IPL/laser treatments for the face

[Drtgirl]

Just wondering if anyone has experience with IPL or similar laser treatments for the removal of capillaries and sun spots. I am only 31 but my skin looks like I'm 50. Ugh. I've been doing some research online and I see that some people get burns and they end up looking worse until they heal over :eek:

Thanks!

[Kiwi Stoker]

Have you tried skin ligtening creams and specialist lotions for veins etc? If not maybe start on these first before looking at the big guns.

[shootingstar]

Don't know if you have health insurance, but have you first had a dermatologist see your skin and offer alternatives?

[rubywagon]

I had laser treatments for sunspots/melasma a few months ago and it worked wonders. I am 30 and had some dark spots on my upper lip and the sides of my face appear after the birth of my sons. The spots got VERY dark for a day or so after the initial treatment, and they turned white and flaked away. It completely removed most of the spots.

However, I didn't wear sunscreen like I should have while out cycling in the fall and some of the spots returned, but am having luck with Retin-A to lighten them now.

I will try and dig up some before and after shots if I still have them.

[OakLeaf]

Just beware of skin lightening creams. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/16/health/16skin.html

[shootingstar]

REading that article, Oak turns me cold. It makes me sad, that there are still alot of folks lightening their skin to gain social status/make themselves feel better. (Meanwhile others who want to sport a great tan.)

The more reason to consult a dermatologist. All the searching on the Internet doesn't help self-diagnosis plus recommend for oneself the best safest treatment. Face is a precious visual body part that forms so much of a person's identity and uniqueness.

Alot of golden skinned, olive skinned and darker-skinned people I've met don't seem to have as many natural skin imperfections due to broken /visible face capillaries. It's more the sun spots, etc.

We don't know Drtgrl's skin at all nor ..unless an expert tells her.

[rubywagon]

+1 on visiting the dermatologist before you try anything. A definitive answer is always best.

[anneimal]

I'm a big fan of IPL. My dermatologist recommended it to lighten sunspots that came out when I was pregnant. The spots become darker at first, but then flake off after a week or so. Unfortunately, the spots can return with further sun exposure, so it can be an endless and expensive process. It did work for me though.

[Drtgirl]

My skin is fairly light, especially this time of year :( I do tan easily though and rarely burn.

Prior to moving to Seattle I spent 5 years in central California and was a total sun worshipper...what used to be tan is now showing up as sun spots on my pale skin. I don't know where the broken capillaries came from... I just it's just something that happens when you get older. Ugh.

The clinic here is run by dermatologists. I plan to get a consultation first and see what my alternatives are- IPL might be too expensive unfortunately.

[tulip]

Good for you for seeing a dermatologist. Fair skin with sun damage needs to be checked out by a doctor because some of those spots might need monitoring. Best of luck to you, and wear that sunscreen!