Hello.
I am Dr. Dong-young Kim, Director of Cleor Clinic Hongdae Branch.
"My freckles don't go away even though I apply sunscreen diligently."
Many people come to us with this concern.
There is a reason why topical applications alone cannot solve the problem.
Freckles and blemishes are not just on the skin surface,
but are caused by the overproduction of melanin pigment deep within the epidermal layer.
Repeated exposure to UV rays
overactivates the melanocytes inside the skin,
resulting in clusters that appear like spots.
To reduce thispigmentation, energy must
precisely reachthe inner layers of the skin.
This is why lasers are necessary,
and the type of laser used significantly impacts the results.
Today, at Cleor Clinic Hongdae Branch,
we will discuss the Fotona StarWalker,
which we use for freckle removal in Hongdae.
Freckles and Blemishes: Why Do They Form?
Melanin pigment determines skin color.
When melanocytes in specific areas become overactive due to UV rays, hormones, or genetic factors,
pigment accumulates intensively in one spot,
appearing as
freckles or blemishes.
Freckles are small brown spots scattered around the nose and cheeks,
while blemishes are irregular pigmentations caused by cumulative UV exposure.
Although both occur in the epidermal layer,
the depth of the pigment can vary,
requiring different laser wavelengths and energy settings.
What is the Fotona StarWalker?
The Fotona StarWalker is a hybrid picosecond laser
developed by Fotona.
To explain it simply:
Conventional lasers typically used two methods:
the high-energy Q-switched method
and the short-duration picosecond method.
While breaking down pigment with high energy is effective,
prolonged exposure can transfer heat to surrounding skin tissue.
Conversely, short pulses are safer,
but the energy may be too weak to reach deep pigmentation.
👉The StarWalker's MaQX pulse mode
incorporates picosecond (580psec) micro-pulses
within a high-energy nanosecond (5nsec) pulse,
simultaneously delivering the benefits of both methods.
Strong, yet short.
The core advantage is the ability to utilize both at once.
What Technologies are Included?
The StarWalker is equipped with 3rd generation ASP (Adaptive Structured Pulse) technology.
This technology allows for the complementary use of
two wavelengths: 1064nm and 532nm.
The 1064nm wavelength targets deep dermal pigmentation,
while the 532nm wavelength responds better to epidermal pigmentation.
Depending on the depth of the pigment,
the combination and application of wavelengths will vary.
Additionally, OPTOflex® vacuum cell technology is applied
to maintain a uniform laser beam profile.
If the beam is uneven, the energy reaching the skin becomes inconsistent,
which can lead to variations in effectiveness;
this technology minimizes that issue.
How is Freckle Removal Approached in Hongdae?
The key to freckle removal in Hongdae
is first identifying the type and depth of the pigment.
Even if they look like the same freckles, cases where they are shallow in the epidermis
differ from those that have descended near the dermal layer,
and if melasma is also present, the approach itself must be different.
The StarWalker allows for personalized treatment plans
by adjusting laser intensity and penetration depth according to individual skin conditions.
However, to be honest,
it is difficult to completely remove them in a single session in most cases.
Rather than breaking down all melanin at once,
a process of gradual decomposition and discharge over several sessions is required.
Applying excessive energy at once
can actually cause pigmentation to darken.
Actually, Fotona StarWalker might be an unfamiliar name.
"I've heard of Picosure, but this is my first time hearing about StarWalker."
This is a common reaction in the consultation room.
While Picosure is familiar,
many people find the name Fotona StarWalker unfamiliar.
However,it is a device that has been actively used
for pigment treatment in dermatology for quite some time.
At Cleor Clinic Hongdae Branch,
we often utilize the Fotona StarWalker for those
with pigmentation concerns such as freckles, blemishes, and melasma.
It is divided into two types based on the procedure method.
StarWalker Toning 👉A method that applies low energy uniformly across the entire face
to brighten the overall skin tone and gradually decompose pigment.
Because it is less irritating, even those with sensitive skin can receive it with relatively little burden.
StarWalker Spot 👉A method that focuses energy
on specific pigmented lesions like freckles or blemishes.
It is mainly used for pigments with clear boundaries and limited scope.
It is also used for removing tattoos and semi-permanent makeup.
