The removal of freckles is not always an easy task. Freckles are the result of exposure to the sun. While some freckles are caused by a mixture of genetics and incidental exposure others may be caused by excessive sun that has damaged the skin. Freckles tend to be more prominent on the fairer skin. To reduce and limit an increase in them, sun screen should always be worn on the skin.
Potential treatments for freckle removal include topical retinoids (Retin-A), topical bleaching agents (hydroquinone), chemical peels, liquid nitrogen and laser or IPL therapy. The treatments of choice for most successful outcomes are IPL and laser.
IPL (intense pulsed light) utilizes a range of wavelengths of light to target the melanin in the skin. The melanin in the freckle absorbs this high intensity light and a thermal injury is created destroying the cells and leaving the surrounding tissue intact. As the body heals itself the pigment is broken up and sloughs off or is absorbed by the body. Several treatments are needed for optimal results.
Ablative and fractional laser procedures will remove the epidermal layer of skin to initiate new skin cell growth. As the beam of light intersects with the skin, melanin is also targeted and destroyed. The number of treatments needed is dependent on the type of laser used. Recovery time from ablative and fractional laser treatments can range from a week to a month. While freckles are not cancerous any discoloration on the skin should be evaluated by a dermatologist to ensure that the spots to be removed are not precancerous. |
