Laser Freckle Removal

As we age, we accumulate sun damage through freckles and sunspots. Sunspots are flat, brown spots that form on the body’s parts, most frequently hit by direct sunlight. Repeated ultraviolet light exposure stimulates pigment cells, called melanocytes, to increase melanin production, which causes increased skin pigmentation. While increased melanin production is a protective measure to prevent our skin from burning, it has the unfortunate side effect of creating new dark spots and freckles on individuals of all skin types. Luckily, Dr. Michele Green in NYC employs the most cutting-edge laser treatments to permanently remove sunspots for a clear, beautiful complexion. Laser treatments are a highly effective option for treating freckles and other brown spots from sun damage.

Over the past two decades, lasers have become popular for treating many skin conditions, including freckle removal. Dr. Green offers a wide variety of non-invasive lasers to safely and effectively remove freckles and sunspots in patients with all skin types and tones. Patients with fair skin can turn to the Fraxel laser for total skin rejuvenation or the AlexTrivantage laser to eliminate discrete sunspots across the face and body. The Helios 785 laser is specifically formulated to treat pigmentation in sensitive Asian skin without the risk of scarring or hyperpigmentation. The Clear+Brilliant laser, often called the “mini-Fraxel,” is a safe and effective freckle removal treatment for individuals of all skin types and tones. These lasers all work differently to eliminate pigmentation for clear, healthy skin without long recovery times or side effects. Whether you’re looking to treat a few freckles or a large area of sun spots, Dr. Green has a laser for you.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with expertise in treating freckles, sunspots, and other forms of hyperpigmentation with lasers. Dr. Green is consistently rated as a top dermatologist in NYC by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, Super Doctors, and The New York Times due to her expertise and dedication to her patients. She is uniquely skilled at using innovative laser treatments to eliminate sunspots and pigmentation across the face and body. When you consult with Dr. Green in her private Upper East Side dermatology office, she will choose the best laser for your specific skin type, tone, and concerns to leave you with clear, smooth, radiant skin.

Skin Pigmentation: Freckles, Sunspots, and Age Spots

Freckles, sunspots, and age spots are small, flat areas of darker skin that appear on the body due to overexposure to the sun. Excessive sun exposure can also lead to various skin cancers and premature signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. When your skin is exposed to the sun, its natural reaction is to produce melanin, which helps to block UV radiation from further damaging our DNA and skin. Sometimes, the sun causes an uneven increase in melanin production. This excess melanin clumps up and spills between skin cells, creating freckles and other dark spots. The body’s response mechanism to sun exposure results in new sunspots, brown spots, and dark spots on the face and body. Over time, without proper sun protection, they tend to become darker, more prominent, and more numerous.

Freckles, sunspots, and age spots are harmless and do not require medical treatment. Many patients, however, treat age spots for cosmetic reasons, to create an even skin tone, and to restore a more youthful appearance. It’s important to note that if any dark spots on the skin change in size or color, it indicates that the skin spot could be cancerous. In such cases, it’s crucial to consult a board-certified dermatologist, like Dr. Green in NYC, who can accurately diagnose and, if necessary, treat the condition. Dr. Green has over two and a half decades of experience in dermatology, including the medical treatment of skin cancer and cosmetic removal of dark spots. Regardless of the type of dark spots or age spots, Dr. Green is here to help.

Does laser treatment remove freckles?

Laser treatment is a safe and effective option for removing unwanted freckles and liver spots. Various lasers, from Fraxel to Alex Trivantage, are FDA-approved to fade freckles and other sunspots on the body. In addition to laser treatments, freckles can also be treated with topical products and chemical peels. When you consult with a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green, she will evaluate your entire face and often uses a combination of lasers and skincare products to give you the aesthetic results you desire.

Does laser freckle removal work?

Yes! Lasers are an effective and permanent treatment for freckles. In some cases, multiple laser treatments are necessary to remove freckles altogether, but the result is expected to be permanent after the freckle is completely removed. Laser treatment to remove freckles should be performed by an experienced board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green to guarantee the best results. It is important to know that new freckles can appear on other skin parts if exposed to excessive sun and UV light.

How does laser freckle removal work?

Laser therapy removes freckles by targeting the pigment-producing cells in the skin. The lasers emit a specific wavelength of light absorbed by the melanocytes, leaving the other skin cells unharmed. Each laser’s unique wavelength makes it more effective for different skin conditions and types. The light from the laser heats up the pigment and destroys it, which is then removed from the skin through a natural process, ultimately resulting in radiant, even skin.

