Good question -Let's define age spots. They can be generated from sun damage, "other" factors -medication, trauma, hormones, just getting older.... It there is a hormonal component, it could make things more difficult for you / anyone.Either technology can reduce undesirable brown. There are brown spots and then, there are BROWN spots all over. I wish you sent a picture of your problem so that i could be more specific. You should also consider a light chemical peel as a possible option.Given what I know, I would suggest IPL. It gives you the advantage of also reducing undesirable "red" that may be disguised by the brown discoloration. This is very important - there are many unhappy patients that see more red on their face after the brown is reduced. Both Fraxel and IPL can help with fine wrinkles. In general, IPL has less of a recovery time.Hope this helps. If you can send your picture, I may be more helpful
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 for the patient. The Alexandrite laser can usually be performed at the same time as these other lasers for a more directed and effective treatment overall. I do not think either Fraxel or IPL is great for removal of individual "age" spots.
