Can IPL Treat Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation's from Acne?

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture. Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.

Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

The Sciton Broad Band Light (BBL™) provides
patients with a state-of-the-art laser system, which is able to treat multiple
aesthetic concerns, while being safe, non-invasive with no downtime.Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation ( PIH) from acne or other skin damage can be cleared with specific wavelength targets.  We advise adjunct skin therapy of Retin A, Hydroquinone and Vitamin C for optimal outcomes.#BBLtreatsPIH  #BBLpostacne   #acnediscolorations

Sciton® BBL technology treats sun-damaged and aging skin effectively.
The light energy delivered by the BBL will gently be absorbed by the unwanted melanin
responsible for pigmented lesions in the upper layers of the skin. Over the
next few days the pigmented lesions will darken and fall off. Pigmented lesions
can be removed by full-face or spot-treat superficial resurfacing. This
technology allows patients to experience quick recovery with smoother,
healthier, more vibrant skin, and an immediate change in skin texture and
tightness.#BBLtreatsPIH  #BBLvsIPL   #BBLacne

Yes, IPL can treat hyperpigmentation left on the skin as a result of inflammation from acne. However, I would wait several months after it first presented before treating it in this way. This is because IPL treatments add heat to the skin and cause acute inflammation which can sometimes worsen post inflammatory hyperpigmentation if it is treated too soon. In the meantime, chemical peels are another option. In either case, it is important to begin treating with skin care products that will reduce both hyperpigmentation, and inflammation. Hydroquinone products, such as SkinMedica’s Epiquin, and anti-inflammatory products, such as SkinMedica’s TNS and Vitamin C & E will also help the condition, whether used alone, or in combination with procedures. Finacea is a topical medication that helps with both hyperpigmentation and inflammation, and is will also help to control acne as well. This can be used in combination with all of the other products mentioned above.

Before you spend money on IPL, consider this regimen which we use in our practice:
I recommend Melarase AM and Melarase PM to improve hyperpigmentation as well as Scler-X, a post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation relief complex. Scler-X is an oral supplement that is taken for 3-6 months or more for maintenance therapy.
Also apply a wide spectrum high SPF 50+ sun block to prevent ongoing damage and PIH. I recommend Spectrase from Kare Skin. 
See link below. 

The inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne will almost always fade on its own in usually 1-3 months (longer if darker or with asian skin). In my honest opinion, it would be a waste to try to remove this hyperpigmentation with IPL or any other laser as they don't practically work for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, but rather better used for lentigos.
The best treatment for the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation of acne is time, the treatment of the originating acne, and perhaps the use of a bleaching cream.