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Hello!

I am Dr. Ayeri Yokoyama, a cosmetic dermatologist.

 

 

It's peak season for spot removal!
When I examine and treat age spots every day,

"I want to get rid of my dark spots, but I'm scared of the downtime."
"How long does it take to do your makeup?"

We often receive questions such as these.

The so-called spot-removal laser, PicoSpot, offers high treatment efficacy with low risk, making it a well-balanced treatment option.
Of course, downtime does exist.
To avoid feeling anxious after surgery,It is important to correctly understand the process.

Furthermore, the success of spot removal treatments depends not only on the skill of the physician,
It also depends on the patient's aftercare and lifestyle habits.

In this article, from the specialized perspective of cosmetic dermatology,
The Reality of Spot Removal Downtime and Key Aftercare ConsiderationsWe will focus our explanation on.

 

🩺 What is spot removal treatment?

Many treatments known as "spot removal"Destroy cells containing melanin with a laserrefers to the procedure performed.
While I mentioned Pico Spot earlier, there are other treatments for dark spots besides Pico Spot.

This time, we will introduce the following three representative types.

 

①Pico Spot
Features:Target spots preciselyirradiation
Downtime:Dark spots may temporarily become darkerDuration: approximately 7 to 21 days

②IPL (Lumecca, Photofacial)
Features: Mild lightSimultaneously treats dark spots and redness
Downtime: Minimal to slight redness

③Hydroquinone + Tretinoin Therapy
Features: For external use onlyEffectively lighten dark spots and melasmado
Downtime: Redness and peeling may occur depending on duration of use (recommended period: 3 to 6 months)

Next, let's dive deeper into the downtime for Pico Spot, the so-called "spot removal" treatment!

⏰ Downtime Duration (for PicoSpot)

🩹【Same day to next day】Mild redness and stinging

Immediately after irradiationMild redness or warmthThere is.

Since my skin is in a delicate state, I'm taking extra care beyond the usual.MoisturizingLet's do it.

🔸Caution:Do not rub. Avoid UV exposure. Hot springs and saunas are off-limits.

 

🌑【Days 2–7】Scab Formation Stage

The irradiated areaA thin, brownish swelling gradually forms a scab-like crust.will become.
This is evidence that melanin is being expelled.
Forcing it off can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH),Let it peel off naturally.
💬 Makeup is okay starting the next day, but avoid rubbing the treated area vigorously with concealer or similar products.

🌤【Days 7–14】Scabs fall off naturally

When the scab comes off,Temporary redness or uneven skin tonemay be observed.
This is a normal reaction during the skin's regeneration process.
UV and Friction ProtectionthoroughlyPrevent pigmentation.

Additionally, the time it takes for scabs to fall off varies significantly from person to person.
Some people can get it done in a week, while others take nearly a month.
It is essential to avoid rushing and instead monitor the progress while thoroughly implementing aftercare.

Also, there are many cases where it thins out without forming a scab.

AlsoIt is not guaranteed that everything can be obtained.in some cases it remains thinned out, or only partially remains, or
Sometimes it can actually become more concentrated.
This can occur regardless of which laser is used, who receives the treatment, or which physician administers the laser,
To avoid complications after treatment, it is important to thoroughly understand everything beforehand.

 

☀️【After 2 weeks】Pigmentation risk period

Inflammatory response caused by laser stimulation, temporarilyLight brown pigmentationmay occur.
To prevent pigmentation, avoid sun exposure from one month before the procedure until three months after.
Taking oral tranexamic acid and vitamins, along with applying topical hydroquinone and vitamin A, is effective.
Continue to take precautions against UV rays and prevent friction!

 

🧴 Things to Avoid During Downtime

・Sunburn: Risk of recurrence and hyperpigmentation due to melanin reactivation

・Friction: Worsens inflammation・Causes scabs to peel off prematurely

・Heat stimulation: Prolonged inflammation and persistent redness

・Scrubs, peels: Reduced barrier function due to damage to the stratum corneum

 

 

💡 Key Aftercare Points That Affect Your Final Results

1. UV protection (SPF 50 PA+++ or higher)
   　Protect yourself from UVA rays indoors too. Use sun umbrellas, hats, and masks.

2. Thorough Moisturizing (Ceramide & Hyaluronic Acid-Based)
   　Dryness is the enemy of hyperpigmentation. Moisturize generously morning and night.

3. Gradually introduce whitening ingredients
   　→ After the scab has completely fallen off, introduce hydroquinone and vitamin C.

4. Follow-up observation is required for 2 to 4 weeks after treatment.
   　→ When melasma and ADM coexist, fine-tune the treatment plan during reevaluation.

 

 

🕊 Downtime = "Skin renewal period"

After laser treatment, the skin isNew cells are being reconstructed right now.。
Even if temporary redness or pigmentation occurs, continuing proper care willYou'll definitely see results.。

Downtime tends to make you feel a bit down,
"The Preparation Period for Achieving Beautiful Skin"That's it!

Taking medication or applying ointments at home may be tedious and boring,
Home care and skincare are arguably the most important things for your skin.That's it!

Let's keep steadily working hard ☺

 

 

🩺 Summary

• The downtime for spot removal isApproximately 1 to 2 weeksis a guideline.

• Redness, scabs, and temporary pigmentation are part of the natural healing process.

• Enhance your look with proper moisturizing, UV protection, and brightening care.

• If you experience any concerning symptomsAlways consult your doctor..

 

 

 

If you're interested in spot treatment, please come in for a consultation. We warmly welcome you even if you're just seeking advice.

 

 

We are currently running an Embrace Campaign.

Details here↓

https://biancaclinic.jp/recommend/45299/

If you're interested, please feel free to come in for a consultation.
We warmly welcome you to visit our clinic for counseling alone.

 

 

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【Profile】

Plastic Surgeon/Cosmetic Dermatologist Dr. Ayuri Yokoyama

Japan's Leading Clinic for Beauty and Health Regenerative Medicine｜BIANCA CLINIC GINZA/OMOTESANDO　

In my previous role, I was involved in establishing a clinic as a cosmetic dermatologist, from its inception to opening, and served as its director for three years.
Having worked with approximately 20,000 patients' skin and faces, contributing to the clinic's development.

To further expand the scope of treatment, I have now transitioned to BIANCA CLINIC, a leading aesthetic and regenerative medicine clinic in Japan.

We provide the latest aesthetic medical treatments for well-aging, encompassing not only cosmetic dermatology but also cosmetic surgery and internal medicine.

 

【Career】

2020 Graduate of the School of Medicine, Hiroshima University

2020: Worked at JCHO Tokyo Shinjuku Medical Center and affiliated hospitals (National Center for Global Health and Medicine Hospital, Tokyo Yamate Medical Center)

2022: Joined ELM Medical Corporation Served as Director of Azabu Clinic

2025: BIANCA joins the company

【Professional Affiliations/Qualifications】

The Japanese Society of Aesthetic Dermatology

Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine

Occupational Physician Certification

【SNS】

Instagram account　

https://www.instagram.com/dr.airi