IPL or laser as second treatment for sun damage/freckles on arms? (Photo)

Question

I had IPL on some freckles on my arms. Immediately after the procedure they turned darker. Now it is 4 weeks later and the freckles are still there with only a slight improvement. The freckles look like they still might have some redness in them. Is this typical? Initially it looked like the freckles might crust over but that didn't happen. Should I have another IPL treatment or try a laser instead?

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

Janet Allenby, DO · Answer

Hello,

Thank you for your question. The arms can be a tricky area to treat. We can't treat as aggressively because it has a higher risk of hypo-pigmentation, so it often takes several treatments for complete correction. Good luck!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Usually a combination is needed to remove freckles and it will take a series of treatments. I recommend a combination of lasers, IPL combined with Fraxel, as well as TCA peels that give great results. I would recommend seeking a board certified dermatologist to give an accurate opinion on your specific needs and wants as it's hard to say without an image to go by. Best, Dr. Emer

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question jessica6494. I understand your concern.
IPL is a great treatment for facial rejuvenation. It can also be used off the face for pigment. It is difficult to make an assessment without before photographs. However a series of treatments is normally required to see full results. For my patients I recommend 6 monthly treatments followed by 1 maintenance treatment every 3 months thereafter. Please consult with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

Diane I. Duncan, MD, FACS · Answer

I would personally not use laser for freckle removal.
There are different types of IPL, and efficacy varies depending upon energy settings and the skill of the operator as well as the number of passes. IPL is much more specific for treating pigmented spots and it's safer for use on body parts than laser resurfacing.

IPL or laser as second treatment for sun damage/freckles on arms? (Photo)

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IPL or laser as second treatment for sun damage/freckles on arms? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: IPL for pigment off the face

Answer: IPL for pigment off the face

Answer: IPL!

Answer: IPL!

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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.