I've dark armpits, considering IPL for hair removal. Will it help lighten darkness? Should I seek alternative treatment? (Photo)

I would use a combination of Luminase and Exfolase creams followed by fractional laser to help reduce the pigmentation. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian#Realself100 Surgeon

A combination approach will give the most improvement. Dark underarms can be improved with a combination of lasers, Aerolase, microneedling/prp, skin lightening, peels, and skin care. Sun protection is essential. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Thank you for your question rose907. I understand your concern.
IPL is a great treatment for facial rejuvenation. It can also be used to lighten skin off the face as well as for permanent hair reduction. Typically different settings are used to treat pigment and hair. If both settings are used both concerns can be addressed. Please consult with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

Yes.  IPL can not only reduce hair (although it is less efficient than other methods), but can also lighten skin.  We have treated clients with concerns such as yours numerous times.
I would suggest  IPL plus a lightening/bleaching cream used together for best results.  Make sure your practitioner is experienced with this approach however.

IPL/BBL can help with both of your concerns, but caution should be used. I would see a practitioner experienced in treating Asian skin to minimize the chance for any complications. We treat this issue in our office using very conservative settings with more sessions to prevent adding too much heat to the tissue at one time. We also use a multifaceted approach to improve the outcome.
I recommend starting on a lightening cream such as a hydroquinone or Brightenex from Dr. Zein Obagi. The Brightenex contains retinol which is recommended to help the lightening cream work faster by turning over the skin cells more quickly.
After the treatments, you may be instructed to continue a lightening cream occasionally and should wear sunscreen to prevent repigmentation.

Thanks for your question and posting a picture. We don't have a lot of Asians in our patient population, but we would probably recommend that you find an experienced facility with a purpose-built laser for LHR.  If you have too much pigment in the treatment area, you could get burned from an IPL. We would probably suggest completing 6 sessions of LHR and then addressing the hyperpigmentation of your under arms.  Again, we would avoid an IPL and would suggest something like the PicoSure FOCUS treatment.  It is safe for all skin types.  Best of luck.

Thanks for asking such a great question. I would start with 2 things: First IPL can both remove the hair and decrease the pigment. Have a consultation and explain that you're interested in removing both the hair and the dark pigment-- IPL is a great tool for both. At the same time I would start using skin care products that exfoliate and lighten skin: a glycolic cleanser (I recommend Glycolix 10%) and a skin lightening serum (I like SkinMedica Lytera). If you plan on wearing a sleeveless top, I would make sure you have sun block on the area. Give this at least 3-4 months and I bet you'll see improvement. I would only add other therapies at that time.