IPL vs Yag Laser for Sun Damage?

Question

My 50th birthday is coming up, and I want to do something for myself to improve my skin. It is starting to make me look... 50. My chest and neck are getting particularly leathery from all the sun damage. My friends recommended two different treatments: 1) IPL or 2) Yag laser.

	I don't know which one I should get because I want the age spots and freckling to be reduced but I also want the texture to get better. Or should I maybe try IPL with tightening treatment like Thermage or something? - Amanda

Larry C. Leverett, MD, FACS · Answer

A combination treatment will offer the best results given your skin concerns. A great combination treatment to address sun damage and texture is IPL coupled with a non-ablative fractional skin resurfacing laser treatment. The IPL addresses the sun damage and freckling and the non-ablative fractional treatment is ideal for stimulating collagen to address textural changes, fine lines and wrinkles, as well as, acne scarring.  A series of 3 treatments 4 weeks apart will provide optimal results. The advantage of this treatment is that both are done in one sitting with very little down time for the patient. However, home care and maintenance are key and your clinician will provide a regimen ideal for your skin care needs and lifestyle.

Dennis Gross, MD · Answer

The IPL is very popular in my practice. You would need a consultation to determine for sure.With the use of IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) technology, the IPL® photofacial treatment is typically used to treat sun spots, spider veins, hyperpigmentation, and improve skin tone by targeting of hyperpigmented or otherwise damaged skin cells with the use of specific intense light wavelengths.
As the light penetrates your skin, it’s converted into heat, which then destroys any hyperactive skin cells in the process and causes the pigmentation to disperse. Hyperpigmented spots will begin to rise to the surface of your skin and eventually flake off, leaving you with a much more consistent, smooth, and overall more youthful-looking face.
While many patients will only require the one single course of IPL® photofacial treatment, other patients may need as many as three if they’re to fully reach their desired results.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You can actually do both if you are careful. The IPL is great for the sun spots and at the same time may tighten the skin a bit. The Yag can help as well.

IPL vs Yag Laser for Sun Damage?

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IPL vs Yag Laser for Sun Damage?

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