Are all IPL machines the same?

Question

Hi, there tend to be quite big discrepancies when it comes to the price of IPL per session in different salons, why? If they all use similar equipment that delivers the same results I'll obviously choose the cheaper one, as long as doctors here, which I opinion respect, will confirm there's no difference between them, thanks!

James Bonaparte, MD, MSc, FRCSC · Answer

Like all technology, devices are not all the same. However, like all technology (think iphone versus Samsung/etc). Some people swear by one and hate the others. Are some better or is it that people like the features? In the world of IPL technology, there are likely better devices than others however it often comes down to unproven bells and whistles. You can imagine, the companies that sell us these devices what to sell us the Cadillac and not the Honda Civic (although the Civic may be good and reliable!). In the end, all the devices from the good companies work and they all have positives and negatives. The key to a good treatment is patient selection, technique and experience of the user. If you see a trained individual, the odds are you will get a good result with the machine they have. James P. Bonaparte, MD, MSc, FRCSCJB Cosmetics and Facial Surgery Center of OttawaHead and Neck Surgerypracticing in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryAssistant Professor, University of OttawaOttawa, Ontario, Canada

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.No, not all IPL machines are the same. Depending on your specific concerns and skin type it will require a specific machine. To be sure what treatment is best for you, see two or more board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have treatment.I hope this helps.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Not all IPL machines are equally effective. In our office, we use the Cutera Solera Limelight IPL to help improve redness and discoloration from sun damage. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

David W. Kim, MD · Answer

What matters most with IPL treatments is the screening/history/setting selections for your specific needs. Knowing your machine though experience and ensuring proper settings trumps price any day. Please make sure to choose your provider based on trust, prior experience and safety. IPL can make a huge difference in the overall appearance of your skin; however, with the wrong settings can cause significant damage that may be difficult to reverse

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

IPLs all do the same thing, but what matters most is who is using them.  Do not get so concerned with the type, be more concerned with who is the technitiion.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Richard Ort, MD · Answer

As is true with most things in life, you get what you pay for.  All IPLs are not the same.  More importantly, not all laser operators are the same.  IPL can burn the skin.  It takes years of experience to understand how to give patients the best results and to minimize the risk for side effects.  Why take chances with your face?

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

Nope. They are not all the same, and more importantly, the person doing the treatments isn't the same. By definition IPL is intense pulsed light. Which is a type of light that hits at a certain point on the visible light scale. It is a light, not a laser. Some IPLs begin in the 600-700 range, but most hemoglobin and melanin need to be targeted in the 500 visible light range. So I've often seen people who've had 10, 12, 15 ineffective IPL treatments, and we do one treatment on them with the InMode Lumecca 515, and suddenly their pigment is entirely lifted. The other thing of importance is the technician performing your treatment. As you can see on RealSelf and other places online, people end up with all kinds of bad issues because they have these types of treatments done by inexperienced technicians. It will always be best to have a physician helping in your care. When it comes to IPL there really is a reason to pay more. "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."

Are all IPL machines the same?

Answers (7)

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