Who is Qualified to Do an IPL Treatment? I.e. Is a Physician Assistant Qualified?

Thank you for your question. This will depend on the state you live in. Some states allow medical assistants to administer laser and broad band light procedures. California and New York, among others have more strict criteria in order to administer these type of treatments. I hope this helps.

The definition of "qualified" is ambiguous at best. I would personally see a board certified dermatologist who is in a primarily laser and light device practice, which typically means they perform a good amount of procedures and have the experience - which is the most important thing.

The legal qualifications required to perform IPL will vary based on where you live; however, I suggest only seeing a board-certified dermatologist with extensive laser experience for IPL treatment to ensure the best result. Not only are there many different types of IPL machines, but training and experience are important so that the best results are obtained. Lumenis is the company that developed the IPL and has the most advanced machines.

States vary in terms of the legal qualifications necessary for IPL treatment. Our office uses IPL for photofacials and facial rejuvenation. Raffy Karamanoukian Los Angeles

MD and physician assistants may perform IPL laser treatments, registered nurse may perform these treatments only under a medical provider supervision. This is based on the medical board of California, other regions may differ 

Unfortunately, in Texas just about anyone can perform a photofacial or laser treatment regardless of training.  At Bella Rosa only a qualified nurse practioner or physician's assistant can perform these higher level procedures and only under an MD's guidance.

Yes a physician assistant is qualified to use Ipl, please see an experienced laser tech to benefit most from your treatments.

It depends on the state where you live. You can seek specifics for your state from your state medical board. It's not always a matter of a specific licensure, but actually training for the unit, a good knowledge of how IPL works, and hands on experience. Just because someone is a physician or PA doesn't always mean they are "qualified" based on pure experience, and sometimes a laser tech has much more experience because they do these treatments every single day. I have 3 laser techs/MAs in my office to do IPL treatments and my office has performed over 150,000 IPLs in 13 years. However, I've probably done maybe 25 of those myself, and all of my techs far succeed me in this treatment. However, I'm still responsible for every treatment they do. But a basic type of license doesn't always mean that person is the best choice... It matters 1. who is allowed by state law, 2. who has actual experience and how much experience, and 3. how involved is the physician in your care and what happens if something goes wrong.

"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."