Is IPL able to do skin tightening as well?

Question

I have read about IPL skin rejuvenation from a dermatologist, but most things I read about IPL do not mention skin tightening.

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

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Rebecca Fitzgerald, MD · Answer

IPL is a light-based treatment that's designed to treat superficial pigmentation and redness. The right device an be a simple and affordable away to lift considerable amounts of pigment.Tightening? Not really. BBL is one type of 'super-ipl' that helps maintain collagen levels with consistent treatments, but in general, it's primary purpose is to create an even toned skin.If you want tightening, then the best options are those specifically designed to do just that. However, a key element in getting good results from the designated systems is patient selection. These devices, such as Thermage or others, won't take the place of surgical lifts and in more mature patients, they may offer a result that leaves you less than satisfied.

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

IPL is an excellent treatment if you have brown spots, other pigmentation concerns or redness with broken blood vessels you would like to address. The wavelengths of light from the device target the melanin that leads to the discoloration as well as deoxyhemoglobin in the blood vessels. The treatment can also stimulate some collagen production in the underlying dermal structure, but skin tightening is not one of the improvements you are likely to see. 
If you are interested in firming the skin, there are good options to achieve this goal as well. In our office, we offer Ultherapy, Thermage and ThermiTight for this purpose. Ultherapy uses ultrasonic energy to heat the underlying dermal layers to constrict tissue and create a firmer appearance to the skin. Thermage and ThermiTight deliver radiofrequency energy that constrict tissue and stimulate collagen production for natural, long-lasting results. Any of these treatments should be performed by an experienced, board-certified dermatologist to ensure an optimal outcome.

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

IPL has the ability to improve fine lines, wrinkles, dyschromia and vascular issues. It does not help with skin tightening.Jeff Rapaport MD FAADRealself All-star

Ahad Mahootchi, MD · Answer

IPL is great for many things but skin tightening isn't one I would be enthusiastic about.It just doesn't have the bang for the buck for tightening. It's about color and texture for sure.

Dennis Gross, MD · Answer

This Intense Pulsed Light, or Photo Rejuvenation, treatment focuses mainly on achieving a beautifully even tone to your skin. With every treatment, there is noticeable improvement in brown hyperpigmented areas, as well as a reduction in overall redness. It uses radio frequency so it does help tighten the skin but it's not the treatment I would recommend for skin tightening alone. We have other lasers and treatments for that such as 3D laser or Ultherapy.

Rebecca Novo, MD · Answer

IPL is primarily great for unwanted pigmentation. Skin tightening is not one of the primary benefits. It does have the ability to modestly increase collagen but not enough for a dramatic difference. A better option for skin tightening would be medical grade skincare along with CO2 fractionated resurfacing.

Emil A. Tanghetti, MD · Answer

While IPL is a great tool in skin rejuvenation, skin tightening is not one of it's primary benefits. IPL is mainly used for treating unwanted pigmentation such as freckles, sun spots, redness etc. Depending on your particular cosmetic goals (ie. removing unwanted pigmentation and skin tightening), a combination approach may fit your needs. However, if you are just looking mainly for skin tightening, I would suggest looking at other options like RF (radio frequency), RF Microneedling treatments, or laser skin resurfacing.

Jason Pozner, MD · Answer

In general IPL devices improve skin quality, reduce reds and browns and increase collagen. Current skin tightening devices heat skin from the outside to specific temperatures to cause collagen remodeling and tightening. These devices are external radiofrequency such as alma accent, syneron velashape, btl exilis and many more. The Sciton BBL (their name for their IPL) has a ST (skin tightening mode) which heats the skin to similar temperatures as the RF devices. Heat is heat and the body does not know the difference between RF and heating with IPL. The IPL probably has other light based therapeutic effects as well. No studies I know of have compared RF  to IPL tightening.Internal heating for tightening with Bodytite, Thermi or Renuvion is probably more effective in some body  areas but again I have not seen any comparative studiesMicroneedle RF devices like Genius and others tighten with a different mechanism by causing small zones of injury to the deeper skin layers. Again I have not seen any comparative studies with these devices and the other tightening devices.We have most of these in our office and pick and choose depending on patients issues, downtime etc etc

Richard Ort, MD · Answer

IPL is a great treatment to rejuvenate your skin. It helps with brown spots, redness, pores, and overall skin tone and texture. However, I don’t think that IPL will provide a noticeable degree of tightening.Regards,Dr. Ort