[Conclusion] Key Points of This Survey

To state the conclusion upfront, cases where freckle removal lasers are completed in one session are rare, and the number of treatments required varies greatly from 3 to 10 or more times depending on the type of freckle. While improvement can be expected in about 1-3 sessions for senile lentigines (age spots), melasma requires continuous laser toning for 5-10 or more sessions, and freckles fundamentally require multiple treatments.

58.7% misunderstand that "freckles disappear with one laser treatment."

73.3% do not know that treatment methods differ depending on the type of freckle.

・Only 21.3% correctly understand the difference between melasma and freckles.

Glossary

What are Senile Lentigines (Solar Lentigines)?

Senile lentigines are the most common type of freckle caused by cumulative sun exposure. They appear as distinct, brownish-red pigmented spots and tend to appear on sun-exposed areas such as the face and hands after age 30. Treatment with Q-switched lasers or pico lasers is the primary choice.

What is Melasma?

Melasma is a light brown pigmented spot that appears symmetrically along the cheekbones. It is common in women in their 30s and 40s, and is associated with female hormones and friction stimulation. Standard freckle removal lasers can worsen melasma, requiring special treatment approaches such as laser toning and oral tranexamic acid.

What is Laser Toning?

Laser toning is a treatment method that uniformly irradiates the entire face with low-output Q-switched YAG lasers or pico lasers. It gradually breaks down melanin pigment, making it suitable for freckles with a risk of worsening with high-output lasers, such as melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Comparison of Treatment Methods, Frequencies, and Costs by Freckle Type

Comparison Item

Senile Lentigines

Melasma

Freckles

Main Treatment Method

Q-switched / Pico Laser

Laser Toning + Oral Medication

Pico Laser / IPL

Required Treatment Frequency

1-3 sessions

5-10+ sessions

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: News