Skin spots can be a cosmetic concern for many people. If you are looking for an effective solution to reduce spots, including hyperpigmentation, sunspots, acne spots or age spots, laser treatment could be the answer you are looking for.
At Living Clinic, a cosmetic medicine clinic located in Porto, we have a complete therapeutic arsenal to deal with different types of skin spots. One of the treatments we offer is the fractional CO2 laser, which, in addition to lightening the spots, is considered the gold standard in laser technology for facial rejuvenation.
Before we dive into the details of laser treatments, it’s important to understand the different types of skin spots and their causes.
Different types of skin spots
Spots on the skin can be triggered by several factors, such as excessive exposure to the sun, hormonal changes, aging, genetic predisposition and even pregnancy.
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation occurs when there is an increase in the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. It usually occurs after an inflammatory condition in the skin. This can result in dark or uneven patches on specific areas of the face or body.
Melasma
Melasma is a chronic form of hyperpigmentation that mainly affects women. It is characterized by brown or dark gray spots that usually appear on the face, mainly on the cheeks, forehead, nose and upper lip. Treatment for melasma requires a broad dermatological approach, based on photoprotection.
Sunspots
Sunspots are caused by excessive exposure to the sun over time. They can vary in size and colour, appearing mainly in areas of the body most exposed to sunlight, such as the face, shoulders and arms.
Acne spots (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)
Acne spots are a common consequence of inflammatory or untreated acne. They may leave dark or red marks on the skin after the healing process.
Freckles
Freckles are small spots of a darker colour that generally appear on people with fair skin, especially on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face and shoulders.
In addition to these, there are many other types of spots, some of which are even skin cancers, such as lentigo maligna melanoma. It is therefore essential to have a dermatological consultation before carrying out any intervention.
CO2 Laser skin benefits
- Effectiveness
Fractional CO2 laser treatment is a highly effective option for treating skin spots. Countless patients have already achieved impressive results in reducing hyperpigmentation, sunspots, acne spots and freckles.
- Skin renovation
In addition to treating spots, the fractional CO2 laser also stimulates the production of collagen in the skin, improving its texture, firmness and elasticity. This results in a more rejuvenated and healthier overall appearance.
- Long-lasting results
Although the number of sessions required may vary according to each case, the results of laser treatment for skin spots are long-lasting. However, it is important to remember that adequate sun protection and ongoing skin care are essential to maintaining long-term results.
- Quick recovery
After treatment with the fractional CO2 laser, it is common for some redness and sensitivity to appear on the treated skin. However, most patients can resume their normal daily activities within a short time, with the proper application of repair creams and sunscreen.
- Safety and precision
The fractional CO2 laser is a safe and precise procedure when carried out by experienced doctors, as is the case at Living Clinic, where we have Dr. Paola Halfeld, Dermatologist, responsible for laser treatments. Furthermore, the clinic has invested in state-of-the-art equipment and complies with all health and safety standards and regulations.
Treating skin spots with Fractional CO2 Laser
Living Clinic offers several treatments for skin spots, with the fractional CO2 laser being an excellent option, especially when facial rejuvenation is also desired. This procedure is highly effective as it has demonstrated visible and long-lasting results.
Fractional CO2 laser treatment is safe and non-invasive. During the session, the physician will apply the laser to the affected area of the skin, adjusting it according to the intensity needed to treat each patient.
Advantages of the Fractional CO2 Laser over the Conventional CO2 Laser
While the conventional (non-fractionated) CO2 laser emits a continuous beam of light that reaches the entire treated area, the fractional CO2 laser uses a technology in which the light beam is divided into thousands of microbeams. In this way, the fractional CO2 laser creates areas of microinjuries permeated by areas of intact skin. This results in faster recovery time compared to non-fractionated laser, which targets the entire surface of the skin. In the same sense, there is a significant reduction in side effects, such as redness, swelling and risk of infections.
Fractional technology allows for a more precise and safe treatment. Furthermore, this type of laser can be adjusted to different levels of intensity, depth and treatment patterns, making it suitable for a wide range of skin conditions such as acne scars, wrinkles, dark spots, stretch marks and other dermatological problems.
Duration of a Fractional CO2 Laser session
The application of fractional CO2 Laser for global facial treatment (full face) lasts on average 20 to 30 minutes. However, we ask the patient to reserve an hour for the session as it includes application of the anaesthesia cream protocol and pre-treatment skin disinfection, in addition to all guidance regarding the procedure.
Recommended number of sessions
1 to 5 sessions may be recommended, with an interval of 1 to 3 months. The number of sessions and the interval between them varies according to the indication for treatment.
What results to expect?
The fractional CO2 laser works by stimulating collagen production in the skin and promoting cell regeneration. Therefore, the expected result is smoother and more luminous skin, with uniform colour, and reduction or disappearance of spots or wrinkles.
The results of fractional CO2 laser treatment begin to be visible after 2-3 weeks, with progressive improvement with each session and over the subsequent months.
What is the price for a Fractional CO2 Laser treatment for skin spots?
The price will depend on the area to be treated. Schedule a consultation and find out how much your treatment will cost.
Fractional CO2 Laser Before and After
Discover the complete case in Laser CO2 Before and After.
Other facial treatments
Intense Pulsed Light
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a versatile technology, capable of treating sun spots such as melanosis and freckles, acne spots, and also various types of vascular lesions, such as vascular spots, fine vessels on the face and rosacea.
Chemical Peeling
Chemical peels are an excellent option for treating spots on the face and can even be used to treat melasma. Another interesting indication is for the treatment of inflammatory acne, which usually causes many spots on the face.
Morpheus8
In addition to the fractional CO2 laser, Morpheus 8 is also a very effective treatment for long-lasting skin rejuvenation and uniformity of skin tone.
Morpheus 8 is a fractional radiofrequency microneedling treatment, whose microtraumas stimulate cell renewal and the production of uniform melanin, resulting in clearer and more homogeneous skin over time.
Find out more about facial microneedling to treat skin spots.
Schedule an appointment
Don’t wait any longer to substantially reduce blemishes on your face. Schedule an appointment today at our Cosmetic Medicine Clinic in Porto!
Professionals
Dr. Paola Halfeld is a specialist in Dermatology from the Brazilian Medical Association and holds a Master in Public Health from the University of Porto. She completed her degree in Medicine at Estácio de Sá University in Rio de Janeiro. Subsequently, she completed her integrated master’s degree in medicine at the University of Algarve, registering with the Portuguese Medical Society in 2020.
She is a member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology and a member of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.
During her training, she completed internships at leading institutions such as the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) and the National Cancer Institute (INCA). She was a fellow in aesthetic dermatology and trichology (an area of dermatology that studies and treats hair disorders).
Dr. Halfeld is a regular participant in medical conferences and events, contributing to scientific communications as main author and co-author, in addition to numerous courses and training courses in many areas of dermatology. She recently presented her master’s study at the World Congress of Dermatology in Singapore.
Dr. Halfeld has a special interest in the treatment of diseases affecting the scalp and hair and in cosmetic dermatology. It is her practice to perform a complete physical examination for skin cancer screening in all her patients.
Schedule an appointment
- Do you want to know more information about a treatment?
- Do you want to know more about Living Clinic?
- Do you want our team’s opinion?
- Do you want to make an appointment?
