What effect will IPL have on moles? What will they look like after?

Question

I'm considering IPL for treatment of my hyper pigmentation from cumulative sun damage on my face. But I have many small 1-2mm moles on my face as well. A couple are raised. Will my moles fade or change color? any risk for hypo pigmentation of these moles? Maybe they will fade too - that would be great.

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

Any pigment will get lighter when treated with the IPL.  Moles can be avoided if you desire to keep them.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi DJ.  Moles will generally be unaffected by IPL treatments.  IPL may help with very superficial sun spots, but it is not a good tool for moles.  Moles can be treated with surgical removal, hyfrecation (cauterization) and/or q-switched laser treatments.  The depth of the mole determines the type of treatment.  Surgical removal for deep moles and hyfrecation or lasers for superficial moles.  To see an example of flat mole removal using hyfrecation in Los Angeles, click on the link below.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

IPL shouldn't effect moles.  Please go to an expert for treatment not someone who delegates their procedures.  I am tending to use less and less IPL, and more lasers because IPL is not antiaging you dont get long term improvements except for browns and reds.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Amy Y. Paul, DO, FAAD · Answer

Good question - I would suggest an evaluation by your dermatologist first to see if they really are moles on your face, or possibly other benign lesions.  There are other techniques such as light electrical hyfercation for some benign growths on the face, depending on your skin type, but you need an in-person, expert evaluation first.   I agree with the other physicians, sometimes IPL is not very effective on pigment and we don't use it as often as lasers in our practice.  It also is important that you have a skin check and make sure none of your spots are abnormal as a result of previous sun exposure/damage.  I wish you luck!

Richard Chaffoo, MD, FACS, FICS · Answer

Thanks for your question. While IPL is useful to treat some pigmentation issues of the facial skin, it has no appreciable effect on moles. There are other options to treat med which I would address with your dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Best of luck!

What effect will IPL have on moles? What will they look like after?

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