Blue light therapy and IPL's?

Question

Hi, I am currently undergoing IPL's to treat rosacea and am interested in using at-home blue light therapy to treat adult acne. Is this a contraindication? Thanks!

Suneel Chilukuri, MD · Answer

IPL can be an effective treatment for acne when using the correct light filters.  One of the most effective mechanical treatments for acne is the Theraclear which combines a vacuum suction and intense pulsed light.  The vacuum clears debris from the pore while the IPL decreases the bacteria causing acne and shrinks the sebaceous (oil producing) glands.  Amazingly, the treatment is painless and effective even for mild to moderate cystic acne. Please consult with your dermatologist to see if he or she can use the correct filters for the IPL to also help with your acne.  You may not need to utilize the less effective at home Blue Light therapy. Best of luck,Suneel Chilukuri, M.D.Houston, TX

J. Matthew Knight, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question.  I just gave this lecture at the Miami Global Aesthetics Conference and, surprisingly, some of the at-home low-level blue light devices seem to show some efficacy in adult acne.  The results for in-office IPL or blue light for acne (especially with PDT) are superior to at-home devices but not by a lot - and the price-point is better.  It might be worth a shot.Note: only red inflamed lesion respond, not white/black heads.  Before starting, I would ask your doctor how to use it given you're also doing IPL.

Gustavo A. Diaz, MD · Answer

IPL has been utilized to decrease and reverse some of the problems and symptoms of Rosacea. Blue light and PDT may help. Unfortunately the home devices are underpowered and rarely make a difference in the treatment when compared to the medical grade devices. Please consult with a board certified Facial Plastic Surgeon that does regular IPL treatments. At Natural Beauty Plastic Surgery we are the only Lumenis National Center of Excellence in North and South Carolina. I also developed the IPL protocols for the Lumenis IPL that are being used and taught nationally.Hope this helps,Dr. Gus Diaz

Blue light therapy and IPL's?

Answers (3)

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