Can IPL laser or any other laser be used to whiten skin by destroying melanocytes?

Question

Can an IPL laser treatment be used to remove pigmentation from large areas of skin and whiten it? I know its used in tattoo removal but can it be used for general skin pigmentation too? is there any other laser that can produce whitening results by reducing melanocytes in the skin?

Daniel Chang, MSc, MBBS, MRCS · Answer

In Asia, skin whitening is a commonly requested procedure. Your options include
1. Vitamin C drips, which is controversial and can lead to allergic reactions
2. Antioxidants and lightening creams which are hydroquinone based
3. Lasers and light, which target and breakdown melanin pigments, hence lightening you skin
Lasers in such a case are the Q switched ND Yag lasers, exclusive for pigmentation.

I hope this helps.
Dr Daniel Chang

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

No, IPL is not used for true whitening of the skin. That would be hypopigmenting it, which is not what the treatment is intended to do, nor could it do this in an even fashion. Hypopigmentation can occur after a burn is done to the skin from IPL, but it can also result in hyperpigmentation (darkening). Really the only way to lighten the skin is with bleaching creams like prescription-strength hydroquinone. "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and 
cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person 
treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

Can IPL laser or any other laser be used to whiten skin by destroying melanocytes?

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Can IPL laser or any other laser be used to whiten skin by destroying melanocytes?

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Everything you need to know about IPL

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