Non-surgical Procedures

Asian freckle laser treatment case study

Article medically reviewed by Dr. Gavin Chan (MBBS, cosmetic doctor, liposuctionist)

Templestowe Lower, Berwick and Beaumaris Clinics

Dr. Gavin Chan has a background in intensive care, anaesthesia, and emergency medicine. Since 2005, Dr. Chan has provided cosmetic procedures, including anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, liposuction and laser treatments. He is a doctor trainer for various dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections. Read More

[youtube src=www.youtube.com/embed/6962u7lWbHA]

 

Freckles on the face may look ‘cute’ but what can you do if you don’t like them? If you’re spending time in the morning covering up your face with makeup and concealer there is a longer lasting solution. Dr Toro Ogundoyin (MBBS, Dip. FSRH, Cosmetic Doctor) used laser treatment on her patient Pamela’s freckles.

Asian freckle laser removal patient

Dr Toro Ogundoyin explained that while Pamela has great skin tone, she wanted to treat her skin pigmentation and freckles. At her in-depth consultation with Dr Toro Ogundoyin Pamela noted “I’m concerned about the freckles on my face. I really hope I can achieve the type of result where I can walk out of the door in the morning with the least amount of makeup on as possible.” A fresh-faced appearance without freckles was her number 1 priority.

Dr Toro Ogundoyin explained, “Gemini lasers are good for Asian freckles because of the depth it penetrates as well as being able to reduce the ‘spot size’ as well. By reducing the spot size it targets the freckle specifically and minimizes the risk to the surrounding skin”. The Gemini laser is usually used to treat freckles on Asian, darker or olive skins. To prevent skin damage, the Gemini laser is fired through a chilled glass window. The Gemini laser is different to other lasers that are sometimes used to treat darker, olive or Asian skin as it provides effective results while offsetting most risks.

Dr Toro Ogundoyin noted, “Asian skin is in particular high risk of developing post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) which is darkening of the skin after any trauma or any inflammation caused by the laser. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can be avoided by preparing the skin well before any lasers are used. This usually won’t happen when the Gemini laser is used to treat Asian freckles.” She added that using the right skincare after freckle laser treatment is important to keep the skin nourished, hydrated and protected.

It’s important to note that laser treatment removal of freckles from Asian skin depends a great deal on the experience and training of the Cosmetic Doctors or Cosmetic Nurses. Optimal results will only occur when the laser settings are personalised for each patient. This highlights the importance of visiting a reputable medical clinic with experience in freckle removal with laser treatment.

What are freckles and why do they occur?

Freckles are small, circular marks on the skin, which are darker than your normal skin tone. Reasonably uniform in colour, freckles are usually the size of a matchstick head. They can start to appear at a young age on sun-exposed areas of the skin, including your arms, hands, shoulders, face and neck. Freckles can become darker in the summer and become lighter or vanish in winter.

Freckles usually appear with recent sun exposure, but you don’t need to have sun exposure to get them. Produced by UVA and UVB radiation, freckles are a result of melanocyte cells becoming activated which increases the production of melanin. Prevention of sun damage by wearing high SPF sunscreens and wearing a hat are important steps towards minimizing your chances of having freckles on your face and body.

What you need to know about the Gemini laser

Asian freckle laser treatment procedure

The Gemini laser is specifically suited for the treatment of skin pigmentation and freckles on Asian skin. To treat capillaries and melanin in the skin (including pigmentation, sunspots and freckles) the 532 nanometres (KTP) frequency is used. The 1064 nanometres (Nd:YAG) frequency is used to treat deeper facial veins, spider leg veins. It can also selectively remove hair follicles.

As the Gemini laser treats freckles and skin pigmentation it causes photo-thermal injury to the melanin that has caused pigmentation. This disrupts the melanin, which is then removed by your body’s immune system. After the freckle laser treatment the freckles get darker, scab and then peel off over a 1 to 2-week period.

Asian laser freckle treatment post procedure

When Dr Toro Ogundoyin reviewed Pamela’s skin 3 weeks after the freckle laser treatment the patient noted, “I’ve definitely seen a big improvement in my skin. Now I don’t have the freckles.”

[youtube src=www.youtube.com/embed/1cx3WH7VPBs]

 

You can view before and after photos of patients who have had freckles removed with laser treatment here.

How you can stop freckles from reappearing after laser treatment

Since 2005, our experienced Cosmetic Doctors and Cosmetic Nurses have been delivering freckle laser removal treatments. It’s important to note that we can’t guarantee that our freckle removal treatment is permanent as due to the normal ageing process and daily sun exposure, freckles may still appear. To prevent freckles from reappearing it is important that you reduce sun exposure and wear high SPF sunscreens with a hat. Sun protection to prevent sun damage is all about the Sun Protection Factor (SPF). This refers to the notional amount of time you can stay in the sun without getting your skin burned.

We suggest you use a physical sunscreen with an SPF of 50, as this would allow you to stay in the sun 50 times longer than you could without protection. Physical sunscreen contains active mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and works by sitting on top of your skin. This type of physical sunscreen ensures the damaging UV rays will deflect and scatter damage away from your skin. For the highest sun protection, we suggest our patients use Aspect Sun Envirostat SPF 50 or Dermaceutic K Ceutic SPF50. To ensure you are using the best sunscreen and sun protection strategy for your freckles and skin, book a consultation with our Skin Therapists using the form below.

The best skincare products to use after your freckle laser treatment

After you’ve had your freckle laser treatment, it’s important to use skincare products that hydrate, nourish and protect your skin. Aspect Dr Active C Serum is a powerful peptide, antioxidant serum that brightens and lightens an even complexion as it tightens and firms your skin. Aspect Extreme B17 is a must-have cosmeceutical serum that delivers exceptional results quickly. Jam-packed with an energizing cocktail of 5 super skin-boosting sea plants this beauty elixir delivers benefits via a patented blend of high octane Vitamin B complex polypeptides. Aspect Extreme B17 reduces the appearance of wrinkles, redness and imperfections as it brightens and smooths skin.

Cosmedix Simply Brilliant is a powerful but gentle brightening formula that targets discoloration to produce more even skin tones. With 10 plant based brightening antioxidant ingredients, Cosmedix Simply Brilliant detoxifies, exfoliates, protects and renews your skin.

Where to get the best freckle laser treatment for Asian skin in Melbourne

Do you want to reduce or lighten the freckles on your face? Since 2005 led by Dr Gavin Chan, our highly trained Cosmetic Doctors and Cosmetic Nurses have successfully treated thousands of people with Asian skin who have freckles. At your consultation, we take the time to discuss the worries you have about your skin.

It’s important to note that only highly trained and experienced Cosmetic Doctors and Cosmetic Nurses should perform freckle laser treatment for Asian skin. Using the wrong type of laser treatment can result in a darkening of skin, known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). To find out more about our professional freckle removal treatments, call us on 1300 863 824