Freckle Removal
Diminishing freckles by laser treatment proves beneficial on a long-term basis with the best positive results. The most noticeable benefits of laser are:
- It is a relatively safe and effective treatment option
- No or less pain during the session
- Not enough time or effort
- The procedure can occur in OPD also
Disadvantages or Side Effects of Laser
The laser treatment should be performed with extreme care as competitive laser light absorption may cause scarring, hyper-pigmentation or even depigmentation. Continued laser surfacing on the skin may cause some mild issues such as:
- Redness, peeling, crusting or itching that may last for some months depending upon the intensity.
- Edema or swelling at the treated area
- More visits to the clinic for laser treatment
What is the Cost of Laser Freckle Removal?
Freckle removal laser cost varies with the country, patient skin type, age and quality of laser treatment. Your doctor determines and tells you about the estimated cost depending upon the laser applied and the number of sessions required in your case.
How much Time Needs to Fade Freckles after Laser?
The freckles become darker and then peel off one to two weeks post laser treatment. Usually, the treatment needs a one-month gap, and some patients only need one to two sessions. However, the exact number of sessions depends upon the type of freckles, their intensity and the patient’s age and skin type.
Can Freckles Re-appear after Laser Treatment?
Usually, the removed freckles can’t return after laser unless the person has exposed their skin to UV radiations without the sunscreen for an extensive period.
If you want a freckle-free look, you must tackle your skin to prevent freckles from re-appearing again. Stay sun protected, wearing a broad-brimmed hat and applying enough sunscreen can be the helping hands to avoid freckles.
Moreover, some other factors may trigger the formation of freckles like:
- Stress
- Ageing
- Hormonal factors
- Pregnancy
Can Laser Permanently Removes Freckles?
Laser treatment is one of the most effective methods that remove freckles permanently. However, new freckles may appear later on if you are not taking care of your skin in the sun. You must use sunscreen and hats to avoid freckles reformation.
Freckle Removal Before and After laser
Here, you can see the change in skin before and after laser treatment for freckles. Freckles don’t diminish quickly after the first session, rather it fades over time. Complete freckle removal needs a proper followup routine and care along with required number of sessions to get clear skin.
Some people may need 1-2 sessions to completely fade the freckled skin, however, others may have to get 4-5 sessions depending upon the skin tone, type, age and possible risk factors.
Concluding Remarks
Laser freckle removal is a reliable treatment option with no potential side effects and quick long lasting results. However, number of sessions required and type of laser treatment varies from person to person. You have to consult your doctor prior to get the treatment to get a clear idea about the treatment plan and its possible cost.
