Is one treatment with Picosure as effective as one IPL treatment?

Question

I had one IPL treatment 3 years ago and it was amazing. It completely removed my brown spots/freckles which are now only starting to come back. My dermatologist is now suggesting Picosure rather than IPL (she says its old technology) but tells me it will require 3-4 treatments. I was very happy with the IPL and one treatment was all it took. I'm also hesitant to spend the money for 3-4 treatments with Picosure and wonder--will one treatment with Picosure be as effective as my one IPL treatment?

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

Picosure represents the latest technology for treatment of your brown spots.  That being said, if you've had good results with IPL, why change?  You may be very responsive to IPL, but make sure its the same machine.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Dinama.  This is a tough one.  We do not use IPL because generally it does not provide for permanent removal of sun damage in most cases.  We use q-switched lasers like the Picosure.  With that said, normally it takes more than one treatment, but the spots are gone for good.  We usually recommend 2 visits in most cases.Finally, the most important issue, whether it's IPL or Picosure is who is doing the treatment.  Technology does not create good results, practitioners do.  Either of these technologies can improve the appearance of age spots, but unless the practitioner using them is experienced in the procedures, you may be disappointed.  Click on the link below to see before and after pictures of q-switched laser treatments for age spots in Los Angeles and Orange County, CA.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

If IPL worked well for you in the past I would continue with IPL treatments.Picosure would be an expensvie alternative for you.

Richard Ort, MD · Answer

The picosure laser was developed specifically to treat tattoos.  People are now trying to use it for facial rejuvenation.  It's a new type of treatment and may work well but hasn't stood the test of time like IPL.  In our office, IPL treatment is extremely popular and has a high satisfaction rate.  We use the BBL (broadband light) device which we like a lot.  Not all IPL machines are the same.

Is one treatment with Picosure as effective as one IPL treatment?

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Is one treatment with Picosure as effective as one IPL treatment?

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Answer: Picosure Laser vs IPL

Answer: Picosure Laser vs IPL

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