IPL Vs Pulsed Dye Laser for Post Acne Redness

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

The gold standard for vascular (red) skin conditions like red acne scars is pulsed dye lasers. While IPL may be able to help, they are not specifically designed to treat redness, while pulsed dye lasers are. You ill get a quicker and more dramatic result with pulsed dye lasers than IPL for your situation.

I routinely use the pulsed dye laser to treat active acne lesions and red marks left as a result of previous acne. The PDL is very safe and typically has very little risk of adverse effects if used properly. I have treated both light and darker-skinned patients with the PDL for this indication with typically excellent results. Multiple treatments are usually needed to lighten these red marks depending upon the initial severity of the condition. Good luck.

While IPL and pulse dye laser are both very good for red lesions, I would favor them for blood vessels, angiomas or telangiectases. I believe a series of superficial TCA peels, 6-8 at 4 weeks apart, would substantially improve the redness that can follow acne lesions. Sometimes lower tech choices are cheaper, safer, and more effective than lasers!

You will likely need fewer sessions with the PDL, but IPL will never cause bruising and also helps with skin texture and brown spots. Both are excellent, safe options.