Freckles are small, flat colored spots on the skin that are about the size of a nail head. They develop randomly on the skin particularly following exposure to sunlight. Consequently they darken and increase in number and size during the summer, reducing in number and fading in the winter. Although people of any skin pigment can develop freckles they are much more common in persons of pale complexion. While freckles can be red, yellow, or different shades of brown, they are always darker than the surrounding skin.

Sunlight contains ultra-violet light. When this light hits the surface of the skin (the epidermis) special cells called melancocytes produce a pigment called melanin, which is a brown/black color. This process results in the tanning of the skin in order to protect the lower layers beneath the epidermis from burning. In most of the skin the melanin is distributed evenly but in some places it clumps together creating the brown patches we know as freckles.

The removal of freckles is purely for cosmetic reasons, as freckles pose no health risk at all. Freckles are often wrongly confused with more serious conditions associated with skin cancer such as melanoma. If you have any concern about any pigmented spots please consult your doctor.

Freckles can be lightened by the application of bleaching creams that contain hydroquinone and kojic acids and Tretonin, which contains Retin-A and vitamin A acid. In addition liquid nitrogen can be sprayed onto the skin, freezing and destroying the tissue (cryosurgery).

Because freckles are so small laser therapy is the best way of removing these small lesions. This can be achieved using two different methods. Firstly an erbium laser can be used to gently resurface the skin micron layer by micron layer or alternatively a frequency doubled KTP Nd:YAG laser can be used to target larger freckles by focusing on the concentration of pigmented cells in the epidermis.

The Fidelis^XS uses an Erbium laser to gently vaporize a thin layer of the skin’s surface effectively removing the unwanted freckles. The added advantage of the use of this laser to remove freckles is that it can also aid in the treatment of acne, lessen the appearance of lines and wrinkles and stimulate the production of collagen thereby making the skin feel smoother and look younger.

The Fotona^QX utilizes a frequency doubled KTP Nd:YAG laser. This ‘green’ laser emits a frequency of light and energy that is directly absorbed by the melanin concentrated in the freckles and freckle clusters. The laser therefore stimulates your body to eliminate the unwanted excessive pigment. Results show that after just one treatment 60-80% of freckles can be resolved.

The MedLite laser is one of the most technologically advanced lasers for removing pigmented lesions. The laser removes these pigments with the energy of light. The specialized light produced by the MedLite laser is absorbed by the pigmented lesion. The unwanted pigment is then destroyed, thus removing or lightening the lesion.

The MedLite is most commonly used for removing brown age spots, “liver spots”, freckles and other brown birthmarks. The laser light of the MedLite was specifically designed to effectively target the dark concentrations of melanin. After the abnormal amounts of melanin are removed, and treatment continues on normal skin, some whitening could occur. However, your body’s natural regenerative system would replace the normal melanin over a period of time, returning the skin to its natural color.

The MedLite laser emits light in very short pulses. The impact of the energy from the power pulse of light is similar to the snap of a thin rubber band. After the treatment, the area will feel similar to a light sunburn. Typically any discomfort will disappear within a day or so. After the redness clears, the skin returns to its natural color and texture.

Most common pigmented lesions are removed within one to two treatments though some deeper lesions will require more treatments. Common pigmented lesions do not return. Some birthmarks may return after a period of several months to a year. However, the procedure can be repeated.

Call Coastal Skin Center now to set up an appointment 207.667.2422 or 888.379.5664