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.