IPL After Non-ablative Fractional Laser?

Question

How soon after a non-ablative fractional laser treatment can I do a photofacial (IPL) treatment?  In order to be "pretty" and recovered for an event in few weeks, I was thinking about having a fractional treatment, with an IPL about 10 days later. Is that too soon?

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

In my practice, I do not perform non-ablative laser resurfacing because it takes many treatments to achieve similar results to the laser treatments that I typically use (ablative fractional CO2 and ablative Erbium:YAG). That being said, I would typically advise my patients to wait until all redness, swelling, and peeling is completely resolved after any laser treatment before proceeding with IPL. Depending on the laser that was used, and the patient's response, this might be a minimum of 3-4 weeks, but could take much longer before being safe to proceed with IPL.Best,

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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.  Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. 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

R. Brannon Claytor, MD, FACS · Answer

I recommend having the IPL first and then the Non-ablative Laser. There are specific protocols that can be followed that allow the IPL to be performed the same day as the Laser, however it depends on the device and physician office protocol. If time is needed in between the two procedures then a week maybe sufficient. If your event is important...I would recommend allowing a month to recover and just having a Microdermabrasion and IPL two weeks before a big event.

Hannah Vargas, MD · Answer

If you wanted to you could do both lasers at the same time, its not uncommon to pair treatments together, I would be cautious on doing any treatments close to any events you have planned as you can never guarantee 100% recovery time.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

If you are having the Fraxel procedure I would definitely wait a few weeks for the skin to recover.  Your skin may look back to normal in a week but it can take longer to really recover and I would not rush to do the IPL 10 days after your initial treatment.  Please find a board certified dermatologist in your area with experience in lasers.

IPL After Non-ablative Fractional Laser?

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IPL After Non-ablative Fractional Laser?

Answers (7)

Answer: Treatments

Answer: Treatments

Answer: IPL after non-ablative Fractional Laser

Answer: IPL after non-ablative Fractional Laser

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Everything you need to know about Fractional Laser

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.