Laser Freckle Removal

Freckles (ephelides) are small, light brown to medium brown circular spots on the skin. They are often inherited and are more common in fairer skin types, but they can appear across a range of skin.

A few key points patients find reassuring:

• Freckles appear when pigment in freckles becomes more visible after UV exposure.
• They often fade in winter and darken again with exposure to sunlight.
• They are usually flat and sit in the upper layers of the skin.

Freckles are different from moles, and they are different from many other brown marks that develop later in life. During consultation we check that we are dealing with freckles (and not a different skin condition), because diagnosis is the safety step.

How Laser Treatment Clears Freckles

Laser treatment involves delivering controlled laser energy to the melanin in the freckles. The goal is to reduce the visible colour of the freckle while protecting the surrounding skin.

In patient terms:

• The laser is adjusted to the freckle pattern, your skin tone, and the area being treated.
• The freckles may look darker immediately after treatment before they fade.
• Some freckles are removed by the body gradually over days to weeks.

Freckles are small, but they can be numerous. That is why the plan may be a single session for a small cluster, or a short course for broader areas.

Why recurrence is common

Even excellent treatment does not “switch off” the tendency to form freckles. Cells called melanocytes respond to light exposure. If you continue to have regular sun exposure without protection, freckles often return or new ones appear.

Treatable Areas: Face, Shoulders, and Arms

Freckles are most common on areas that see regular daylight:

• face (nose, cheeks, forehead)
• shoulders
• arms and forearms

Treatment takes and number of treatments vary depending on the size of the area, how dark the freckles are, and your skin’s response. We will be honest about the likely downtime and whether time off work is sensible for you.

Am I a Candidate for Freckle Removal?

You may be a good candidate if:

• your marks are consistent with freckles (not a different lesion)
• your skin barrier is healthy
• you can follow pre- and post-treatment instructions
• you understand that freckles can recur and that maintenance is mostly about sun behaviour

When we pause, delay, or advise against treatment

We will pause, delay, or advise against removal treatments if:

• a mark is changing, bleeding, ulcerating, irregular or not clearly benign (assessment first)
• you have recent tanning or sunburn
• you have active dermatitis, infection, or broken skin
• you have a history of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or you are at higher PIH risk
• you are taking photosensitising medication
• you are pregnant or breastfeeding and the treatment is elective (we usually defer)

We take this approach because it protects results — and reduces the risk of causing darker pigmentation in the treated skin.

Our Commitment to Safety & Clinical Expertise

Want to remove freckles for cosmetic reasons is common — but treatment should still be medical-grade and carefully judged. The wrong diagnosis or an overly aggressive traditional laser approach can cause unnecessary irritation and unwanted pigment change.

Your consultation is delivered by one of our medical experts. Your treatment can then be carried out either by the same clinician or by one of our experienced laser therapists, depending on your needs and the treatment plan. This means decisions are made clinically, not commercially.

CQC Regulation & Clinical Oversight

Chiswick Clinic is CQC registered, which means we are inspected against national standards for safety, governance and patient care.

Specialist Laser Credentials

Your consultation is doctor-led. We assess the lesion pattern, confirm suitability, and select the safest settings for your skin tone.

Medical-Grade Technology

We use medical-grade lasers and structured protocols. The aim is controlled improvement with predictable healing.

Insurance & Patient Safety

Appropriate insurance arrangements are in place for medical and laser practice.

Mandatory Patch Testing

Patch testing may be advised depending on skin type, medical history, recent tanning, and previous reactions. Where patch testing is recommended, it becomes a mandatory safety step before we proceed.

Your Treatment Journey: What to Expect

1. Consultation (doctor-led)
   We confirm diagnosis, discuss treatment options, and set expectations. We also discuss recurrence and what maintenance realistically involves.
2. Preparation
   We’ll advise on gentle skincare, avoiding new actives, and planning around sun exposure. If patch testing is needed, we schedule it before the first full treatment.
3. Treatment session
   The session length depends on the size of the area. Most patients describe quick warmth or a sharp snap. We keep the approach measured rather than chasing “maximum power”.
4. Immediately after your treatment
   Skin is a little red and the freckles can look darker than the surrounding skin at first. This can be normal.
5. Healing and review
   How quickly it settles varies. Some patients see early change within 48 hours, while others notice a gradual lightening over the following days.

Pre-Treatment & Aftercare Guidelines

Prior to treatment

• avoid sun exposure and avoid tanning in the area where possible
• do not use self-tan
• tell us about all medications and supplements
• avoid harsh exfoliation and new active products for several days

Aftercare

• use gentle skincare products
• do not pick or scrub the treated area
• follow our written aftercare guidance and allow the skin to heal
• use SPF daily and prioritise sun protection to reduce recurrence