Treatment Options for Sun Damaged Arms and Chest

Question

Hi! I lived in Spain for six years and spent a lot of time enjoying an outdoor lifestyle. On returning back to the U.K., I noticed a change in the appearance of my skin tone and after visiting a doctor it was confirmed as sun damage. In particular I would LOVE to clear up the pink, mottled complexion on my arms, hands and chest.
I've been told it's vascular damage caused by the sun and the result of millions of blood vessels being damaged close to the surface of the skin.  I am currently having ppx laser treatment after reading about its results and after attending several consultations, it sounded like the best possible treatment. However after three treatments, I am not really noticing the benefits. I understand these things take time, but sometimes I wonder if anything would really help with the damage.
I would really LOVE to hear your opinions on a possible treatment that would help with my skin issue. I am also using a vitamin A based cream in addition to the treatment. Im sorry to go on but im beginning to loose hope. Many thanks. I look forward to hearing your replies with my fingers crossed. Regards, Ryan Ridout

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

First of all, you should wear daily sunscreen and use physical sun block when possible such as hats and UV protected shirts.  Secondly, treating reds and browns is often best done by using high grade IPL.  There often several changes to the skin with sun damage.  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. 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

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Treatment Options for Sun Damaged Arms and Chest

Answers (2)