Successful removal of freckles with the bipolar radiofrequency and optical energy

Freckles are melanocytic lesions frequently seen on the face with red or blond hair. We aim to determine the effectiveness of combined bipolar radiofrequency (RF) and optical energy.

Thirty patients with facial freckles received four treatment at 3-week intervals with RF and optical energy, combination of broadband light (580-980 nm) + bipolar RF energy 100 J/cm(3). The improvement of the freckles was evaluated using the Freckles Area and Severity Index (FASI), and physician and patient assessment at the end of the sessions, at Months 3 and 12 after the treatment.

By the end of the study, assessment of results by physician for 83% at Week 12 and by patients for 70% at Week 52 was excellent or good. On the other hand, 88% at Week 12 and 76% at Week 52 of the patients reported that they were extremely or very satisfied. FASI was noted to be 65.15 at pre-treatment, 25.60 at 12th week, and 27.40 at the end of the follow-up (one year). Mean improvement rate (n = 30), as determined from the difference in mean FASI score, was 70% at 3 months and 66% at 12 months.

Bipolar radiofrequency and optical energy can be accepted as an alternative treatment modality for the therapy of freckles with few adverse effects and high satisfaction levels.