Age Spots on Arms: Fraxel Alternatives

Question

I had 4 fraxel treatments on my entire arms to treat age spots. They did not work. The doctor suggested hydroquinine cream for the summer and also treated the larger ones with liquid nitrogen (?). So far after 2 months, I still have NO visible results.  The doctor suggested 1-2 complimentary  IPL treatments in the fall but am concerned they won't work either. Additionally, my skin actually appears crepey which I don't recall before the fraxel. I spent $3000 which is not easy for me to come by. Any treament suggestions or alternatives?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional CO2 laser is an excellent tool for skin rejuvenation in our center in Santa Monica. We use the fractional multi-depth ablative approach to help resurface the skin, recontour acne scars, improve incisional plastic surgery scars, and reduce surface irregularities from skin tone to dark pigmentation. Our approach utilizes a multi-depth approach that targets melanocytes in the epidermis and collagen fibroblasts in the dermis. This approach can be combined with a TCA Peel in a process known as a sapphire peel. Fractional laser is excellent for acne scars and contour scars in the skin. Patients are advised to undergo skin protocols with Melarase creams before and after treatment to help reduce pigmentation. Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. After the laser, we expect redness for a few weeks as the skin improves. PRP and Hydrafacial enzyme facials can further improve skin quality after fractional co2.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

William Groff, DO · Answer

The q-switched alexandrite laser made by Candela is our favorite tools for treating age spots on the arms. If performed by a skilled dermatologist, you should see significant improvement in one treatment. Dr. Liz Tansey and Tina Alster are excellent and located close to you.

Jerome Potozkin, MD · Answer

The Fraxel Restore is a great resurfacing device.  However, the best lasers to treat brown spots in the arms are Q-switched lasers such as a Q switched Nd:Yag or Alexandrite laser.  In my experience they are more effective and the treatments are less costly.

Susan Van Dyke, MD · Answer

Fraxel Dual is the best laser that I have seen for treating brown spots on the arms and hands.  In fact it has replaced the IPL for this particular indication (I still love my IPL for redness).  Your lack of results may be due to sun exposure between treatments, settings on the laser used for your treatments or perhaps your doctor has the older laser (not the Dual).  It seems that you doc is trying hard to accomplish your goal with complementary treatments and Liquid N2 ( still an excellent way to remove a few big spots).  I think you are on the right track, not everyone gets the best results and your do is giving you good alternatives.

Grace Liu, MD · Answer

Hi,

	Fraxel Restore is fractionated Erbium Laser which is set on varying densities or how close the dots of laser light are set together based on the patient's skin type.  What we do in our office is that we realize that since the dots of laser light are not set together, they will not completely remove a sun spot.  We add in a complimentaty IPL which removes any residual brown spots 3 weeks after a Restore treatment.   IPL is based on targeting brown and red pigment so any brown spots usually fall off within 4-7 days after an IPL. Patients are very happy with results.

Age Spots on Arms: Fraxel Alternatives

Answers (7)

Answer: Results from Fraxel on arms can vary.

Answer: Results from Fraxel on arms can vary.

Answer: Fraxel for Brown Spots on Arms

Answer: Fraxel for Brown Spots on Arms

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Age Spots on Arms: Fraxel Alternatives

Answers (7)

Answer: Results from Fraxel on arms can vary.

Answer: Results from Fraxel on arms can vary.

Answer: Fraxel for Brown Spots on Arms

Answer: Fraxel for Brown Spots on Arms

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Fraxel Laser

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.