Help for this sun damage on chest - will IPL help? (photos)

Question

I have an area of sun damage. It looks like goosebumps and broken blood vessels. Is there anything that can be done? Will IPL help?

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

A.J. Amadi, MD · Answer

Based on the photo you submitted, this appears to be poikiloderma, a fancy term for long-term sun damage condition resulting in hyperpigmentation along with spider veins. I would not recommend IPL to treat this. I would recommend seeing an experienced laser provider who can discuss hydroquinone use and laser resurfacing such as Erbium or Fraxel laser. IPL treatment could result in possible striping or loss of pigment to the skin.

This response is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider.

This response is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider.

Paul Flashner, MD · Answer

Based on the photo you provided, it appears you are a great candidate for IPL Photofacial. This particular treatment targets unwanted pigment and redness in the skin including sun damage, freckles, broken capillaries, rosacea and acne scars. IPL will help even out your overall complexion and improve the appearance of splotchy skin. 
Your chest may require a series of treatments in order to achieve optimal results. Typically, patients will complete a package of 3-5 treatments spaced four weeks apart.

Theresa M. Jarmuz, MD · Answer

IPL does target both red and brown pigments. From this photo, I think that you may have a good response. I would suggest patch testing first to see how that pigment reacts. If the areas have raised portions, that will not be treated with IPL. And IPL cannot be used over active acne. J Scaljon

Sarah Yovino, MD · Answer

Yes, IPL will help even out your tone, brown spots and redness. It will take a few sessions to get you where you want to be. Make sure the area has not been exposed to sun in the two weeks proceeding your treatment and arrive with washed skin that does not have lotion or a spray tan on it. Recent sun exposure, moisturizer and spray tans can all make you more prone to burning from an IPL treatment. Hope that helps! -Dr. Yovino

Imaan Joshi, BSc, MBBS, FRACGP · Answer

You’re right that does look like chronic damage due to sun exposure. Chronically sun exposed areas are also at risk of skin cancers so before any treatment is undertaken I’d suggest a doctor who can address all your concerns: - your medical history inclg sun habits - a skin check to exclude any skin cancers - a treatment plan to treat based on your skin type and what the findings are eg pigmentation, vascularity or both. 
IPL may be suited to some skin types but not all so a comprehensive consultation with a trusted doctor is a good place to begin.

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

It appears you would need a combination of IPL and a laser to treat the vascular irregularities (redness). IPL is a great option for getting rid of the brown spots on your chest but isn't always as effective on redness or broken capillaries. For that, our office uses the Cutera Excel V. It's excellent at diffusing redness and evening out the skin tone. Be sure to seek out an experienced provider and best if luck with your treatment!

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