IPL Q&A
54%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
302 Reviews
IPLbefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average IPL Cost: $550

Learn about IPL

1,146 people and 239 doctors are talking about IPL

Get Free Email Updates

IPL or Accutane for Moderate to Severe Acne?

asked 2 years ago by Marcela in los angeles
Latest answer by Bryan K. Chen, MD
Question viewed 830 times
Tags: acne

Which is better for moderate to severe acne, IPL or Accutane?

2 answers to IPL or Accutane for Moderate to Severe Acne?

+1

IPL vs. Accutane for moderate to severe acne

I agree with Dr. Oppenheim. IPl, even with Levulan would not be my first choice for moderate to severe acne. Accutane is really the only medication that we know of which can produce a durable benefit for acne. I would consult with a board certified dermatologist who can review with you all of your acne treatment options and the potential major and serious side effects of Accutane. Good luck.
Bryan K. Chen, MD

San Diego Dermatologist
+1

No Question Accutane

IPL is helpful, and combined with Levulan in Photodynamic Therapy ( PDT) can be very effective. :However, its benefits are really about the same as a good antibiotic. Further, these effects are not long-lasting. Accutane, on the other hand, offers sustained surcease from the travails of acne, if not an outrilght cure. There are certainly side effects and you must enlist a steady captain to navigate the occasionally trecherous side effect waters, but Accutane has been one... more
Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD

Virginia Beach Dermatologist

Ask a question