Which laser is best for freckle removal?

Multiple lasers can remove freckles, but one is not inherently better than another. Each has unique benefits that can help you achieve your desired skin rejuvenation. Some of the common lasers are the Picosure, Alex-Trivantage, Fraxel, Clear+Brilliant, and IPL. Some lasers are unsafe for darker skin tones, so you should always receive laser treatment with a board-certified dermatologist. At your initial consultation with Dr. Green, she will evaluate your skin tone and freckles before working with you to create a treatment plan for your needs.

Candela Alex-Trivantage Laser for sunspot removal

The Candela Alex-Trivantage laser is one of Dr. Green’s office’s most popular laser treatments for treating sun spots. With Q-switched laser technology, the treatment works by emitting wavelengths of light that target excess melanin or pigment directly. The light is absorbed into the melanin-rich brown spots, where it is then transformed into heat, which destroys the melanin there. Due to how the laser specifically targets melanin, this treatment is safe for patients of Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV. Dr. Green will typically recommend one or two treatments of the Candela Alex-Trivantage laser to reduce the appearance of sunspots. The healing time necessary is minimal – typically, a small scab will form over the sunspot while the surrounding skin remains unaffected. The scab will heal about a week after the treatment, and the hyperpigmentation will be significantly reduced. After laser treatment, the photosensitivity of the skin increases, making it more susceptible to ultraviolet light and sun damage. Limiting sun exposure in the treatment area and utilizing proper sun protection, including a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 50, is essential.

Fraxel Laser for Freckle Removal

Fraxel is a safe laser treatment for Fitzpatrick skin types I through III to treat a myriad of skin conditions, including age spots, sun damage, fine lines, acne scars, melasma, and more. The laser operates on two distinct wavelengths, 1927 and 1550 nm, to stimulate collagen production in various dermis layers. The two wavelengths treat different skin conditions, with 1927 best used for hyperpigmentation, age spots, and sun damage, and 1550 for fine lines, acne scars, and improving skin texture. When used together, the two wavelengths of the Fraxel laser can work for total facial rejuvenation—improving brown spots on the face and eliminating fine lines and creases for a lighter, brighter, more youthful appearance. The fractional laser technology targets ultra-precise treatment areas while leaving the surrounding skin unaffected and the epidermis intact, allowing for minimal side effects and downtime after treatment. The most common side effects include mild redness, which typically resolves within 48 hours of treatment. When treated with the 1927nm wavelength setting for sunspots and pigmentation, patients may experience a rough sandpaper texture to the skin for an additional three to five days. This slight peeling is necessary to exfoliate and remove pigmented skin cells, allowing for new, clear cells to come to the skin’s surface. The cosmetic effects of Fraxel usually start to become observable within four weeks; however, most patients require an average of three treatment sessions spaced four weeks apart for the best results. Fraxel is the safest laser treatment for patients with lighter skin tones. Dangerous side effects or poor cosmetic results can occur in patients with darker skin tones if the device interacts with melanin in the skin, causing hyperpigmentation, burning, or scarring.

Clear + Brilliant Laser to treat sun damage

The Clear + Brilliant laser, often referred to as the “mini-Fraxel” laser, is a gentle laser resurfacing treatment that was FDA-approved in 2011 for all skin types, even Fitzpatrick types V and VI. Using fractionated laser technology, Clear + Brilliant creates millions of microscopic treatment zones in the face, stimulates new collagen production, removes dead skin cells, and produces healthy new skin. Clear + Brilliant treats sun damage, sunspots, uneven skin tone, irregular skin texture, fine lines, and enlarged pore size. Patients of all skin tones, including darker complexions, can benefit from Clear + Brilliant laser treatment for total facial rejuvenation. Immediate improvement is noted after just one laser treatment, with continued improvement with each subsequent Clear + Brilliant session. Five treatments spaced one month apart are typically recommended for optimal results. There is zero downtime associated with the Clear + Brilliant laser, making it an excellent option for removing sunspots and producing beautiful, younger-looking skin.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to remove sunspots

The Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) laser treatment, or photo facial, treats a variety of skin concerns, including sunspots, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, skin laxity, and even laser hair removal. Intense Pulsed Light differs from laser resurfacing in that while lasers typically use a single wavelength of light, IPL lasers use several different wavelengths of light to treat various skin conditions. The flash of light emitted from the IPL device travels to the dermal layer of the skin to destroy the melanin-rich cells in the sunspot. The IPL treatment is quick and effective, with minimal discomfort and no downtime. However, Dr. Green recommends avoiding sun exposure as much as possible and wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat, whenever you are outdoors. IPL is safe for use on Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV.

