IPL is a perfect treatment for you!

Stella Desyatnikova, MD answers: IPL for fair skin types?

I am fair skinned (high type II or low type III) and my skin turns red easily -- just 20-30 minutes in the sun without protection and I'm red (more pink than red, though). I have a few spots of hyperpigmentation that I want to get rid of, and Photofacial (IPL) was recommended to me by my dermatologist. However, I had been exposed to the sun (unexpectedly, as I use SPF 30 everyday) and was told to wait 2 weeks and wear sunblock. I'm scheduled for this treatment in about another week.

Now, after researching this website and others, I have begun to wonder if IPL is the best treatment option for me. Am I at risk for more hyperpigmentation? Since wrinkles are not a problem for me, I do not want a treatment that has a lot of downtime, unless someone thinks that is best for me. My main concern are the dark spots, a few broken capillaries, and maybe some improvement in texture would be nice as well. Help. I'm confused and anxious and appreciate your expert opinions.


Stella Desyatnikova, MD
9 months ago
By Stella Desyatnikova, MD - Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

Sounds like you are an ideal candidate for IPL. Fair skin with hyperpigmentation, few broken capillaries, and not much of textural changes - this treatment was invented for you! You usually need several sessions, spaced 3 - 4 weeks apart, and you need to be careful about sun exposure before and after treatment, just like your doctor told you to do. You should see nice results with this.

There is usually no downtime. If you wanted to get improvement in skin texture as well, you would need to upgrade to a more invasive laser, like Active FX, fractional CO2 resurfacing. It will come at a price of several days of downtime and much steeper price tag. Enjoy your IPL treatments! You should do very well.

1 of 1 found this helpful
Helpful?

Request info from Dr. Desyatnikova

Special offers
Juvederm $475 per syringe
New patients only. Includes free cosmetic consultation.
Expires Nov 30 2009
Botox Cosmetic $10/ unit
New patients only. Includes free cosmetic consultation.
Expires Nov 30 2009
ActiveFX face treatment $1800
Full face treatment, ActiveFX and DeepFX fractional CO2 laser, includes consultation and post-procedural care.
Expires Nov 30 2009
Offers don't imply eligibility for a medical procedure. All applicable federal, state and local laws apply. Void where prohibited.
50 words maximum (0 words entered)
Your info is protected by our privacy policy
Back to “IPL for fair skin types?”
Post your question
Email to friend
Permalink

IPL: 156 reviews

49% said it was worth it

IPL before & after photos

Intense Pulsed Light
View all 46 photos

IPL doctor answers

Post your question
IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.