Is it better to have a plastic surgeon or dermatologist do IPL treatments for brown spots and rosacea?

Question

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

IPL for brown spots, rosacea and other skin conditions can be performed by a physician or their Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, or  Registered Nurse who is under the strict supervision and guidelines set by a Physician. Both Plastic Surgeons and Dermatologists are the most knowledgeable. . Furthermore, it is not just the "who" but also the machine that is being used. In our office, we use the Sciton which we consider most effective. See the below link for further information about who to choose.

Pamela Carr, MD · Answer

I believe you have chosen the correct technology to improve the appearance of facial brown spots and blood vessels.  You should be very pleased with your results.  I am a dermatologist.  The way we treat our patients with IPL is first I evaluate them to access their goals and make sure that IPL is the right choice.  If the patient is a good candidate for the treatment I establish the appropriate settings at each visit but the treatment itself is done by an experienced technician in my office.

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

Each state has varying requirements for who can perform IPL treatments. In my office, my technicians do the treatments, and together have performed over 150,000 IPL treatments. I promise you that if I took the treatment over and did it, it wouldn't be nearly as good as what they do because they have literally years of doing the treatments every single day for 14 years. However, I am involved in the care of each IPL patient. I see each patient throughout the series and review chart notes and updates after each visit. It is important to have a physician involved in your care, but it's not necessarily important that the physician performs the treatment himself/herself. "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."

Is it better to have a plastic surgeon or dermatologist do IPL treatments for brown spots and rosacea?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about IPL

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

Is it better to have a plastic surgeon or dermatologist do IPL treatments for brown spots and rosacea?

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about IPL

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