Is IPL treatments permanent or do you need to repeat every 3 months?

Question

I had lps laser treatment done on sun spots on my hands - i am confidend that it will be gone with 2 -3treatments. Is this a permanent solution or will i have to repeat after 3 months?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for the skin and scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented  scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

William Groff, DO · Answer

IPL can be very effective, however, the results are not permanent. Scheduling routine visits for your skin is just as important as scheduling routine visits to your dentist.  Your first few sessions should be spaced about 8 weeks then I recommend you follow up with treatments every six months. Every patient and skin type is different, so I recommend consulting with a board-certified dermatologist who can give you a better idea at how often you need treatment! Thanks for your question!!

Sabrina Fabi, MD · Answer

While the results of IPL can be very effective, they are not permanent. So just as we schedule routine visits to the dentists to keep the teeth white and clean, we must do the same with our skin. Your first few sessions should be spaced 4-8 weeks to a second then I recommend you follow up with treatments every six months. Always consult with a board-certified dermatologist to ensure you’re getting the best treatment plan, with a high powered IPL that can give you meaningful results in just 1-2 treatments that is customized to you and your skin type!

Mitchel Goldman, MD · Answer

The results of an IPL treatment are not permanent. We recommend that follow up treatments be done every six months. As with routinely scheduled trips to the dentist to keep the teeth white and healthy, regular IPL treatments can keep skin elastic and youthful. I recommend a treatment every six months after the initial one to three sessions spaced four to eight weeks apart. This maintenance, along with a regular dermatologist-approved skin care regimen, will keep your skin looking its best as you age.

Brian S. Biesman, MD · Answer

while IPLCan produce very nice results for the reduction of red and brown discoloration, periodic maintenance treatments will be required as additional changes we'll develop in your skin over time.

Peter J. Capizzi, MD · Answer

This is a really good question for all IPL patients.  An IPL treatment does not remove the cell in your skin that is over producing the visible pigmentation. Therefore, the pigmentation may return due to sun exposure or hormonal shifts within your body. Maintenance treatments are typically recommended yearly, depending on the patient's aftercare and desired results. Here at Stillwater Plastic Surgery, we do recommend annual maintenance treatments. There's more good news. Our team stays abreast of the latest medical literature. Studies show that continued IPL treatment and a good skincare regimen can also help with a slight tightening of the skin and slow signs of aging as a whole.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.You can enjoy the results of your IPL treatments for a long time if you take good care of your skin, use protective sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.If you don't do these things, then the sun spots are likely to come back.

To be sure, see two or more licensed
and board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to make
sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have these
treatments.

I hope this helps.

Karen Beasley, MD · Answer

While the results of IPL treatments are very effective, they are not permanent. As we continue to age and expose our skin to sun damage, those sun spots and age spots will continue to develop. Regular IPL treatments every six months to one year are recommended in order to maintain the skin's healthy appearance.

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

IPL treatments can fade the brown sun spots on your hands but will not prevent more brown spots from developing.  It is important to use sun protection to prevent new spots.  UVA light penetrates through glass so don't forget to protect your hands while driving.

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

Let me say it this way: the majority of what IPL treats is former damage. What it has treated effectively will not return, but new damage will continue to appear over time because that is what our skin does. So you need to repeat treatments every 6 months or so only to address what has newly arisen, not what has already been effectively treated. "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."

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