Can IPL remove these stubborn chest freckles? (Photo)

Question

I've been trying prescription 4% Hydroquinone and 0.05% retina a cream for 3 months on these freckles around my nipple. I only got this after unprotected sun bathing. It's only faded slightly. Will IPL treatment be faster and more effective?

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

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question in regards to IPL. Brown spots/sun spots can reappear if sunscreen is not properly worn, especially after using a skincare regimen and/or laser treatments. To be sure what is best 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.

Lorrie Klein, MD · Answer

IPL can treat chest freckles if they are flat.  If any of them are raised, make sure to go to a dermatologist who can treat both raised and flat brown spots.  Also make sure to go to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon (if they specialize in lasers) for your IPL as many types of offices offer IPL but not every office does it well.

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

You may be a candidate for IPL or Fraxel DUAL laser treatments.  You must not be tanned and cannot have sun exposure for several weeks after the treatments.  A cosmetic dermatologist would be able to assess your skin to see which treatment would be appropriate for you.

Richard Chaffoo, MD, FACS, FICS · Answer

Perhaps but remember that these can recur after sun exposure whatever treatment method is used. You need to use a good sunscreen with an SPF of 30 when in the sun, but you still run the risk of these freckles recurring.

Can IPL remove these stubborn chest freckles? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: IPL and Fraxel laser treatments

Answer: IPL and Fraxel laser treatments

Answer: Can IPL remove these stubborn chest freckles?

Answer: Can IPL remove these stubborn chest freckles?

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Can IPL remove these stubborn chest freckles? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: IPL and Fraxel laser treatments

Answer: IPL and Fraxel laser treatments

Answer: Can IPL remove these stubborn chest freckles?

Answer: Can IPL remove these stubborn chest freckles?

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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.