IPL For Sun Damaged Chest? How many treatments would be needed? (Photo)

Question

Hi, all. I have sun spots/damage on my chest. Im wondering if IPL would be the best procedure to rectify this. If so, how many treatments? If not, what other treatment do you recommend?

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello, my name is Ranen and I am an aesthetic nurse at Aesthetic skin.  That’s a great and very common question — sun damage on the chest (the décolletage) can be stubborn, but it responds really well to the right treatment plan. You’re smart to ask before jumping straight to IPL (intense pulsed light), because while it’s often a top option, the best choice depends on your skin type, degree of damage, and texture concerns.  Uses broad-spectrum light to target brown pigment (melanin) and red vessels (hemoglobin). Pigmented and vascular lesions absorb the light and gradually fade over 1–2 weeks as your body clears them.  Stimulates mild collagen remodeling as a bonus.  3–5 treatments, spaced 3–4 weeks apart.  Maintenance 1–2 times per year if you get recurrent sun exposure.

Paul Flashner, MD · Answer

Hello, 
Looking at the photo provided, it looks like you are the perfect candidate for the IPL (Intense Pulsed Light (therapy). The IPL is a broad-spectrum light treatment that sends pulses of light into the skin, where the energy is absorbed by pigment (melanin) or by hemoglobin in blood vessels. The idea is for the brown spots or red/vascular spots on your chest to get targeted by the heat to lighten them, and the body gradually clears the pigment. The results take time, and the pigmentation may darken after treatment, then flake off or fade over a few weeks. We would recommend 3 treatments spaced every 4 weeks apart and the reassess to see if you need additional treatments. Have a great day!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser.  Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.  
Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

The combined home use of topical alpha hydroxy acids and an in-office series of superficial peeling treatments can be used for effectively treat a sundamaged decollete. I have found high concentreations of glycolic or salicylic acid to be particularly effective for this purpose. You would be wise to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist. Hope this helps and have a great holiday weekend.

Glenn Murray, MBBS · Answer

Hi Christina,

Thank you for your question.

Lumecca by Inmode would be your best option to assist with reducing pigmentation spots to the décolletage.
This treatment is generally more powerful than older IPL machines which means you may see results quicker. 
Usually 1-3 treatments would be sufficient - you may notice the pigmentation appears darker before fading and flaking off.

Alternatively you could try Enlighten -this uses short pulses to break up pigment, your body from here will clear the fragmented pieces. 
1-3 treatments needed depending on how dark the sun spots are.

Thank you

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