The Best Laser Treatments for Hyperpigmentation | Dr. Sam Ellis

[@lautuby]

Can you please teach us all about laser/in-office treatments for rosacea and blood vessels on the face? No one seems to be addressing this topic but the redness really affect the apperance of the skin and self-confidence as much as it does the brown of melasma alas :(

[@somacarr7528]

Could you do talk about lasers for getting rid of Roseacia issues?

[@desireehernandez56]

VBeam ❤

[@ilovelucytheboston]

I’m doing IPL for roseacea

[@littlegeo1]

I've never wanted to live in northern CA more. 😭 Would love to be treated by you Dr. Ellis. Great video! Sending love from FL.

[@Patrick-gj6zu]

Something I love about you Dr. Sam is you’re not all about money. You will intervene with skincare and medical intervention. I really appreciate this

[@rosiesingleton6480]

Can you do a video about chemical peels ?

[@carinerouhi2558]

Thank you for this video! Do you have tips to recognize melasma vs dark spots?

[@bnb0510]

I never had Melasma UNTIL I had a BBL treatment. Even while pregnant. Was doing it for overall brightening and sun damage on my nose/cheeks and after 2 sessions I had horrible Melasma on my forehead and outer area of the face. Took forever to get it under control!

[@pjscurry3042]

SAME EXACT THING!!!!!!

[@littlevoice_11]

Wish you could make a laser cheat sheet/one pager. Type: name: mechanism of action: benefits

[@LisaWorgan-fq1ke]

I love that suggestion!

[@littlevoice_11]

@@LisaWorgan-fq1ke thank you 😊

[@SumiRebeiro]

As a non-derm physician who takes your advice to care for my own skin, this would be extremely helpful. It would be useful info without in any way being advice. Thanks for all your work, here and in the physical world.

[@DrSamEllis]

@@littlevoice_11 check out the description box! Hope that helps a bit!

[@nancycox3466]

I have had several IPL treatments but it doesn’t seem to do that much. Still have brown spots. I’m 67 and got a lot of sun in my youth.

[@tiffanyrose6052]

I have melasma, acne prone, rosacea skin and BBL with Halo is my favorite and my skin responds beautifully to this combo!

[@claireluckensmeyer7489]

Love a good Halo treatment!

[@lachesislooms9233]

I didn't wear sunscreen in my youth and had pretty intensive dark spots at 40. Did three IPL sessions and felt like the results were miraculous! I now wear sunscreen always and use eucerin anti pigment products to protect my 48 year old skin. Thanks for the great video!

[@elizabethwilk9615]

You probably are fair but for skin tone 2-3 it can do more damage than good. I am close to olive skin and it made my brown spots worse

[@mkwil65]

I have had good results with dual fraxel and also a combination as you suggested. Recently had my second moxie that was 4 different lasers and my skin felt like sand paper for about a week then soft and new born baby skin without dark spots. Would love your opinion on the moxie treatment too! Thanks for your amazing content Dr. Sam!

[@erinwaldrep1420]

Would love to hear about Moxi as well. My derm recommended it for me; large pores, lines, and wrinkles. I haven't had it done yet, but planning on it towards the end of the year.

[@Lee73Lee]

I had two clear & brilliant sessions, and it actually made my melasma worse so that was discouraging. No more lasers for me, and I'll stick to topicals and oral Tx acid.

[@jenniferbower6286]

Lasers should never be used for treatment of melasma. VI peel or Cosmelan peel is best to help mitigate

[@elizabethwilk9615]

@@Lee73Lee same for me I had two. First one I thought made things better second made everything worse ! Spa convinced me on getting a package.

[@Lee73Lee]

@@elizabethwilk9615 thankfully my derm agreed with me that it made my melasma worse after the second one. She had me do a chemical peel instead of a third clear & brilliant, which was so much better, and I convinced her to put me on oral Tx acid to get back to baseline within 2-3 months. I will never do lasers again. Sticking to chemical peels, hydroquinone, and oral Tx acid from here on out for melasma. Hope you found a better solution for yourself too!

