Which Between IPL or Fraxel Laser is Better for Age Spots?

asked 2 years ago by judith pettibone in 32259
Latest answer by Ronald Shelton, MD
Question viewed 1,901 times
Tags: age spots

5 answers to Which Between IPL or Fraxel Laser is Better for Age Spots?

Fraxel vs. IPL

It might be best to find out from a doctor who uses both devices. I only have the Fraxel but IPL is less expensive per treatment usually and can lighten the dark spots well in many individuals. Fraxel can help texture and dark spots and is more costly, but can produce long term improvement even in scarred skin from acne. There are several different IPL devices and the older ones had more complex settings. Newer devices are safer.

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist

IPL or Fraxel for brown spots

For most discreet brown "age" spots I agree with Dr. Pilest. I usually use an Alexandrite laser and treat each individual lesion. The results with this laser are usually very good and relatively few treatments are needed (1-3 on average). If there is a lot of background blotchy brown skin or redness then I may use an IPL or fractionated laser device to address the entire skin surface, but I STILL use my Alexandrite for those individual spots because it is so effective and easy... more

Jason R. Lupton, MD
San Diego Dermatologist

IPL vs Fraxel for age spots

Without seeing your "age spots" and their location and number, it's hard to give a definite answer. If you have only a few spots, you might find a simple diode laser (like Diolite) will do the trick at a very low cost. IPL is good for more diffuse pigmentation and redness, so if you have that dual problem, then I'd suggest IPL. Fraxel is recognized for both smoothing the skin and evening out color. Typically you'd have several treatments of Fraxel Restore but you get multiple... more

Nissan Pilest, MD
Irvine Dermatologic Surgeon

Fraxel re:store Laser or IPL for "Age Spots"?

Hi Judith, Both IPL and Fraxel re:store laser have been used successfully for the treatment of "age spots". Our experience has been that the reappearance of the spots is less frequent with Fraxel re:store. Fraxel re:store treats fine to moderate lines better, while IPL treats red spots better. After both treatments it is essential that you protect the investment that you have made in your skin by using excellent skin care products, sun block, and avoid excessive sun exposure... more

Michael A. Persky, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon