Should I get a chemical peel as well as IPL on my chest, neck, and arms from sun damage? What type of peel? (Photo)

Our office has many different treatments for 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

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.

BBL  also call IPL is a great light based treatment for pigment and vascularity in the skin. When combined with Halo Hybrid fration laser there can be synergistic improvement in skin texture and tone at the same time. Both treatments on there own very good but when combined can achieve fantastic results.Good Luck!

It can take multiple treatments to deal with sun damage. Fraxel laser is the gold standard for improving sun damage. I recommend a combination treatment of Fraxel lasers, IPL, microneedling/prp, and Cosmelan. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Thank you for your photo. A combination of treatments would work best to improve your decolletage area. IPL is a great way to improve pigmentary changes. Microneedling with PRP or Pixel Laser treatments are better for resurfacing, wrinkles, and rejuvenation of the skin. It is best to have an in-office examination to determine your skin type to create a treatment plan that is both safe and effective for your decolletage area. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MD Plastic Surgery

Thank you for your question and posting a picture.  If you are open to suggestions, I would probably recommend a different course of treatments.  IPL can work very well for color correction.  Unfortunately, you are very tanned and that could lead to burns.  In addition, since the IPL works so well, where would you start or stop?  In our experience there is a noticeable demarcation line where IPL was and wasn't used.  If you use the right laser, you really don't need to combine it with chemical peels or microneedling.If you were in our office, we would first counsel you about the dangers of sun exposure...  Then we would probably recommend a series of PicoSure FOCUS treatments.  It is excellent at correcting pigment and also works on fine lines & wrinkles.  PicoSure is safe for all skin types.  In addition, look for a local office that stocks PCA Skin's Perfecting Neck & Décolleté.  Best of luck (& wear sun screen).