IPL for diffuse redness?

Both YAG (yttrium aluminium garnet) laser and IPL (intense pulsed light) are effective treatments for facial redness, operating on the principle that red colours absorb light. When the targeted red pigments absorb the light energy, they are heated and subsequently destroyed. As a result, facial redness is reduced.
YAG laser is known for its efficiency, often achieving faster results compared to IPL. The laser's focused and concentrated beam allows for swift and precise treatment. On the other hand, IPL, although it may take a bit longer to show results, is considered a gentler option. It utilizes a broad spectrum of light that can be adjusted for various skin concerns, making it more versatile.
While both YAG laser and IPL can provide similar outcomes in terms of reducing facial redness, there are notable differences. YAG laser tends to be quicker, making it a preferred choice for those seeking faster results. IPL, while taking a bit more time, is recognized for its gentle approach, making it suitable for individuals with more sensitive skin.
It's important to note that the number of treatment sessions required may differ between the two. IPL typically necessitates more sessions to achieve the desired results, partly due to its gentler nature. Ultimately, the choice between YAG laser and IPL depends on your preferences, skin type, and the desired pace of results.
It may be best to stick to one treatment only for your facial redness. Like that, you can tell what works and what does not work. You may also want to keep in mind that laser is often more expensive compared to IPL.

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

Hi there, thank you for your question. IPL and YAG can safely be performed at the same time but I would recommend consulting with an experienced practitioner prior to your procedure to express concerns related to over-treatment of the skin. Make sure your practitioner has plenty of background using both modalities simultaneously. Best of luck!