Successful Removal of Freckles in Asian Skin with a Q-Switched Alexandrite Laser

BACKGROUND.: Although freckles are light-brown macules most frequently observed in individuals with red or blond hair and blue or gray eyes, freckles are common to Asian people, including Koreans. Treatment may be requested on cosmetic grounds. OBJECTIVE.: The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the Q-switched alexandrite laser (wavelength 755 nm; pulse width 100 nsec) in treating the 197 cases of Asian skin with freckles and to observe any side effects such as pigmentary changes or scarring. METHODS.: One hundred ninety-seven patients with freckles were treated with the Q-switched alexandrite laser at 8-week intervals and clinically analyzed. RESULTS.: More than 76% removal of freckles required an average of 1.5 treatment sessions with 7.0 J/cm2. No scarring, long-standing pigmentary changes, or textural changes were seen in laser-irradiated skin. CONCLUSION.: The Q-switched alexandrite laser is a safe and highly effective modality for removing freckles without scarring or permanent pigmentary changes in Asian skin.