Today, we will delve into how to easily eliminate annoying spots, as well as the frequency and effectiveness of treatments—questions often asked in outpatient clinics. Many patients are curious: “Doctor, how many treatments will it take for me to see results?”
We often see people sharing videos about removing spots, and most of these success stories are based on real treatment processes. Through laser technology, many spots can show significant improvement in a short time. Let’s explore the types of spots, treatment methods, and the number of required treatments.
Currently, the most common and easily removable spots include freckles, sunspots, and age spots. Freckles and sunspots typically appear flat, have a subtle texture, yet are very noticeable; whereas age spots are usually larger with clearly defined borders. Freckles commonly appear in young individuals and are often influenced by genetic factors, while sunspots are primarily related to long-term sun exposure and are more common in middle-aged individuals.
Freckles generally begin to form around puberty, with their color changing with the seasons—becoming darker in summer and slightly improved in winter. In contrast, sunspots gradually form in individuals in their thirties and forties, closely related to prolonged sun exposure. If the edges of the spots are clear, laser treatment often yields better results. Darker spots are also easier to treat than lighter ones.
As for age spots, although they may be difficult to remove when they first appear, treatment becomes more effective when the spots have darkened and become more pronounced. Typically, after one to three sessions of laser treatment, significant lightening can be achieved, but it’s important to understand that lasers cannot completely eliminate all spots; they can only improve their color and condition.
Following laser treatment, there may be slight redness, but the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is relatively low. However, for patients over fifty, the results may vary slightly; the skin surrounding the spots may darken a bit, but this will self-correct over time. Some patients may also opt for cryotherapy as an alternative, but lasers remain a more direct option.
Common machines used in spot treatment include picosecond lasers and nanosecond lasers. Picosecond lasers are very skin-friendly and effectively reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, whereas the nanosecond laser at 532 nm targets melanin absorption and carries a relatively higher risk of inflammation. The nanosecond laser encompasses both 1064 and 532 nm wavelengths, providing different treatment effects for varying colors of spots.
Regardless of the therapy you choose, understanding the nature of the spots and the appropriate treatment methods can help you achieve better results on your journey to remove them.