Hi, it’s Doctor Schuler. One of the most common questions I get from patients is: Can you get rid of my freckles?

While freckles and other pigmented spots can be endearing to some, others feel self-conscious about them—especially as they darken with sun exposure.
If you have freckles, sunspots, or other areas of unwanted pigmentation on your face, arms, chest, or anywhere else, modern laser treatments can effectively clear them up.

How Do Lasers Treat Pigmented Lesions?

Pigmented lesions—such as freckles, sunspots, and age spots—are caused by excess melanin in the skin. Lasers target this pigment with precise wavelengths of light, breaking it down into tiny particles that the body naturally removes. This process effectively fades or eliminates the pigmented area without damaging the surrounding skin.

At my practice, I use three types of lasers that are particularly effective for treating pigmented lesions:

• Alexandrite Laser (755 nm) – Fast and Powerful
  I often use an Alexandrite laser, which operates at 755 nanometers—an ideal wavelength for targeting melanin. This laser is highly effective at treating freckles, sunspots, and age spots, especially in people with lighter skin tones.
  Why is the Alexandrite laser great for pigmentation?
  • It selectively targets melanin, leaving surrounding skin unharmed.

• It works quickly, making it ideal for treating larger areas like the arms, back, and décolletage.

• It effectively removes both superficial and deeper pigmented spots.

If you want to fade freckles before summer, now is the perfect time to start treatments. Since sun exposure can reactivate pigmentation, getting laser treatment before the sunny months can help you maintain clearer skin.

• CO₂ Laser – Best for Deep and Stubborn Spots
  The CO₂ laser is a more aggressive option, often used for deeper pigmented lesions and textured skin concerns like scars and wrinkles. Unlike Alexandrite, which primarily targets pigment, CO₂ lasers resurface the skin, removing the pigmented layer while stimulating collagen production.
  • Benefits of the CO₂ laser:
  • Excellent for stubborn pigmented lesions and age-related discoloration.
  • Removes the top layer of skin, revealing brighter, smoother skin underneath.
  • Stimulates new skin cell growth for long-term improvement.

This laser is ideal for patients who want a more comprehensive skin renewal treatment in addition to pigmentation removal.

•  Nd:YAG Laser (1064 nm) – Safe for All Skin Types
  The Nd:YAG laser, which operates at 1064 nanometers, is a go-to option for darker skin tones or deeper pigment that Alexandrite lasers may not treat effectively.
  What makes the Nd:YAG laser unique?
  • It penetrates deeper into the skin, making it effective for melasma and dermal pigmentation.
  • Safe for all skin tones, including darker skin that may be at risk for hyperpigmentation with other lasers.
  • Can also be used to treat vascular lesions (like broken capillaries) along with pigmentation.

What to Expect from Laser Pigmentation Treatments

Most patients see results after just one to three sessions, depending on the severity of their pigmentation. During treatment, you may feel a warm sensation or mild snapping on the skin, but discomfort is minimal. After treatment, the pigmented spots may darken temporarily before flaking off, revealing clearer, more even-toned skin underneath.

Get Summer-Ready Skin Now!

If you’re considering laser treatment for freckles, sunspots, or other pigmented lesions, now is the perfect time. Treating pigmentation before summer reduces the risk of sun-related darkening and ensures you step into the sunny season with radiant, even skin.

Let’s take care of this together—book a consultation today and say goodbye to unwanted pigmentation!