[@katherinewong1689]

Thank you for being so honest and telling us there is no cure for melasma. I have been getting laser treatments for about 10 years which did help me remove brown spots and gave me a brighter even skin tone . BUT is an ongoing process - I started with a treatment every 2 weeks and after years and years can now reduce to once a month complimented by skin care and sunscreen every day.

[@PountyPout]

I’ve had 3 Halo treatments and it is the best. Gets rid of fine lines and pigmentation and makes you have a glow afterwards. Love it!

[@jmarie419]

I had IPL done for Rosacea. My dermatologist said I would benefit from it and gave me a place to go to. I went and it was painful! But nothing that I couldn't handle, and it was very quick. Unfortunately, it didn't do anything for me! I came back in for a 2nd session, and the girl said she's never had it, not work. I also have hormonal problems, and she thinks that could have caused it not to work. So I have an app next month with my Derm to figure out what is going on. Hoping for the best.

[@crucitasquillace5072]

I had back in 2018 IPL done 3x on my olive tone skin. IT MADE MY BROWN SPOTS WORSE!! I wish the esthetician knew better than to use it on my type of skin. Here we are 2024 and I am still trying to get those spots disappear. I do get facials now every month and she has been working hard at getting my spots to fade with different non invasive treatments and using mostly serums that address melasma. I spent so much money with IPL only to make things worse. So…please be careful everyone. Do your research. I thought I did. The person that did my IPL is the daughter of the owner of a place for over 30 years.

[@jenniferbower6286]

I’m so sorry that happened. I’m a laser tech and I won’t treat anyone with olive skin or darker for this reason or hypopigmentation. They aren’t happy with my answer but I don’t want to cause bigger issues.

[@Silvie.1]

Oh no! IPL is not a real laser anyways. I had one for vessel removal and that worked but I also got brown spots. I heard Pico laser is safe for darker skin tones because it doesn't generate any heat. I will do that for sure one day. I will save for it instead of using mediocre things like IPL

[@camillafigueroa3694]

Thank you for this, Dr. Ellis. I appreciate you weighing in on the pico being safe for darker skin tones. In your estimation are either the Fraxel or IPL safe for those of us who are not Anglo? I found the Pico a bit underwhelming in lightening my brown/liver spots, but I guess that’s better than turning my face white.

[@linlee5162]

So sorry IPL didn’t work on you. It worked on my Fitzpatrick 4 but I did hyperpigment one forehead and neck, but used Obagi discoloration line, seemed to work and used 2 bottles of Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner from Ulta. Lots of sunscreen . Prob won’t do IPL again, but the results were amazing, im too dark.

[@elizabethwilk9615]

@@Silvie.1pico was awful for my brown spot on my cheek.

[@vonxojn3]

I have dermal melasma and she is correct. I have used so many topicals, peels, dermabrasion, and lasers. It is exhausting to treat.

[@SarahKotri]

I’ve done IPL, bbl, vbeam and clear and brilliant since I was 40. I’m 52 now. I experienced good results from all of them. My down time is always more than they say, I have a reactive type 1/2 skin type. I feel less is often more when you’re younger and these treatments over time with good skin care have helped me a lot to not look my age. I’m fearful of deeper lasers or hotter, especially Morpheus8, as I think they can melt fat and leave you looking hollow or with cheek wrinkles. Hopefully the Dr can speak to that. I also do some Botox but again prefer a less is more approach. My skin isn’t perfect and I’ll always battle these sun spots (early childhood burns etc) but lasers have helped me so much to improve my appearance.

[@picklebird1261]

Best all around summary of the various lasers and when to use them. Thanks so much!

[@AliseVersluis]

Yess! Lasers for other issues, like large pores, anti-aging, red marks etc. Also, maybe another topic that would be interesting to cover: there is a lot of talk and conflicting info about fillers never disolving or/and migrating. Maybe interesting to adress these concerns/fears?

[@wesoley93]

It’s just wild how expensive it is here in the US. I got PICO done in Korea & it was $20

[@linlee5162]

Korea is the place to go. The US is extremely expensive.

[@misuumisuu]

Can I ask where in Korea?

