Director of Cosmetic Surgery,

University of Illinois Chicago

Department  of Dermatology

Oakbrook Center Mall

Oak Brook, Illinois

(630) 928-0240

Jeffrey  Melton, M.D., S.C.,

link to us

drmelton.com

Freckle removal:

Freckle removal is easily achieved with lasers.  Before lasers, it was difficult to remove freckles because the lesions are so small.  But with laser, the treatment can be pinpointed at even a very small spot.  Other methods used to remove freckles include laser resurfacing, Retin-A, and chemical peels.  Laser resurfacing is a pretty significant procedure to recover from, so it is usually done only when there is severe sun damage or undesired wrinkles to remove as well.  Retin-A is a good treatment, but good results take several to many months of use of the product.  Chemical peels are of two main types, superficial, and deeper.  The superficial peels, such as glycolic peels, are able to remove freckles, but usually with many repeated treatments.  The deeper peels will get rid of freckles all at once, but recovery is more significant.

The advantage of the newer laser systems is that the laser energy is absorbed selectively by the color of the freckle, avoiding harm to the surrounding skin.  This is desirable, particularly on the face. 

What are freckles?  Freckles are small, pigmented lesions, often found on the face, arms, legs, and back.  They are a result of sun exposure, usually at an early age.