Picosure Helios 785 Laser Treatment for Sun Spots in Asian Skin

In 2022, the Helios 785 received FDA approval for the treatment of freckles and other skin conditions. This laser uses a Q-switched Nd: YAG laser that merges Pico and Nanotechnologies for indications, including tattoo removal, benign pigmented lesions, skin brightening, and toning. The laser has multiple wavelengths and handpieces, allowing for its many functions. The various components allow for individualized treatments for patients of many skin tones. Data on the Helios laser indicates that it is safer for people with Fitzpatrick skin Type III-IV, specifically for Asian skin. Asian skin is much more sensitive to laser treatments and can often experience worse results afterward through post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The Helios 785 laser is the first to treat sunspots in Asian skin without this risk. In clinical studies, treatment with the Helios laser for freckles on Asian skin resulted in decreased melanin, and the pigmented lesions showed clinical improvements without adverse effects. There is zero downtime with the Helios laser, making it an excellent option for Asian people looking for even, glowing skin.

Best Skincare Routine to prevent sunspots

A proper skincare regimen is essential for maintaining the results of laser treatments and preventing the development of new freckles and sunspots. Dr. Green creates a unique pigment protocol for each patient, designed with safe and effective topical serums, moisturizers, and creams for facial rejuvenation. When you consult with Dr. Green in her private New York City dermatology office, she will recommend specific skincare products that address your sunspots and skin type. Her MGSKINLABs skincare line carries the best skin-lightening lotions and creams to help you generate healthy, radiant skin.

The most important step in any skincare routine is using sunscreen to protect the skin from harmful UV rays and free radical damage. It is crucial to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 50 every day, regardless of the weather outside. Sunscreen should be reapplied every 90 minutes or after swimming. For maximum protection, patients can layer both a physical and chemical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens work as a barrier on the skin against harmful UV rays and contain ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Chemical sunscreens convert UV rays into heat and release them from the body; these sunscreens contain ingredients such as oxybenzone and avobenzone. MGSKINLAB’s Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50 is formulated to keep the skin moisturized and plump while protecting it from sun damage and damaging free radicals.

Hydroquinone is a topical skin-lightening agent that inhibits melanin production and prevents melanin from moving to the epidermis. Hydroquinone is only available through a prescription from a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green. Although creams containing hydroquinone are considered a gold standard for reducing hyperpigmentation, many patients experience skin irritation and redness with its usage. Additionally, as hydroquinone increases the photosensitivity of the skin, it should not be used during the daytime or summer. Instead, Dr. Green often recommends non-hydroquinone creams and serums containing tranexamic acid, which reduces melanin’s movement to the epidermis. Tranexamic acid is safe for sensitive skin and can be used effectively throughout the day and summer to lighten sunspots and pigmentation.

In conjunction with these creams, Dr. Green’s Vita-C serum can help decrease sunspots and unwanted skin discoloration, reduce redness, and brighten the skin. Vitamin C increases cell turnover rate, removing dead, pigmented skin cells to reveal healthy, bright cells underneath. Vitamin C also contains powerful antioxidant properties to protect the skin from free radical damage and oxidative stress.

Can laser treatment remove freckles?

Yes! Multiple lasers can remove freckles and other sunspots. Laser treatments specifically target the pigment within freckles to remove them without harming normal skin cells. These laser treatments are often performed in a dermatologist’s office, like Dr. Michele Green’s, where treatment is safely and effectively performed to remove your freckles. In addition, many laser treatments that remove freckles also have anti-aging and overall skin rejuvenation effects.

Chemical Peels for pigmentation removal treatment

In addition to the many laser treatments for freckles and hyperpigmentation, chemical peels can effectively lighten hyperpigmented spots to reveal glowing, even skin. The Cosmelan peel and Mesopeel are among the most popular chemical peels provided at Dr. Michele Green’s private dermatology office for lightening dark skin. In addition, TCA peels (trichloroacetic acid peels) have consistently been a top favorite to remove sun spots and pigmentation for most skin tones.