StarWalker is not the only tool used for freckle and blemish removal.
Rather than solving pigmentation concerns with a single device,
multiple devices are often used together depending on the condition.
Devices used for pigment treatment
at Cleor Clinic Hongdae Branch
Picosure
A method that breaks down pigment into finer particles using picoseconds,
used for removing melasma, blemishes, and tattoos.
Along with StarWalker, it is a representative pigment treatment laser.
Depending on the type and depth of the pigment,
we select the more suitable device between StarWalker and Picosure,
or use them in combination.
V-Beam Perfecta
While it is primarily a laser targeting blood vessels,
it can be used when flushing or red vascular pigmentation accompanies freckles or blemishes.
It can be an option for those who are concerned about both overall skin redness and pigmentation.
U-Pulse CO2
A micro CO2 laser used for raised moles, keratotic blemishes,
or when scars are present.
It is more suitable for lesions with a physical form on the skin surface
than for simple pigmentation.
O2toDerm and LDM Smart Tri
are used to help soothe and recover the skin after laser procedures.
When the skin is sensitive after a pigment laser treatment,
combining it with soothing care can aid the recovery process.
The choice of device is determined after a consultation.
The approach changes depending on whether freckles are shallow in the epidermis or deep near the dermis,
whether melasma is present, and whether the skin is sensitive or resilient.
Since causes and depths can differ even for similar-looking freckles,
it is important to decide on the device and procedure method after directly checking the skin condition.
Who is this suitable for?
StarWalker can be helpful in the following cases:
Those concerned about freckles around the nose and cheeks
Those worried about blemishes and uneven skin tone caused by cumulative UV exposure
Those with various pigmentation concerns such as melasma, Nevus of Ota, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Those considering the removal of tattoos or semi-permanent makeup
Conversely, a consultation is mandatory before the procedure if you are pregnant, taking photosensitizing medications,
or if you have active skin inflammation.
⚠️ Pre- and Post-Procedure Precautions
Temporary redness or a warm sensation may occur after the procedure,
but most subside within the same day.
During the process of pigment decomposition and discharge,
there are cases where it temporarily appears slightly darker,
which is a natural reaction.
Sunscreen is essential after the procedure.
If the skin is exposed to UV rays while sensitive after a laser treatment,
the risk of repigmentation increases.
Please apply a product with SPF 30 or higher thoroughly when going out.
It is recommended to avoid saunas, steam rooms, and strenuous exercise
for a few days after the procedure.
Please also ensure sufficient moisturizing care.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many sessions are required for freckle removal in Hongdae?
It depends on the type and depth of the pigment.
Some people notice changes in epidermal freckles
with a relatively small number of sessions,
while cases with dermal pigmentation or melasma
require more sessions and a longer management period.
It is common to receive treatments consistently at 1-2 week intervals,
and the exact number of sessions will be provided after a consultation.
Q. Can pigmentation become darker after the procedure?
There are cases where it temporarily appears slightly darker.
This is a reaction that occurs as pigment decomposed by laser energy
is discharged out of the skin.
It will naturally fade over time.
Sun protection is particularly important during this period.
Q. How do you distinguish between melasma and freckles?
Freckles are mainly small brown spots scattered around the cheeks and nose,
characterized by darkening upon UV exposure.
Melasma spreads more widely and irregularly,
often influenced by hormones.
Since both often coexist,
we determine the approach after an accurate diagnosis.
Q. I have sensitive skin; can I still receive the treatment?
In many cases, yes.
However, for sensitive skin, energy settings must be more conservative.
We will provide guidance on the suitable method
after directly checking your skin condition during the consultation.
Q. Is it possible to apply makeup immediately after the procedure?
It depends on the procedure method.
While light makeup is often possible on the same day with the toning method,
if energy was focused on pigment spots,
thin scabs may form on the area,
so it is best to avoid irritation for a few days.
Specific post-procedure precautions will be provided.
If you are considering freckle removal in Hongdae,
the type of laser and how it is designed impact the results.
At Cleor Clinic Hongdae Branch, we use the Fotona StarWalker
to perform procedures by adjusting wavelengths and energy according to the type and depth of the pigment.
We will first check your skin condition and provide an honest guide
on the range of realistically expected results. Please feel free to inquire. ^^