KTP or IPL for brown spots on face?

Question

I have typical brown spots on my face, due to sun/age. The dermotologist quoted me $750 for IPL or $400 for KTP each treatment. According to him, outcome from IPL will be better and less painful. Considering the difference in price, which treatment should I choose? Appreciate professional advice. thanks

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

Steven L. Greene, MD · Answer

IPL is best for high contrast pigmented spots on the skin due to sun damage.  KTP is best for vascular (blood vessel changes.) lesions.
I hope this is helpful to you.
Steve Greene MD

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for you question and posting a picture.  You have a lot of treatment options to reduce your freckles / hyperpigmentation.  You will probably never be completely rid of them and they will probably always try to come back.  If you are a skin type I-III, an series of IPL photofacials may be helpful.  We have also been very successful using the PicoSure laser for both sun damage and acne scars with the FOCUS and / or Flat Lenses with a series of treatments.  This laser is safe for all skin types.  Start with sunscreen every day!  Once you have treated your freckles to your satisfaction, you will probably need a follow treatment every 6 to 12 months depending your level of re-pigmentation.  Best of luck.

KTP or IPL for brown spots on face?

Answers (3)

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