Do I need IPL or Fractional CO2 Laser for my sun damage/freckles? (Photo)

Question

I have sunspots/freckles/sun damage on my face (whole face but most of the sun damage is visible predominately on my nose and cheeks. Not sure what I need to do in order to have them removed completely - IPL or fractional co2 laser? Any help would be most appreciated!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis.  We see atrophic and hypertrophic scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to discuss the best treatment options for your type of skin. .

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

IPLcan work very well for freckles but doesnt help aging process and the freckles will come back.  Depending on the number and density,I might do a combination treatment with lasers and/or microneedling for the best long term outcomes.Please see an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Stephen E. Small, DO · Answer

I would recommend you consider another option than either an IPL or co2 laser. I would recommend considering a laser such as an alexandrite 755 wavelength to treat this condition.  A brown spot treatment with  an IPL for brown spots might be able to do the same but I find these treatments to be less specific for the problem (since an IPL which is intense pulse light which uses filters to narrow the light to several hundred wavelengths to treat a problem) and usually take more treatments.  A brown spot laser treatment uses only one wavelength that is very specific for a  problem and can usually lessen a brown spot in 1-3 treatments. Most of the brown spot freckles can be lessened or removed. It is doubtful that all of the brown spots will go away and some can come back with time especially with exposure to the sun. Based on the picture you provided I would be less inclined to recommend a co2 treatment. This is better for fine lines, roughened skin texture, scarring and only superficial brown spots. Freckles usually would not be lessened to any significant degree with co2. Best of luck with your treatments.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

CO2 is an over kill, sure, fully ablative CO2 laser (light to mid) can help, but a simple IPL treatment, with Fraxel can give great results. Also simple TCA with Jessners peel can treat freckles. No matter what treatment you have, they will recur. Sometimes simple treatments like IPL or TCA peels are the answer. All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Brisbane. Australia.

Lawrence Bundrick, MD (retired) · Answer

If you are only simply wanting r=to remove/lighten your sun spots and freckles, then IPL is going to be your best option. It simply targets pigmentation and can be done without any type of anesthesia or numbing treatment. IPL typically may require a series of treatments depending on the person, and the age and degree of pigmentation. CO2 is more for skin resurfacing, more invasive, has downtime and requires sedation.

Do I need IPL or Fractional CO2 Laser for my sun damage/freckles? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: IPL with Fraxel.

Answer: IPL with Fraxel.

Answer: Do I need IPL or Fractional CO2 Laser for my sun damage/freckles?

Answer: Do I need IPL or Fractional CO2 Laser for my sun damage/freckles?

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Do I need IPL or Fractional CO2 Laser for my sun damage/freckles? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: IPL with Fraxel.

Answer: IPL with Fraxel.

Answer: Do I need IPL or Fractional CO2 Laser for my sun damage/freckles?

Answer: Do I need IPL or Fractional CO2 Laser for my sun damage/freckles?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about CO2 Laser

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