What permanent freckles are
Permanent freckles (also called pigmented or cosmetic freckles) are a permanent-makeup effect — small dots of pigment implanted in the skin, usually on the cheeks and nose, that imitate natural freckles. Depending on the technique, PMU pigments or tattoo-like ink are used, at varying depths.
Unlike natural freckles, the pigment doesn't react to the sun or fade in winter — it stays in the skin. Over time, like any pigment, it breaks down and can change colour and sharpness.
Why people remove permanent freckles
The reasons clients come to us most often are:
- Colour change. The pigment fades toward grey, green or rust and stops looking like a natural freckle.
- Spreading. The dots lose their edges, grow larger and less defined, giving a "dirty"-looking complexion.
- Change of taste. The trend has passed, or the freckles no longer suit the person's makeup and style.
- Too many or too dark. The result came out stronger than intended.
How permanent freckle removal works
We remove pigmented freckles with a picosecond laser. A very short pulse shatters the pigment particles into tiny fragments, which the body then clears on its own. Freckles are usually small, pinpoint pigment deposits, so they often respond well — but the pace depends on the pigment's composition and depth.
Because the cheek and nose area is close to the eyes, we use eye protection during the treatment and choose parameters carefully to protect the skin. Each session needs a gap so the body can clear the shattered pigment and the skin can recover.
We cover the mechanism in more detail in the guide on remover vs laser — for some pigments we combine both methods.
Sessions and how long it takes
It usually takes several sessions about 6–8 weeks apart. An exact number can't be given up front — it depends on the colour and composition of the pigment, its depth, and how the skin responds. The first session and a test spot give us the best basis to estimate the whole plan.
If the freckles were done recently, we wait at least 6 months before lasering — the skin must be fully healed and the pigment stabilised.
“I was very scared, but Kristina dispelled all my doubts. An incredibly kind person.”
What to watch for
Freckle pigments vary, and some contain iron oxides, which can paradoxically darken under the laser. That's why we always start with a test spot on a small area — it lets us choose safe parameters before treating everything.
Sun protection between sessions matters too: tanned skin reacts differently and raises the risk of discolouration. At the consultation we assess the pigment and tell you plainly what to expect.
The first step is a free consultation — we'll look at the freckles, do a test if needed, and set a plan.