Will IPL laser help even out my skin tone? (Photo)

Question

I'm 48 with u even skin tone on my legs. Will ipl laser even them out or what other procedure do you recommend?

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I am not much of a fan of IPLs and fraxels, since, in my experience, they have shown themselves to be far more backed by device manufacturer marketing hype than hard science. The very fact that you specifically ask about IPL is proof of the pervasiveness of the advertising and marketing that surrounds much of the light and energy-based therapies out there. A series of superficial chemical peels, using such agents as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, Jessner's solution and TCA in low concentrations, is a less expensive, far simpler, tried and true approach for addressing the kind of blotchy pigmentary problem you demonstrate in your photo. Other simple and relatively inexpensive approaches for treating the individual brown spots include light electrodessication and microneedling. I would suggest performing a test of each of these methods on different spots to determine the best method for you. Once the most effective method is deterimined, the rest of the spots may be treated accordingly. Make sure that you consult with a board certified aesthetic physician and not simply some place hawking its particular "next big thing"-to come along energy-based device. Best of luck to you.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Sheila Barbarino, MD, FACS · Answer

IPL treatments (I recommend at least 3 to start separated by 4-6 weeeks) are extremely effective for evening out skin tone. IPL targets sundamage (brown spots), red spots, and overall hyperpigmentation. If you have spider veins on your legs the IPL won't do too much for those unless your provider uses the YAG hand piece, but honestly spider veins are best treated with sclerotherapy which is extremely helpful and effective. Hope that helps. Good luck!

Georges Kaado, MD · Answer

IPL to the legs can be treated.  Everyone is a case to case basis on the results.  It is recommended to have more than one treatment.  In come cases it can be done as a "spot treatment".  Your results are better in the winter months when sun exposure is at a minimum.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, IPL can give improvement, but this needs a combination approach with lasers (Fraxel, IPL), microneedling/prp and peels. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Will IPL laser help even out my skin tone? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Leg Pigmentation.

Answer: Leg Pigmentation.

Answer: Improving Uneven Skin tone with lasers (Fraxel, IPL), peels, microneedling/prp

Answer: Improving Uneven Skin tone with lasers (Fraxel, IPL), peels, microneedling/prp

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about IPL

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Will IPL laser help even out my skin tone? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Leg Pigmentation.

Answer: Leg Pigmentation.

Answer: Improving Uneven Skin tone with lasers (Fraxel, IPL), peels, microneedling/prp

Answer: Improving Uneven Skin tone with lasers (Fraxel, IPL), peels, microneedling/prp

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about IPL

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.