What is the best laser to treat sun damage discoloration on chest? (photos)

Question

I have had BBL (Broad band laser) treatments at least 2 or 3 times which did not seem to touch the redness and sun damage on my chest. I have also had IPL which didn't do anything. I have very thin skin and always cover it up in the sun now. It will look as red as this in the dead of winter. It blanches when I press on it—fyi, so it clearly seems to be capillaries close to surface. What about Excel V laser by Cutera? Is there any hope with lasers? Is bleaching cream too toxic or even effective?

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

We prefer Lumecca over BBL since it has more energy focused on the 500-600 range and typically treats reds better in our experience.  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.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser.  Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.  
Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It can take multiple treatments to deal with sun damage. I recommend a combination treatment of Fraxel lasers, IPL, microneedling/prp, rather than a bleaching cream.  It is best to make a formal consultation with a cosmetic dermatologist who can come up with a long term solution. Best, Dr. Emer.

Christopher Pavlou, MBChB · Answer

The Forever Young BBL is the ideal treatment to target sun damage and redness on the face and body. For larger body areas, the BBL HERO is ideal as it works at significant speeds and comfort levels.

Michael Contreras, MD · Answer

I agree with the other responders to your question that BBL should effectively treat the changes you describe.  It is possible that the selection of settings and/or the hand piece filter were not optimized for your skin changes.  The chest will be more at risk than the face for adverse effects if treatment is too aggressive.  See a physician with extensive BBL experience, and keep in mind that at least 3-5 treatments will be necessary.

What is the best laser to treat sun damage discoloration on chest? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: The BBL HERO

Answer: The BBL HERO

Answer: BBL for chest sun damage

Answer: BBL for chest sun damage

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Everything you need to know about BroadBand Light (BBL)

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What is the best laser to treat sun damage discoloration on chest? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: The BBL HERO

Answer: The BBL HERO

Answer: BBL for chest sun damage

Answer: BBL for chest sun damage

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about BroadBand Light (BBL)

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.