[@wesoley93]

@@misuumisuu I went Lienjang

[@Feriel3.0]

Super excited for part 2! Dr Sam is there any source where we can learn more about lasers for medical doctors! A website? Online course? I would be super greatful for any recommendation!

[@beigechen4024]

Had 3 sessions of IPL for melasma, good result. Cost $1000 in Houston area. Continue with skincare maintenance. Started microneedling using Dr. Pen, saw bigger improvement.

[@Silvie.1]

Mine costed 250 EUR per session and I found that so so expensive even though I only needed two sessions 🙈 I think it spoiled my idea on how much money is needed to take care of my skin. If other people here were I live would know about it they would be shocked to the core. I don't even think I spend that much overall in comparison to most interested people 😅

[@Blue37801]

Awesome video, thank you. Does Halo provide any tightening of the skin as well?

[@Jetsethermes]

One of the most informative videos I’ve ever watched!

[@hannahjara4576]

Is there a resource where we can go and try and find a provider that offers the laser you mentioned? Seems like every provider has a nickname for lack of a better term for the laser they offer and it's hard to narrow down who is offering what.

[@sherilynschneider]

Good question!

[@DPM-dp9on]

What an outstanding and informative video. Thank you.

[@marcyjackson7577]

Doing a series of 5 Clear & Brilliant as a “step up” to my typical micro needling. Doing three in a row every 4-5weeks, taking a break for 8 weeks due to a holiday, then two more. If it is similar to micro needling, I see my best results when I do a few treatments back to back. I am 56, decent skin and good skin care practices. It is more affordable than the other laser treatments I looked into (at least in my area north of Toronto) so I can do several and other than red the day of treatment I had no real downtime. Hoping to continue to bank some collagen while improving over all texture, pore size and tone of my skin.

[@alligatorrrs]

Can you please do another video explaining the details of radio frequency treatments, such as Morpheus8 and Virtue RF?

[@RabbitinCanada]

That's a great video. I've had a few different treatments you mentioned and this is the first time I've actually understood the difference.

[@candidal5352]

I don’t have hyperpigmention but like to get laser rejuvenation treatment with ND yag 1064, I’m a Fitzpatrick 5 and still very young. I’ve been doing facials since I was 12 due to Acne and became an Esthetician. I’ve gotten the carbon laser treatment which I like for an instant glow. In my case consistency with my Renoic acid and skin care regime is almost the same. I’ve never gotten Botox or fillers at age 37 and I think all the lasers I’ve done, has help with that. I stop in the summer and start again around November with my laser sessions.

[@anitamiko9975]

This was useful to hear, esp your targeted approach. I love that ribbed sweater, Dr. Ellis. Do you recall where it’s from or who makes it?

[@christinemack2153]

Grateful for this info., thank you!!

[@jeanettestalmack2183]

Such great information! Thank you! Looking forward to part 2 😊

[@galikatan5591]

After years of fighting my melasma with multiple topicals, SPF 50 on a daily basis and several laser treatments, I can say that the only thing that actually made a significant improvement in it was oral tranexamic acid that my doctor prescribed.

[@paleobrownie1474]

I started the transexemic acid 2 weeks ago I’m excited to see it work

[@galikatan5591]

@@paleobrownie1474 good luck!Be consistent, I took it for four months and I think it took about three months until I started seeing results.

[@ayshe3766]

Thank you for this video. Can you please teach us how to take care of the skin, when it starts to flake and peel after the treatment. How to wash face and what to use during peeling, redness etc.

[@dorienvanderschot3814]

Incredibly informative video. Now, my concern is more redness (due to sensitivity, not acne prone skin) and supporting collagen and elastin through fibroblasts. For the redness IPL has had the best results so far, but for the second concern I'm somewhat lost in regard to the possibilities. What's most effective there? BBL, fractional laser, combined with micro needling? Could you maybe address this in on of you next video's on laser treatments?

