Do all IPL/BBL treatments cause fat atrophy? Or is it just older machines? Why does it happen?

Question

Doctors recommend it for me, but I already have fat loss from prescriptions and aging, as well as yo yo dieting, so I'm terrified of any more types of fat loss at all. Are there similar treatments that maybe even cause fat cells to grow ? Or at least spare or don't effect the fat layer at all ?

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

Although different filters control wavelength and depth of penetration, IPL does not penetrate below the dermis. Ultrasound, radio frequency lasers, aging, weight loss and certain meds can all reduce fat. Fat transfer and weight gain can increase the size of the fatty layer. Good luck.Jeff Rapaport MDRealself All-star

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

IPL depth of penetration does not reach below the dermis, therefore it won’t affect fat. The IPL or intense pulsated light treatments are great for removing or improving brown and red pigment on the skin- think of its like sweeping away the browns from the surface skin. There are other treatments which can affect fat- but rest assured this will not. Also, there are injectables (such as sculptra) which can help restore volume and collagen.

Katherine Dee, MD · Answer

IPL and BBL are devices that use light to treat reds and browns of the skin. The light hits the surface of the skin only, and cannot penetrate through the skin to the fat.

Aurora DeJuliis, MD · Answer

Rest assured that IPL does not cause any fat atrophy. The fat layer is too deep for the laser light to reach. IPL is a great technology to stimulate collagen, correct uneven skin tone, capillaries, redness and dark pigmentations.

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

IPL (intense pulsed light) should not penetrate deep enough to have any affect on your facial fat. IPL is a great treatment for "reds and browns" on the surface of the skin.

Do all IPL/BBL treatments cause fat atrophy? Or is it just older machines? Why does it happen?

Answers (5)

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