Can IPL treatment remove sun damaged skin? (photos)

Question

Hello doctors. Over the years I've received high amounts of sun damage from playing a lot of outdoor sports. I'm primarily concerned with the stubborn dark patches of skin on my cheeks as well as the white spots near my chin. Several plastic surgeons have recommended 4% hydroquinone but I am not comfortable with this option. Looking to possibly do IPL to fix the issue. Thank you in advance!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  IPL photofacial is very effective for getting rid of hyperpigmentation and improving the overall texture of your skin.  Please consult with your physician to make sure that you are the right candidate for the IPL treatment.

Georges Kaado, MD · Answer

Hello,  I would recommend using a retinol and a natural lightening agent.  Kojic acid, Licorice, Arbutus.  Photo C has a lot of great serums with these ingredients in them.
Micro needling with PRP helps with overall discoloration.  A fractional laser or IPL can help.  I would do a test spot  with both lasers, depending on your Fitzpatrick.  A sunblock with titanium dioxide & zinc are very important.

Best of Luck to you.

Peter Castillo, MD, FACOG · Answer

Thank you for your question. Hypeepigmentation can be addressed with BBL (Broad band light). Similar to IPL, this would require several sessions to achieve even tone. BBL will help even skin tone, tighten the skin, remove fine blood vessels, and treat acne.
Halo is a hybrid fractional laser which can achieve both even skin tone AND texture for those who have imperfections of the skin usually masked with makeup. Skin tone, large pores, acne scars and fine wrinkles can be addressed with the Halo hybrid laser treatment.
Halo uses Erbium which has better precision and affinity for water than Fraxel (CO2) and thus has lower risk and downtime. The Halo also combines 1470 (Diode) laser which delivers heat below the surface to ablate the hyperpigmented areas more definitively. This can be achieved in usually 2 treatments. Patients who have a lot of imperfections or scarring may require 3 treatments.
I recommend researching Halo or BBL treatment providers in your area to insure your best results.

Ramandeep Sidhu, MD · Answer

Great question and concern. Yes laser treatment can help with the dark spots and also gives your skin a refreshed look. The best recommendation is to have a consultation to evaluate your areas of concern and also to look at your skin type and see if you are a good candidate for the laser/IPL treatment.

Can IPL treatment remove sun damaged skin? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Halo hybrid fractional laser or BBL are safer than IPL

Answer: Halo hybrid fractional laser or BBL are safer than IPL

Answer: Dark spots

Answer: Dark spots

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Can IPL treatment remove sun damaged skin? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Halo hybrid fractional laser or BBL are safer than IPL

Answer: Halo hybrid fractional laser or BBL are safer than IPL

Answer: Dark spots

Answer: Dark spots

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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.