[@DrReedB0928]

I have the same issues! I have been having good results with v beam

[@pnevlud]

In northern Virginia I paid $2500 for fractional co2 laser aggressive. Face and neck ❤

[@juliehreitz4668]

I've had great experience with Excel V (now the Excel V+) laser, which I think is IPL. With different settings it does brown and red spots. I have that relatively youthful skin with brown spots that you mentioned and a doc in NYC got me hooked! Results were instant the first time, no downtime. I've gone elsewhere in the country to get followup treatments with a little scabbing afterwards and less instant results. It would be the older skin I have or the less experienced laser driver I think. My first driver was an MD, the last one was an aesthetician. After searching everywhere for Excel V recently I'm annoyed with the laser nicknames that places choose to use rather than the machine name! The front desk people often didn't know the name of the treatment when I called to ask the device name. For the record I got 15 min of Excel V spot treatments for about $200 in Salt Lake City UT.

[@holly939]

@juliehreitz4668 Thank you! Can you please share the name of the doctor you saw in NYC? I'm on the hunt!

[@juliehreitz4668]

@@holly939 New York Dermatology Group, not sure of the provider

[@holly939]

@@juliehreitz4668 Thank you!

[@anncude531]

Julie, would you share who you used in Salt Lake City? Thanks so much!

[@johnQTNZ]

Thanks for your videos and knowledge, I’m learning lots. I’ve had two Clear and Brilliant Original treatments recently and I’m liking the results. Might step it up a notch and get a fraxel jewel next time.

[@theabispin8032]

I would love to get more specific details on what is safe to use on people with deeper skin tones Fitzpatrick 5/6 and what you’ve had the most experience with and before and after if you can

[@elizabethwilk9615]

I have bewtween 2-3 and IPl , pico and micro needling made things worse! It was so demoralizing and a waste of money

[@galinik.9569]

Hello, Dr Ellis. Can you talk about the way lasers work for hyperpigmentation in the groin area (including vulva)? I've been wanting to do a laser treatment to deal with my hyperpigmentation in private region for years now but after watching your videos I'd like to know you take on it.

[@dionnemarek6977]

Dr Ellis I love your skincare! Can you do a video about lasers for broken capillaries? Thank you

[@LisaWorgan-fq1ke]

Outstanding video!!!!! I can’t thank you enough! Wow! ❤

[@geraltote]

Wonderful video and I appreciate the way you explain it and the price range, which seems to be a mystery. I had Fraxel laser about 5 years ago and the results were great but it was so painful to me that I would never do it again. I had IPL, a little less painful and worth it. I also bought an IPL machine to use at home and the results were similar. The only thing you need to use it 5 days a week for 4 months. I did and the pictures showed the results. Unfortunately the machine stop working after 3 years. I just had the Erbium laser and it got rid of a brown spot that has been bothering me for 2 years and I treated with topical treatments. It got better then worse and it seems that it practically disappeared. I did 3 weeks ago so let’s see how long it lasts. In the meantime I keep using topical treatments including DNA repair and cystemine

[@khadizakter66]

Thanks for the discussion about this.❤

[@user-DVpazyamor]

Lake worth FL, much less cost! I’ve been getting all these done and they are amazing! 🤩 with sunscreen of course.

[@heatherdean7793]

Will you please address if the heat from the dual laser and increase your melasma and what are the steps before hand from worsening the plasma if you want to get treatment? I would assume a series of hydroquinone applications, but are there other anti-inflammatories internally or externally that can benefit prophylactically? Thank you

[@elizabethwilk9615]

Great question anything with heat makes my brown spots worse

[@isolinaaustin1108]

Thank you, this was very helpful. I have some dark spots that I’ve wanted to get removed by laser. I have olive skin so I was a little nervous because I heard certain lasers are not appropriate for darker skin. So I’ve been putting it off.

[@shahriaalif2570]

Great job Dr. Sam

[@lilya4295]

Thank you so much for the high quality content ❤ I have a question. Do any of these lasers work for dark circles caused by pigmentation? I guess mine is genetic

[@littledoo]

What are your thoughts on Tixel?