The Cosmelan peel is a depigmentation treatment mask that removes dark spots and regulates melanin production to prevent their reappearance. Excessive melanin production can result in hyperpigmented spots and melasma. The Cosmelan peel can eliminate or reduce melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation associated with acne scars, skin discoloration from excess sun exposure, and other forms of hyperpigmentation. The Cosmelan Peel is a unique, multi-ingredient chemical treatment designed to reduce the skin’s natural melanin production by inhibiting certain enzymes, providing an even complexion. Dr. Green will apply a Cosmelan peel to your skin, and she will then instruct you on how long the peel should remain in place. The patient removes the peel at home after a specific number of hours, depending on the type of hyperpigmentation. The patient returns three weeks later for follow-up after the peel. A touch-up of Cosmelan peel treatment may be needed to treat any residual pigmentation. In addition to the peel, the patient uses a depigmentation system of specially formulated creams at home to reduce hyperpigmentation or melasma, which may include hydroquinone, tranexamic acid, arbutin, vitamin K cream, and sunscreen, which complements the peel for best results.

A Mesopeel is a chemical peel that can address facial and body hyperpigmentation from melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and sun exposure. Delicate areas of the body such as the inner thighs, groin, axillae, face, and under eyes may be impacted by hyperpigmentation. The Mesopeel was designed to be used on these sensitive areas, where other harsher chemical peels cannot be used. Mesopeels gently treat hyperpigmentation by decreasing the melanin that leads to dark spots. The treatment includes peptides encouraging the skin to renew, revealing softer, brighter skin that is more even in tone and texture.

To achieve and maintain the best cosmetic results, patients must limit sun exposure and use proper sun protection after either of these chemical peels. Sun exposure to the treatment area can worsen the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots even after the treatment is complete. When you have your depigmentation treatment with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, she will provide you with the homecare guidelines, including an ideal skincare regimen, to ensure you get the best skin rejuvenation results.

Laser hair removal

Dr. Green’s private Upper East Side dermatology office has the most innovative laser treatments to deliver fast, safe, and effective removal of unwanted hair. Lasers for hair removal target the melanin in the hair shaft, heating it and ultimately destroying the hair follicle and leaving the surrounding skin unharmed. Unlike other practices, Dr. Green carries two different lasers to treat patients of both lighter and darker skin tones. The Candela GentleLase laser is suited for lighter skin tones for permanent hair removal. The procedure is painless, removing hair while simultaneously cooling the skin to maximize comfort.

Patients with Asian, Latin, Mediterranean, Indian, African American, or tanned skin can look forward to unwanted hair reduction with the Candela GentleYag laser. The GentleYag is a Nd: YAG laser designed to safely remove hair for all darker skin tones without any adverse side effects. Both the GentleLase and GentleYag lasers require no downtime, allowing patients to resume their daily activities immediately following treatment. During the laser hair removal process, the hair follicles in the growth phase are damaged, while those in the dormant stage are unaffected. To treat all hair follicles, multiple treatment sessions, spaced four to eight weeks apart, are recommended for permanent hair reduction in a given treatment area.

How much does laser freckle removal cost?

The cost of using lasers to treat freckles varies depending on the geographical location of the service, the laser being used, the number of freckles being treated, and the provider’s experience. When you have your initial consultation appointment with Dr. Green, she will assess the treatment area and determine the laser that will work best for your specific skin type and concerns. After that assessment, her office can provide you with a better estimate of the total cost of the treatment.

Is laser freckle removal safe?

Yes! You can expect a quick and safe procedure when an expert, board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green performs your laser treatment. However, there can be risks if you seek treatment at a med spa with an inexperienced provider. Some skin cancers can look like freckles, so you should always be evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist, like Dr. Green, before receiving any laser therapy. A dermatologist will tell you which lesions and growths are benign, such as lentigines and keratoses. At your initial consultation with Dr. Green, she will review your complete medical history and explain what types of freckles you have and what removal treatment options she recommends for discoloration.

Is freckle removal permanent?

When you receive laser treatment to remove your freckles and sun spots, you can expect the treatment to be permanent. Some patients may require multiple treatments for permanent results. Additionally, while the treated freckle should not return, you may develop new freckles in sun-exposed areas. To prevent new freckles from forming, you must apply consistent SPF. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 is best for maximum protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

What skincare should you use after laser freckle removal?

