Pigmentation typically refers to the accumulation of pigment particles due to cellular metabolism. Depending on the mechanism of pigmentation, pigmentation can be categorized as freckles, sun spots, melasma, age spots, and pathological pigmentation. Laser freckle removal utilizes the ability of laser light to penetrate affected skin and target the pigment in the affected area, causing it to change and then dissipate, thereby lightening or eliminating the spots. Laser freckle removal directly and selectively targets melanin, causing minimal or no damage to surrounding normal tissue. Compared to medication and surgical treatments, it offers superior results and faster recovery, with results typically lasting one to two years.
Applicable people
Laser freckle removal is suitable for those who have pigmented spots (freckles, coffee spots, age spots, sun spots, chloasma, etc.).
Taboo groups
1. Those who refuse to sign the informed consent form or are under the age of 18 and whose family members oppose their treatment.
2. Those who have too high expectations for treatment and are overly picky.
3. People who are allergic to photosensitivity or taking photosensitivity drugs such as retinoic acid and sulfonamides.
4. Patients with coagulation disorders or taking anticoagulant drugs.
5. Patients with severe systemic diseases or immune diseases.
6. People with scar-prone constitution.
7. Patients with active infection or skin tumor in the treatment area and its surroundings.
8. Those with a history of sun exposure or artificial tanning before treatment.
9. People with mental disorders or those who have been taking certain psychotropic drugs for a long time.
10. Women during menstruation, pregnancy and lactation.
Technical/surgical risks
1. Eye damage: It is mainly caused by improper selection of protective glasses, mainly affecting the cornea and retina. In severe cases, it can lead to corneal perforation and irreversible vision loss.
2. Skin damage: Mainly manifested as burns. High-dose laser can cause burns, erythema, blisters, ulcers, etc. on the skin.
3. Scars: If the operating physician is unprofessional and does not accurately grasp the treatment depth and time, it may cause excessive burning, which may easily form depressed scars or hypertrophic scars and should be treated immediately.
4. Pigmentation: It is mainly caused by the skin’s emergency response to laser stimulation or postoperative inflammatory pigmentation. It usually disappears on its own 2-3 months after surgery.
Postoperative care
After treatment, attention should be paid to local care, drug management, diet conditioning and lifestyle behavior management.
1. Local care: Collagen patch dressing or ice mask can be used after treatment. Do not wash your face with hot water within 5 days after treatment. After drying the treated area, apply a thin layer of ointment until the scab falls off. Do not use other medicines or cosmetics. Avoid sun exposure. Apply sunscreen both indoors and outdoors to prevent sunburn and pigmentation. Do not scratch the dry and itchy treated area. Allow the scab to mature and fall off on its own.
2. Drug management: Appropriate supplementation of vitamin C.
3. Diet adjustment: avoid smoking, drinking, spicy and stimulating foods, and dark-colored foods, such as coffee and cola.
4. Lifestyle management: Do not participate in strenuous exercise to avoid infection caused by sweating; follow the doctor’s instructions and the course of treatment to completely remove the spots; if there are any adverse reactions, you should go to the hospital for a follow-up visit in time.
Preoperative precautions
1. Communicate with your doctor before treatment to understand the specific process, related risks, and possible effects of laser freckle removal, and be mentally prepared.
2. Complete relevant examinations, such as blood routine and coagulation function, to rule out treatment contraindications.
3. If the treatment area has a recent history of surgery, trauma, use of special medications, or implantation of other cosmetic fillers, you must inform your doctor in advance.
4. Before treatment, determine whether there is inflammation, rupture or injury in the treatment area, and delay treatment if necessary.
5. Take photos before treatment and fill out the treatment consent form.
6. Quit smoking 2 weeks before treatment.
7. Before treatment, wash the treatment area thoroughly with soap and water to remove skin oil, residual dirt and cosmetics.
Surgical procedure
The operation process of laser freckle removal mainly includes skin testing, gel application, irradiation, etc.