IPL Laser treatment for sun spots

[Anonymous]

I decided to go see a dermatologist only as a precautionary measure. I got spooked when I learned a co-worker was diagnosed with melanoma a few years back and now it's gone to his brain. Anyway, after the check up, I asked her if the lightening creams work for sun spots-I have a few light ones that I've been working on with lightening serum. Her answer was no, but the treatment IPL (intense pulse light) laser treatment works and it's permanent. I'm 45 and grew up in the 60s-70s, spent my summers in pools with no sunscreen whatsoever, maybe even using baby oil at times The dr. said I didn't have aging skin at all, no wrinkles, but a little sun damage. I immediately scheduled an appt. and then explained to my husband as to why I need to spend $500 on the treatment He knows I can somewhat vain, and didn't shoot me down. I'm really excited about the treatment and was told that there was minimal down time, and completely removes sun/age spots. Has anyone had the IPL treatment?

[Anonymous]

Bumping this thread as I am considering the same treatment. Any experience with pulse light? My dermatologist said I needed a little more than at home topical and not as much as whatever the next step up is. Would love to hear from others who have had this.

[Anonymous]

It's the best thing I ever did. Works great, minimal pain. I had 4 treatments (but the first one did most of it). It took away almost all of the dark spots and freckles. I get compliments on my skin all the time (I'm 47). One thing I wasn't expecting was that I looked pretty bad after the first treatment - lots of dark brown spots - and had to wear a lot of makeup. It took about 4-5 days for my skin to clear and then it was really luminous. I would do it again in a minute if I had to.

[Anonymous]

i recently had three IPLs. It does remove many of the sunspots. However, some only become lighter, so they still remain. Also, you always have the chance of getting new ones. So, you need to make sure you wear a medical grade sunscreen.

Like the previous poster stated, my skin after the first treatment looked pretty bad. For me, it lasted about two weeks.

The IPL is not really a laser treatment. It is intense pulsed light.

Although my skin looks much more "even" and many spots are gone, most people have not noticed I have had this done.

[Anonymous]

Does it work for tiny vessels, too? I have those on my cheeks, along with the brown spots along my jawline.
Who's good to see about this?

[Anonymous]

I did the "Q" laser - the dermatologist did not think the IPL laser was needed. I was 30 at the time, I looked like I was about 12, I NEVER go out into the sun, but I had two small sunspots that really bugged me. (I have very fair skin and am very sensitive to the sun).

DH thought I was really vain since he swears they weren't noticeable, but I went for a consult and the Dr. took one look at me and said, "I see five small spots" (the other three were almost like freckles but he said they could darken later on), "in two minutes I can get rid of all of them and do it for $150." And I didn't have to come back, they were gone after one treatment.

The only traumatic part was that it takes a few days to heal, and they get darker before they go away. I spent about 72 hours thinking I had permanently scarred my face. Then, the spots peel away and are red, then after a few days the redness goes away.

If I get more sunspots (after religiously staying out of the sun) I will definitely do the laser treatment again. My only suggestion is to go to a board certified dermatologist who does this regularly. And a good dr. will tell you if you are a candidate - not everyone is. Apparently if you have really dark skin the outcomes may not be as good.

[Anonymous]

any recommendations on Maryland on who does this - either IPL or the Q Laser?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I'm the Q laser poster - I went to Dr. Robert Adrienne (sp?) over by American University. Foxhall I think. He is VERY well regarded. The office is packed with women having botox, etc.

I went to his partner for eczema a few years ago and she practically threw a prescription at me without looking, so I would not probably recommend them for "non cosmetic" concerns. But they make some serious money with the cosmetic procedures and they are very good!