After laser freckle removal, it’s essential to use specific products for best results. Following the procedure, applying lotion and avoiding exposing your new skin to the sun is critical to protect and keep it hydrated. It’s also crucial to avoid using active ingredients like hydroquinone, retinoids, or exfoliating products for a few days after the treatment. The best skincare products are gentle cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreen. It’s crucial to strictly avoid the sun after laser freckle removal and to use proper sun protection, including sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher. Dr. Green recommends layering two different sunscreens on the skin, one chemical-based with oxybenzone and one with a physical block like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. When consulting with Dr. Green about freckle removal options, she will create a personalized plan to ensure you receive the best care.

How old do you have to be to get laser freckle removal?

Adults over the age of 18 can be candidates for laser freckle removal. However, laser treatment cannot be performed on patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Additionally, lasers cannot be used in areas with active conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, or cold sores. Patients interested in laser treatment to remove freckles should consult a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green to confirm that laser treatment is correct.

What are the side effects of laser freckle removal?

Few side effects are associated with laser freckle removal, depending on the type of laser used. For instance, Clear+Brilliant treatment is associated with no side effects, while patients treated with Fraxel may experience redness in the treatment area. Any redness from a procedure will resolve on its own within two days of treatment. Additionally, patients treated with AlexTrivantage may experience small scabs in the treatment area that fall off within a week of treatment to reveal new, healthy skin underneath. As the skin can become sensitive after treatment, practicing proper sun protection and avoiding excess sun exposure to the treatment area is essential. Additionally, patients should refrain from using retinoids or hydroxy acids to avoid irritating the skin while it heals. At your initial consultation with expert dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, she will be able to explain all treatment expectations and potential side effects before administering treatment.

Does laser freckle removal hurt?

No, laser treatments are not painful. Patients may experience warmth and stinging during the procedure, but the pain is minimal. For some procedures, like the Fraxel laser, Dr. Green will prescribe a topical numbing agent to be applied one hour before treatment to manage any potential discomfort. Once you arrive at Dr. Green’s office in the Upper East Side, the numbing cream will be removed, and the skin will be sterilized in preparation for the laser treatment.

How long does it take for laser freckle removal to heal?

Most laser treatments have no associated downtime, so no associated healing exists. After treatment with the Clear+Brilliant laser, there is no downtime, and the skin will only be a little pink, so you can go about everyday activities immediately. However, treatment with the Fraxel laser has some associated redness and peeling, which typically resolves after several days. Before you receive any laser treatment at her private dermatology office, Dr. Green will inform you of any downtime or aftercare instructions.

Does laser pigmentation removal work?

Yes! Lasers can remove hyperpigmentation by targeting the melanocytes in the skin. The laser heats up the melanin and breaks it down, fading the affected skin and creating glowing, even skin. Because the laser treatments for hyperpigmentation only target the pigment, they can be safely used on the entire face to correct any hyperpigmentation.

Does laser remove freckles permanently?

Yes! Laser freckle removal is permanent. Some patients may require multiple treatments for the freckles to resolve completely, but results will last indefinitely after achieving an even skin tone. However, laser treatment does not prevent you from developing new freckles elsewhere on the face. Consistent sun protection use is paramount to maintaining the best results. At MGSKINLABs, Dr. Green recommends both a chemical sunscreen, which absorbs into the skin, and physical sunscreen, which sits on top of the skin, to protect against harmful UV rays. Anytime you are outside when the sun is most intense – between 10 am and 3 pm – always wear sunscreen and protective clothing.

How do you get started with laser freckle removal today?

Freckles and sunspots occur for two main reasons: genetics and sun exposure. While sun spots aren’t dangerous and don’t require medical treatment, many patients choose to have sun spot treatment for cosmetic reasons. If you want to treat some of your freckles or sunspots, the first step is to consult an expert board-certified dermatologist. With over 25 years of experience treating patients with discoloration and hyperpigmentation, Dr. Green has the knowledge to provide individualized care to all her patients. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will work with you to eliminate age spots and restore a clear, radiant, beautiful complexion that lasts.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing some of the world’s most discerning individuals with the best non-invasive cosmetic procedures, including lasers for freckle removal, Botox, and dermal filler injectables. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach and embraces a less-is-more philosophy regarding skin rejuvenation, customizing each patient’s treatment plan to include a unique combination of in-office procedures and specially formulated skincare products best to suit their particular skin concerns and aesthetic goals. She is consistently identified as one of New York City’s best dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, Super Doctors, and the New York Times for her dedication to her patients and expertise. To get started with your personalized sun spot treatment plan with Dr. Green, schedule a consultation by calling the NYC office at 212-535-3088 or contacting us online today.