Can IPL damage blood vessels & cause more broken capillaries?

Question

I want to go for an IPL for rosacea flushing, but I know people who have said that IPL made their flushing worse for a month after the treatment & broken capillaries worse. How is this possible? I also know it can treat flushing so I’m confused!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis.  We see atrophic and hypertrophic scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to discuss the best treatment options for your type of skin. .

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

IPL rarely causes rebound its likely it was done improperly or their condition worsened.
redness is treated with 
1. vascular lasers (excel v, vbeam, BBL, IPL, Aerolase, yellow laser)
2. Aquagold or micro ampule infusion (botox topically)
3. microsecond yag lasers (laser genesis, Aerolase)
4. proper medical grade skincare (faith, Restorsea, sente) and LED therapy (light stim)
5. non ablative, low level, low density lasers (clear and brilliant)
6. nano fractional RF (venus viva)
see an expert for a full workup.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

While IPL does help with rosacea and facial redness, I prefer to use the VBeam Perfecta pulsed dye laser for rosacea and redness. You should see improvement in redness with these treatments, no worsening.

Can IPL damage blood vessels & cause more broken capillaries?

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Can IPL damage blood vessels & cause more broken capillaries?

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Everything you need to know about IPL

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.