What is IPL Laser Therapy?

IPL is not a laser because it does not use a single wavelength of light as do conventional lasers. The range of light is typically between 500-1500 nm, depending on the machine and filter used. Lasers examples include the CO2 laser for resurfacing, which uses a wavelength of 10,600 nm, the Pulse Dye laser uses a wavelength of 585 nm for vascular lesions. A second dissimilarity to a laser is that IPL light is not collumated, it is scattered. The IPL is a multitasker, addressing a number of skin issues relatively well. It addresses brown spots (dyschromias), broken blood vessels (telangiectasias), tightens skin slightly (photo-facial effect), and can achieve hair reduction for darkly pigmented hair follicles.

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Hello! Thank you for your question! IPL stands for "intense pulsed light", it is a versatile treatment that can be used to improve a range of skin conditions. IPL is used as photo-rejuvenation to decrease brown spots from sun damage, minimize broken capillaries, and treat rosacea.

thank you for your question.  IPL treatment treats red vessels, hyperpigmentation and it improves the texture of your skin by producing collagen and elastin. you will pepper after the treatment and the dark spots will appear darker before they flake off. do not be alarmed.  This takes 2-4 days depending on your skin type and the intensity of the treatment.Always consult with a physician to make sure you are a good candidate.

The biggest reason you'll experience skin discoloration is cumulative exposure to sunlight. From dark spots to mottled discoloration to enlarged or broken capillaries to rough skin texture and early wrinkling, UV light is generally the primary culprit.As counterintuitive as it may seem, the use of another light source can provide some definite benefits and corrections.IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light, uses the absorption of light by brown or red pigment to improve skin color and tone uniformity.IPL has been a standard cosmetic treatment in dermatology for decades. It's effective, fast and for most patients and safe, as well as typically being one of the more affordable light therapies.Some "IPL" technologies have a very positive effect on collagen generation as well as improving color and tone.

Great question!
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light.  Many people make the mistake of thinking IPL is a laser but it is a completely different technology. It is effective in treating unwanted hair, skin pigmentation, and visible and broken capillaries and veins in the skin.  It is effective in rejuvenating the skin.
I hope this helps.  Be well.