What laser is better for brown spots and broken capillaries on face, Fraxel Dual or IPL?

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

IPL is a will address both hyperpigmentation (commonly referred to as brown spots or liver spots) and dilated (broken) capillaries. Usually a series of IPL treatments is needed to accomplish the desired result. If broken cappilaries are your main priority, stick with IPLFraxel, a true laser, will offer a faster and more dramatic result when addressing your hyperpigmentation. Fraxel also stimulates and rebuilds collagen in the skin.

Brown spots (liver spots) or more precisely solar lentigines and "broken blood vessels" on the face (telangiectasias) respond will to radiowave treatments. I have not been impressed by the results of many of the lasers currently available, including fraxel lasers, nor by the results of many of the other current energy-based therapies, such as IPL. Unfortunately, there seems to be more marketing hype to these machines than rigorous scientific substance. One need only contemplate the fact that in the laser field every day seems to bring with it claims for the "next greatest thing"  with a new set of bells and whistles.When it comes to treating common problems like brown spots and broken blood vessels, the KISS principle ("keep it simple) is a worthwhile approach. For years I have been successfully fading face and hand brown spots and facial broken blood vessels using a simple radiofrequency device. The treatment area is numbed to make the procedure painless and then the desired area is given a few tiny bursts of energy and the brown spot is wiped away with a gauze pad or the broken blood vessel sealed off. Treatment takes only a few seconds for treating brown spots and just a few minutes for treating a faceful of telangiectasias. 

Your question is an excellent one.  Most people have sun damage and have a combination of red and brown spots.  I would suggest the Fraxel laser for the pigmentation and the V-Beam laser for the broken capillaries.  I have the IPL  but do not find it as effective as either in treating the brown or the redness.  

In your specific case, IPL may be best to address the broken capillaries and hyper-pigmentation issues. Fraxel also helps to rebuild and strengthen collagen in the skin which provides the best results. A series of treatments is likely going to be required to obtain optimal results. The IPL method should be the best treatment for brown spots and broken capillaries. Be sure to discuss the potential complications, if any exist with your board certified surgeon.