[@pvc910]

It would be helpful to know which lasers can be used on which Fitzpatrick skin types. Thank you so much for the video very informative! :)

[@nikkistrath]

I had a CO2 laser on my face and neck 1.5 yrs ago, 2 week down time & lots of redness to the neck but it was worth it. Really helped with the brown spots and fine lines. It was $1500 in So CA. This year I have been touching up with 3 IPL treatments and it works great too (it even got rid of my freckles). I wear 50SPF & PA++++ daily and wide brim hats to prevent them from returning. I also use fade bright from platinum skincare and the combination has worked well to keep the spots away.

[@lindalove9556]

Would an at-home device like the Nira help fade sun spots? I’m assuming it would take a lot longer if it would.

[@gymnasticsboy3]

Which laser would you recommend for widespread facial redness/PIE spots?

[@DrReedB0928]

V beam!

[@chloecute2251]

I love your honesty. Thank you!

[@beckyjohnsen3128]

What topicals would help fade and keep malasma and sun spots at bay?

[@ritaanderson819]

Thank you for sharing, so informative!❤

[@sheilavanderlaak692]

Hi Dr Ellis. Any thoughts on large pores and what treatment is best to reduce or eliminate them?

[@mmeek9871]

I did a CO2 Lazer done in Heldsburg CA and tge down tome was 3 months! The pain was INTENSE

[@LeahSteel-c3x]

Oh shit

[@shyintrovertdigitalmom]

Can you please discuss more about nevus of ota or hori nevus? I noticed most of the doctors here in KZbin don’t really discuss it. I watched only one doctor who gave information about it and it was Dr. David Lim.

[@amygoeckeritz4740]

Good to know. I’ve heard sometimes it can be worsening with certain lasers. I’m not sure what to do. I’m also on hydroquinone, I use tretinoin, azelaic and tranexamic acid. Hoping all of these things will help? I’ve just seen so many people do vbeam with good results to decrease their redness, so it’s frustrating when mine has maybe barely gotten better. And my brown spots with the pico are barely better. Not sure if I keep going with it or not. Facials are a good idea too.

[@DrReedB0928]

I love having v beam for my rosacea. Can this be used for overall skin smoothness and collagen building as well? Thank you so much for your videos

[@nabom0422]

I am interested in lasers for the reds please. Also, would love to hear your input on Aerolase laser. Thanks!

[@rimma7870]

Thanks, D. Sam. I was offered Moxi for spots, texture, and lines. I also have melasma. Is it the right choice for me? Thank you 😊

[@Olie109]

Please don’t do it! I’ve done so many different lasers over the years (clear and brilliant, affirm, Ipl) and my skin was so beautiful and spotless. Until I’ve done three moxi lasers…. It literally ruined my skin. My face is so brown now and all spotty (I’m very pale) and nothing helps! It’s been 4 years now, I’ve tried chemical peels, ipl, hydroquinone etc to get rid of it, but nothing helps..😢 please don’t do the mistake I did! I’ve never had any problems with my skin until the moxi laser!

[@joeneLaCoste]

What are your thoughts on the nira at home laser?

[@GoFish2006]

Id love to see your thoughts on the aerolase laser treatments for anti-aging

[@priscillakowal9440]

Hello Dr Ellis. I have Rosacea and have had 2 laser treatments from a Dermatologist in the past. I know what you mean about the rubber band snap on your skin, but it really hurts. Is there anything that can be done about the pain? Also, does using an ice pack immediately following the Vbeam treatment help to reduce swelling? I was so swollen for a couple of days following the procedure. BTW, I LOVE my Prequel products, thank you! Priscilla

[@Freedom_fighter-t3s]

Thank you. very helpful.

[@A2L124]

I have light-medium brown indian skin and laser with high heat makes my pigmentation worse! My skin only likes more gentle and cooling approach. However, how the laser is done matters as well, light hand and not too close to the skin works best.

[@amyomeara2515]

I had two IPL sessions and never went back for the third, it was so painful I couldn’t bring myself to do it again 😢

[@lli_loue]

I got laser treatment for my melasma last spring. two sessions at €300 each. it helped a little bit with the melasma, but one month later it was back even worse. I am so mad that I believed them.

