Freckle-faced patients, whether they have a single irritating lentigo or a face full of mottling, have many options for achieving clearer, more even-toned skin. Derms have a variety of tools to fade freckles. Dermatologists can use topical treatments, more aggressive lasers, and light sources, or a combination of both, depending on the perceived concern of a patient.
According to dermatologist Tina West, M.D., in Chevy Chase, Maryland, patients frequently present with freckle-related complaints. Most of the time, she uses the pigment-specific 532-nm Q-switched Nd to get rid of her freckles: a YAG laser.
According to Dr. West, “people complaining of aged skin typically have a combination of dynamic wrinkles of the upper face, mottled pigment, and wrinkles around the nasolabial fold and mouth.” Retinoids and other topicals are frequently used to even out the pigment in the skin. To even out the background, we might also use chemical peels or microdermabrasion. The discrete brown spots are then the focus of laser treatments because, as far as I am aware, this is the only option that can eliminate freckles in one treatment.”
However, Dr. West typically finds that treating the surrounding skin mottling with peels or microdermabrasion helps patients with freckle-covered faces. She will occasionally use a course of six weeks of Tri-Luma Cream (Galderma); then, use a retinoid. Tri-Luma, which consists of 4% hydroquinone, 0.01% acetonide, and 0.05% tretinoin, assists in accelerating the process of skin lightening. However, it has not been demonstrated to be safe when used for prolonged periods of time, according to Dr. West. Dr. West uses the laser to target any remaining lentigines if patients want them removed once the skin tone is more even.
Dr. West claims that the 532-nm Q-switched Nd: YAG causes an instant ash-white appearance or whitening of the tissue, indicating high tissue absorbance and a favorable treatment outcome. After five to ten minutes, the treated area develops purpura.
Patients are instructed to apply an antibiotic ointment to their faces for two days by her. They can then apply makeup, and most of them have clear skin in a week.
Dr. West doesn’t utilize extraordinary beat light treatment to treat spots however says the treatment is a choice. The advantage of IPL versus treatment with the YAG laser is that, in certain states, a non-doctor can play out the treatment, and there is negligible purpura a while later. The drawback is that lentigines typically disappear after three to five treatments.
The treatment of lentigines with photodynamic therapy is yet another option. The therapy causes little discomfort, but it can also cause minor crusting and purpura, and patients remain photosensitive for up to 24 hours after the treatment.
When patients have a lot of skin changes that are precancerous, such as actinic keratoses, Dr. West uses photodynamic therapy to treat lentigines. Utilizing both YAG laser treatments and the pulsed dye laser is yet another option. Dr. West treats the entire face with the YAG laser, but this time in a diffuse mode; Then, she usually uses the pulsed dye laser and the YAG laser alternately for her treatments.