Am I a Good Candidate for Intensed Pulse Light Therapy (IPL)? (photo)

I have not been impressed with either IPL or fractional lasers for the treatment of irregular, blotchy pigmentation from melasma or solar lentigines ("sun" spots) or even for freckling, for that matter. For the past couple of years, I have had great success combining in-office treatment of these problems via a series of treatments using superficial peeling agents and home use of depigmenting agents. Depending upon circumstances, the latter may include hydroquinone (in high... more

IPL is an effective treatment for many skin types, including those with Asian skin. But I will say this: it's an effective treatment when done by trained, experienced professionals who are overseen directly by a physician. I have many Asian patients whom I treat with IPL, but the settings need to be very specific and the technician absolutely needs to pay attention to every single skin response. Visit an office with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon and ask them specifically... more