IPL vs Microdermabrasion for acne scars while on Epiduo/Clindamycin?

Acne scars need a combination approach for improvement. For the best results, one should target the acne scar type. As everyone has a unique pattern of acne scarring, the best solution is a tailored one. Typically you need fillers like bellafill and sculptra for atrophic indented type scars with or without subcision. Subcision for depressed tethered scars. Vascular lasers like yellow laser, aerolase, excel V or IPL for redness or thick scars. And lasers such as fraxel, erbium, co2 or fractional radiofrequency like venus viva, skinfinity, intensif microneedling RF for textural issues and superficial scarring. Deep ice pick scars and narrow box car scars are best treated with TCA CROSS and punch excision. All lasers are combined with microneedling and PRP to get even better results and improve healing times. The majority of patients will have a collection of different scar types, and hence a tailored treatment plan is needed by an expert physician. It is never about the laser or product that gives the results, its about the expert behind the equipment that gets you the outcome. Scars cannot be cured and will need life-long treatments to maintain and build on the results. Best, Dr. Emer.

Microdermabrasion, IPL laser, and peels all have different pros and cons. The more powerful a treatment is, the more downtime there is. Microdermabrasion is the least powerful and simply exfoliates the top dead layer of skin with little to no downtime. IPL is not a facial but a laser best used for pigment issues. Not all patients are a candidate depending on your in-office skin examination as some patients will have worse discoloration after IPL treatments. A peel can help treat both the dead and living layers of skin depending on the strength and type. Downtime is usually 1 week. It is best to have an in-office examination to evaluate your skin as there may be other options (microneedling, PRP, radiofrequency etc) which may be better for you to reach your goals with minimal downtime. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MD 
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
IG: @drjohnsonlee

You need to have an experienced physician assess your skin since there are various acne scars and different types of pigmentation. A 'facial' is not going to improve your skin. IPL performed in a medical setting can improve pigmentation and uneven skin color. Microneedling is a great alternative. 
Good luck.

Hi ChloeVeronique.To be honest, microdermabrasion slough off dead cells and can temporarily make the skin look clearer and feel more supple. However, since it only addresses the superficial skin.you induction of collagen or any similar long-term effects are not expected. Please go to a doctor who can advise you on IPL/Laser, Chemical Peels and Microneedling. The importance of you being of the appropriate skin type is very important because IPL can cause more hyperpigmentation in darker skin. Skincare is extremely important as well as protecting yourself from the sun.All the best, Justin Harper, M.D.