Which IPL Machine produces better results for brown spots?

Question

I want to get IPL done on my face because i have some brown spots and the pigment is not all one color. I went to two different consultations and one office said I only need one session done and the other place said I probably need two or three sessions done. Does the type of machine matter as far as getting good results? One office has the Lumenis one machine and the other place has the Cutera XEO. Please let me know if you think one machine is better then the other. thank you.

Larry C. Leverett, MD, FACS · Answer

Generally, a minimum of 3 treatments spaced 3-4 weeks apart yields optimal results.  It is important to understand that a maintenance IPL treatment once or twice a year after the initial series is recommended to maintain your original results. We use the Palomar Icon which is wonderful for treating brown spots and uneven skin tone. However, in my experience, the best results when treating brown spots and pigment occur as a result of a thorough consultation(to develop a home care regimen structured to deal specifically with pigment), the practitioner and appropriate settings.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

There are many good manufacturers of IPL machines.  The biggest variability will be in the experience of who is performing the procedure and what settings are used.  Although I am partial to the Palomar Starluxe, good results can be obtained with either of teh macjhines mentioned above.

Melinda Lirag Lacerna-Kimbrell, MD, FACS · Answer

In my opinion, the best IPL for brown spots is the Palomar ICON IPL.  Most spots are gone in 1-2 treatments! Of course a high SPF sunscreen is needed for maintenance to prevent recurrence.

Melanie L. Petro, MD · Answer

IPL works great for brown spots, Q switched works great as well, I tend to use both combined with topical bleaching cream.  In my experience it takes more than one treatment always.  I hope that helps!

Jonathan Sonne, MD (retired) · Answer

Many laser companies make good IPL machines and both Lumenis and Cutera are no exception.  The underlying IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) technology will be the same in all machines.  Some machines are stronger than others but all will be effective at removing brown spots.  Generally one treatment is needed.  Sometimes, especially if the spots are fairly light or if your skin is fairly dark, two or three treatments will remove nearly all sun spots.

Which IPL Machine produces better results for brown spots?

Answers (5)

Answer: Treating Brown Spots

Answer: Treating Brown Spots

Answer: IPL Machines

Answer: IPL Machines

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Everything you need to know about IPL

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Which IPL Machine produces better results for brown spots?

Answers (5)

Answer: Treating Brown Spots

Answer: Treating Brown Spots

Answer: IPL Machines

Answer: IPL Machines

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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.