My dr. suggests combining IPL with Resurfx, 3 sessions. The Resurfx is quite expensive.

Thank you for your question. The decision to use ResurFX or IPL alone or in combination will depend on the problems of the skin. If your primary purpose for treatment is to refresh, improve texture and rejuvenate fine lines, ResurFX may fit the bill alone. If your skin issues include brown spots, broken blood vessels or vascular lesions, IPL might be a better option. We often combine both to get the synergistic effect for optimal results. I encourage you to talk to your doctor or another board-certified cosmetic dermatologist about your specific aesthetic goals and concerns so you can develop a personalized treatment plan that will work best for you. 

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is sometimes described as a “photofacial” as it uses light to remove discolorations such as age marks and redness. If that's your main issue and you would be satisfied with just an improvement in your skin tone, then perhaps IPL is enough for you.
If you have issues with skin texture, large pores, and fine lines and wrinkles, then adding in the ResurFX nonablative fractionated laser can substantially rejuvenate your skin. IPL only affects the skin surface. ResurFX not only improves the texture of the surface and tightens pores, it penetrates into the dermis – the 2nd layer of skin – to stimulate collagen production. ResurFX thus actually improves the quality of your skin by causing it to thicken and actually “act” younger because it will have more elasticity, too. If this sounds like it would be beneficial to you, consult your board-certified dermatologist about payment arrangements that can make it easier for you to obtain the optimal treatments for your rejuvenation.

At our practice we often combine IPL and Resurfx for full face color and texture treatments.  The IPL is primarily a color laser, it will target brown spots/ freckles/ sun spots and red spots/ blood vessels/ rosacea.  Resurfx is a treatment used to improve texture.  You may have heard it called "skin resurfacing."  We use it on scars, fine lines, wrinkles, large pores, etc.  The combination treatment not only improves the color and brightness of the skin, but also the texture.  Patients say the combination treatment has the "wow factor."  When we created our pricing, we included the IPL treatment in the cost of the Resurfx, so if you buy the Resurfx, you are getting the IPL free.  Best of luck!