I'm trying to get rid of freckling/sun damage on my neck and chest area, later to have my arms and perhaps legs done. (Photo)

Question

A local plastic surgeons office recommended a series of 3 chemical peels instead of lasering. I was under the impression that this would not get rid of my freckles and would like other opinions. I had my entire face done almost a year ago with an erbium laser at the same office and it worked very well to rid of my freckles and hyper pigmentation. Whats best to get rid of freckles on my neck and chest. I don't mind a prolonged down time as long as the treatment is supposed to do what I need.

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. 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

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Treating the chest is often similar to the face except that the skin is much more delicate and prone to scarring.  Often times treatments that are used on the face need to be dialed down to improve the quality of the skin and prevent abnormal healing.  Improving texture of the decollete area often involves several modalities to provide the maximal benefit:
Ablative laser resurfacing- Fractionated C02 resurfacing or erbium at a lighter setting can help build up collagen
Fractora- RF needling can help improve the texture and collagen creation in the skin here
IPL- can help improve the brown spots and discoloration of the area
Melanage or Cosmelan- Peels can help improve the appearance of the discoloration
Sculptra- Dilute Sculptra can help improve the texture of the skin and crepy appearance of the skin.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi Lisa Marie,I like to use Fraxel Dual laser for your concerns of brown spots.  It may take about 3 treatments spaced a few months apart for best results.  Good luck and be well.Dr. P

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

Getting rid of sun spots on the chest and rest of the body is more difficult and takes longer than the face.  Chemical peels, Fraxel, Alex Trivantage all work.  I find that with as many sun spots as you have it will take a combination of Fraxel and the Alex Trivantage (Yag) to successfully remove these spots.  This is a process and you can't be disappointed if it takes a combination and multiple treatments since it took a life time to acquire this many sun spots.  Please consult a board certified dermatologist who is an expert in cosmetic lasers for the best results.  Best, Dr. Green

I'm trying to get rid of freckling/sun damage on my neck and chest area, later to have my arms and perhaps legs done. (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Fraxel to get rid of sun spots

Answer: Fraxel to get rid of sun spots

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Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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

I'm trying to get rid of freckling/sun damage on my neck and chest area, later to have my arms and perhaps legs done. (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Fraxel to get rid of sun spots

Answer: Fraxel to get rid of sun spots

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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