Which procedure is best for a redhead who wants to fade the freckles on her face: IPL, fraxel, or certain type of peel?

Question

I am the typical redhead with fair skin and LOTS of freckles all over my face (the freckling is not as dark as some redheads, but not super light freckles either). Would you recommend I look for a doctor that uses IPL, fraxel, or a certain type of peel? I am more concerned with ultimately fading/banishing the freckles than price, downtime, or number of sessions. I use dermatologist grade sunblock everyday, and have for years, but it doesn't fade what is already there. Thanks!

Brian S. Biesman, MD · Answer

True freckles are more difficult to remove than sun damage.  If your primary concern is skin color then pulsed light treatment may be effective for you.  If you do have significant sun damage and textural change than skin resurfacing may be A better way to go.  I recommended consultation with a physician who has extensive expertise in these treatments to help you make a treatment plan that will be best for you.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for the skin and scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented  scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

James Bonaparte, MD, MSc, FRCSC · Answer

At our clinic, we tend to have alot of luck with IPL. The research seems to support this as well. Feel free to check out a editorial I've recently wrote on this topic. Hopefully you learn a bit and have a better understanding how IPL works. James P. Bonaparte, MD, MSc, FRCSCJB Cosmetics and Facial Surgery Center of OttawaHead and Neck Surgerypracticing in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryAssistant Professor, University of OttawaOttawa, Ontario, Canada

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest fractional laser designed to treat pigmentation, although freckles are different than sun spots and are much more difficult to remove completely.  They can often recur despite treatments.  I suggest going to a cosmetic dermatologist with expertise in lasers and peels.  Best, Dr. Emer.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.Both IPL and some chemical grade peels can help fade the freckles. Even using a brightening cream or pad daily to help with the overall tone and evenness of your skin would help improve the appear of your freckles as well. To be sure what treatment is right for you, see two or more board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have treatment.I hope this helps.

Which procedure is best for a redhead who wants to fade the freckles on her face: IPL, fraxel, or certain type of peel?

Answers (6)

Answer: Improvement in Freckles -- Fraxel/Clear+Brilliant and/or VI peels

Answer: Improvement in Freckles -- Fraxel/Clear+Brilliant and/or VI peels

Answer: IPL/Peels

Answer: IPL/Peels

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about IPL

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

Which procedure is best for a redhead who wants to fade the freckles on her face: IPL, fraxel, or certain type of peel?

Answers (6)

Answer: Improvement in Freckles -- Fraxel/Clear+Brilliant and/or VI peels

Answer: Improvement in Freckles -- Fraxel/Clear+Brilliant and/or VI peels

Answer: IPL/Peels

Answer: IPL/Peels

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about IPL

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