IPL effectiveness after 2 treatments?

Question

I have acne and red post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation marks that I was hoping to treat with IPL. My first session had no effect whatsoever. I am moving in a few weeks and only have time for one more session. Are the effects of IPL cumulative if I pause treatment? Can I go in for my second session, then stop for a couple of months and continue once I find a new clinic? Or do I need to have the full course (4 sessions, 3-4 weeks apart) to see any effects?

Douglas Wu, MD · Answer

Generally speaking, IPL is most effective as a series of treatments.  The biggest wow effect is if your treatments are done in a series together, however you can still see results after 2 treatments and then a short break before picking back up again.  Don't forget to use sunscreen in between treatments.  Settings with IPL procedures are everything, so if you did not notice a result after your first treatment the settings may have been not ideal for your skin type.  There are also hundreds of different IPL machines on the market.  At my practice we have the M22, the Lumenis One and the Palomar Icon.  The M22 is the current gold standard available in the marketplace.Furthermore, I would normally prefer to use photodynamic therapy, topical/oral medication and a good skincare regimen for acne.  Using IPL for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is reasonable. Have you tried any of these yet?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

IPL Limelight works well to reduce redness and brown spots on the face. In our office, we use it for premature aging and skin rejuvenation with excellent results. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest seeing a cosmetic dermatologist with experience. IPL is not a treatment for post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and has the potential to make it worse.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Gustavo A. Diaz, MD · Answer

The
main thing to consider before you start your treatments is to have a consult
with a reputable dermatologist/facial/plastic surgeon. My practice has been
considered by Lumenis lasers to be a Lumenis laser center of excellence and I
have been a "Luminary" (Lumenis physician teacher) for the last 10
years. Not many physicians have these recognitions. I also help develop and
teach my own Rosacea and Melasma protocols for the Lumenis IPL systems to other
physicians and technicians.For the treatment of PIH is not only important to have the proper settings of the IPL in order to decrease the PIH without causing more to come out, but in your case you also need treatments to prevent new acne to continue causing PIH. Retin-A, blue light, and a skin care program are needed in conjunction in order to prevent new areas of acne inflammation to create new areas of PIH.Hope this helps,Dr. Gus Diaz

IPL effectiveness after 2 treatments?

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