[@417VV]

Which laser did you use? Trying to find a solution to melasma as well

[@lli_loue]

@@417VV I can’t remember the name

[@leeannlowery5064]

Great overview! Need a chart 😅

[@sandyb761]

Laser recommendation on broken capillaries and mild rosacea? Plus discoloration.

[@amygoeckeritz4740]

I’ve done Vbeam and pico now three times, 6 weeks apart, and I haven’t noticed much difference. My dermatologist and clinic are awesome, I’m just wondering if there’s something I need to have done differently. I have rosacea so we’re treating the redness with that, plus dark spots. Wondering if I’m just a problem child and need something different and stronger!😅

[@lynnecarr5791]

What about a Moxie?

[@rupakalidoss2900]

Thank you! could you let me know your thoughts on moxi laser? (indian skin tone). looking to treat some hyperpigmentation. thanks

[@Blynn_]

Question. By removing the sun damage spots, does that make skin healthier? Or, does it just look better?

[@db-gb5xi]

At least one derm who treats darker skin types (Fitzpatrick 4-6) recommends the Aerolase laser.

[@wendyn3256]

Which derm?

[@db-gb5xi]

@@wendyn3256 Dr Alexis Stephens.

[@andreathompson8764]

what are your thoughts on the Ultra Clear laser?

[@adrianamarie4164]

i want to know this too! ive been seeing alot about it...

[@prantimojumder-fu7tr]

Great solution

[@linlee5162]

More info for us brown girls. IPL burned me.

[@spookyjess999]

what's the main difference in results between clear and brilliant and IPL?

[@EmmaCatinthebag]

Thank you, Dr. Sam. Could you make a video or series of shorts on yellowish or dark underarms? I have fair-light skin with dark hair and sensitivity to Benzoyl Peroxide. Despite showering nightly, using salicylic wash twice a week (leave it for 5 min), hypoallergenic Almay deodorant, a weekly sulfur mask, and once a week of glycolic acid, my underarms remain itchy and dark with a yellow hue. I trim instead of shaving and plan to use an IPL device at home to reduce hair density. thank you!

[@db-gb5xi]

In the meantime, Dr. Jenny Liu and Dr. Idriss have videos on dark underarms.

[@EmmaCatinthebag]

@@db-gb5xi yes, thank you! All the steps I am taking are based on the good doctor's bits of advice and still, I have issues 😊

[@pnevlud]

Doc how long does fractional co2 laser results last in your opinion. I do know you need to incorporate a good skin care routine before and after and stay out of the sun ❤. Thanks 🙏

[@axreason]

Do you have a video on lasers for redness? i have very fair skin, rosacea, broken capillaries and PIE, and find that my skincare and prescription Finacea just does not cut it. been considering laser for a couple of years.

[@DrReedB0928]

Same with me! I have been successful with v beam

[@Nicolegarcia-gp5xh]

Which type of treatment is best for red spots or broken capillaries please?

[@nataliejiaravanont6514]

What about Ultra-Laser…. I’m mainly concerned with brown spots that are all over face.

[@JudwaBrothersCOC]

Thanks for this video It is epic!!!

[@Amran-ko4se]

Very effective Video

[@ryanlamborghini1]

Where does ND YAG laser fall among all of this? I’ve had 5 session through derm. Great results for small areas of more visible blood vessels or some form of hyperpigmentation I had, still not exactly clear but it’s not a telangiectasia. I originally thought that, however my derm corrected me and said no. They were just under my lower medial fat pads of my eyes and primarily on the bridge of my nose which I suspect was a result of squeezing open and closed comedones

[@MorzinazemimEva-u5k]

Helpful video

[@MarkoSpeaks]

Please recommend some at home devices as an alternative to these :)

[@MDToufikurRohoman]

Thank you for this video

[@laxmiuppin4959]

I am interested in getting laser treatments but I read and was informed that for those with brown or darker skin it may not be effective or have side effects. Can you please advise?

[@KS-op5hb]

anything I can do for Sebaceous hyperplasia

[@rohanulislam7701]

Thanks for your information

[@tylerwilson1901]

Are any of these treatments risky for people who have a history of skin cancer : melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma ? Thanks!

[@skinbeautygrace9610]

What would you recommend for red spots from acne?