Laser Treatment To Remove Freckles
In a recent article, we elaborated upon the significant differences between Q-Switch Lasers and Pico Lasers. (Read our article on Q- Switch Lasers Vs Pico Lasers).
In today’s article, we will help to educate you further about the various laser treatments to remove freckles.
What are freckles?
Freckles are tiny, brown, or tan flat spots on the skin that primarily affect light-skinned people. They form in abundance on the face, but they may appear on any sun-exposed area of the body. They are neither harmful nor painful.
What causes freckles?
Freckles result from an overall genetic predisposition and sun damage caused due to excessive exposure to UV rays. The skin absorbs UV rays and produces excess melanin, resulting in pigmentation in small patches. People with hereditary tendencies should start sun protection early, as sun damage due to UV rays often occurs in childhood.
Typically, fair-skinned people with light eyes and blond hair are more susceptible to the damaging effects of the sun and the subsequent formation of freckles.
It is better to prevent freckle formation than go for remedial treatment later.
Laser treatments to treat freckles
Lasers are one of the most popular methods to remove freckles. Aesthetic practitioners use laser lights of a specific wavelength to precisely target the excess melanin without harming the surrounding skin, thus safely eliminating freckles. Q-switched Nd: YAG and 532nm are popular laser types used for treating freckles.
Q-switched Nd: YAG laser
Q-Switch Laser is a non-ablative laser that releases laser beams in pulses per nanosecond, typically around 3-7 nanoseconds in length. The Laser beam produced initially is directed onto a polarizer, known as “Quality Switch”, hence the name Q-Switch. The beam released after passing through the polarizer gains momentum and travels 6 times faster than the nanosecond domain. The speed of 10 to the power of 3 is amplified to 10 to the power of 9. When directed onto the skin, this Laser beam of nanosecond speed tends to destroy the overproduced pigments into smaller particles. These particles are then absorbed by the body and released by the immune system over time. It is commonly used to treat various pigmentary disorders such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, acquired bilateral nevus of Ota-like macules, and other epidermal or dermal pigmentation with minimal downtime. It is also ideal for tattoo removal.
With the advancement of science and technology, several varieties of Q-Switch Lasers are now available in the market in today`s time, such as NdYAG with dual-frequency (532 nm and 1064 nm).
The Q-switched Nd: YAG Laser has two wavelengths – a longer wavelength of 1064 nm and a shorter wavelength of 532 nm. The longer wavelength of 1064 nm is ideal for dermal lesions due to its deeper penetration and poor absorption in epidermal melanin, while the 532 nm wavelength is ideal for epidermal pigmented lesions such as freckles & lentiges.
The NdYAGLaser beam specifically targets melanosomes in melanocytes, keratinocytes, and melanophages, at the epidermal and dermal depths. The laser’s ultra-short pulse width (in nanoseconds) and adjustable spot size are key factors that effectively target pigment cells. Depth of penetration and selectivity are functions of the wavelength of a Laser.
The principal Laser-skin interaction observed in dermal melanocytosis by Q-switched Nd: YAG Laser treatment is based on photothermal and photomechanical interactions induced by selective photothermolysis. The 1,064 nm Q-switched Nd: YAG Laser can cause dermal and epidermal melanosome rupture and destroy dermal melanophages.
Fraxel laser treatment
Fraxel is a non-invasive, fractional laser skin resurfacing treatment. It uses microscopic-sized columns of heat to induce micro-injuries to the skin. This then triggers the skin’s healing processes, stimulating collagen production while resurfacing the skin’s top layer to lift pigmentation and minimize overall wrinkles and texture.
To begin with, the Fraxel handheld laser is attracted to water in the skin and then microscopic columns of laser energy into the skin. This treatment has less risk and less downtime by sparing the skin between these columns.
Because the Fraxel laser heats the skin, we always perform this treatment with a Zimmer cooler, a machine that blows cool refrigerated air over the treated areas during the procedure. Doing so effectively reduces heat energy build-up in the skin while reducing any discomfort.
It is important to note that the final result from any specific laser treatment used for freckle removal will depend on the patient's skin type and overall medical history.
Drawbacks of laser treatments
Like any cosmetic procedure, laser treatments also have mild side effects like pain, bruising, numbness, and tenderness or redness and swelling. However, mistakes in the procedure may also lead to serious scarring, infection, itching, bleeding, enlarged pores, and various allergic reactions.
To avoid any severity in the procedure, cosmetic treatments should always be performed by a trained doctor with a sound understanding of physiology and human skin anatomy.
About IIWAM training in lasers
It is prudent that all Aesthetic practitioners undergo proper training in Aesthetic Medicine. The practitioner must balance between benefits & risks of the Aesthetic procedure and steps to mitigate complications if it occurs. At IIWAM, we call it understanding the procedure, the product, and the patient, and our trainers pay utmost attention to teaching the following subjects of laser treatments under our best facial anatomy online course.
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What are the principles of selective photothermolysis?
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What is laser-tissue interaction?
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What are the principles of lasers?
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How does a laser work?
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What are laser complications?
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How to treat laser complications?
Apply for the best online aesthetic courses from IIWAM today.
About IIWAM
International Institute of Wellness & Aesthetic Medicine (IIWAM), formerly known as Aesthetic Academy Asia (http://aestheticacademy.asia), is a One-Stop Centre of Excellence for Aesthetic Education along with Aesthetic Medical & Wellness Procedures. IIWAM provides Aesthetic Education for Medical Doctors, Dentists, Nurses, Aestheticians & Spa Owners, which is backed by a comprehensive online learning platform and a virtual library (https://www.iiwam.ac/library).
IIWAM Education Centre (https://www.iiwam.ac/education) provides International Aesthetic Certification programs and Advanced Online Aesthetic Courses for Doctors, Dentists, Nurses, Aestheticians, and Spa Owners in the field of Aesthetic Medicine. Our Institute is based in Malaysia and has international students from the Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, and other countries. With our insignia of “Be Certified, Be Recognized”, we develop knowledgeable, skilled, and confident Aesthetic practitioners of international repute. Our Aesthetic training focuses on teaching the principles of Aesthetic procedures before venturing into Aesthetic clinical skills. IIWAM training Programs are a combination of Onsite Training, LIVE Online Webinars, and Online Learning. IIWAM is the first Institute in the World to have its Programs assured by City & Guilds of London and certified by European International University. IIWAM is also a registered CPD Training provider with CPD Standards Office in the UK and by CPD Malaysian Medical Association.
In addition, IIWAM Aesthetic & Wellness Centre (https://www.iiwam.ac/wellness) provides scientifically based and clinically proven Aesthetic & Wellness procedures, that are safe, effective & affordable. With an insignia of "For All Your Aesthetic Needs", your treatment programs are customized to suit your needs by our Board-Certified Doctors & Surgeons.
Visit https://www.iiwam.ac for more details