Whats the Difference Between Chemical Peel & IPL for Face?

Just saw my dermo & he recommended IPL for my face to clear up brown spots. I forgot to ask him the difference between using a chem peel & IPL. What gets deeper to the skin & which one will not cause the spots from coming back. I have done the frozen nitro on a spot on my cheek for the last 6 yrs but it re-emerges evry other year. Also, the price is $350 for full face. Is that the going rate?

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by 3kidsDSJ in East Northport, NY

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Lasers are More Predictable than Chemical Peels

There are different types of chemical peels: Superficial, Medium and Deep Peels. Superficial peels only take off the outer layer of the skin and there is no down time. You’ll need a series of treatments to obtain desired results over a period of time. A medium peel contains a stronger potency of acid and targets the epidermis, causing the upper dermis to slough within 5 to 7 days. Again, there is little or no down time. A deep peel targets the dermis and... more

IPL and chemical peels achieve different results

Both IPL and chemical peels are used to achieve facial rejuvenation. IPL uses broadband light to address mostly reds and browns of the face. This includes broken capillaries and redness due to sun damage as well as brown spots, dyschromias and other signs of aging and the sun. IPLs have the advantage of very little down time with good results over anywhere from 2-6 sessions. Chemical peels can include a wide variety of types from very superficial peels which brighten your skin to more... more

Dark spots on the face always come back no matter what method you use to remove them temporarily.

Unfortunately the dark spots on the face come back with sun exposure and hormones, etc... no matter what method you use to temporarily have them removed. IPLs and chem peels are often done together to get the cleanest and smoothest results and should be done yearly on most patients to maintain great skin. Sincerely, David Hansen,MD

David Hansen, MD

19 reviews

Beverly Hills Dermatologic Surgeon

www.DrDavidHansen.com

IPL vs chemical peel

I use both of these modalities ALL the time to rejuvenate the face and both are safe and effective. The IPL is better for overall redness, fine wrinkles respond better to a mid level peel, and brown spots may respond equally. I would go with the recommendation of the dermatologist.

Lawrence Kass, MD

31 reviews

Saint Petersburg Oculoplastic Surgeon

www.kassmd.com

IPL uses colored light to disrupt fine vessels and pigment spots.

IPL uses colored light to disrupt fine vessels and pigment spots. Chemical peels destroy the top layer of skin. As the skin sloughs and peels and new fresh layer takes its place. This helps with pigment spots and fine wrinkles, but not with redness and fine vessels.