I have acne scars (only red marks). Can IPL help me? (Photo)

Our office has many different treatments for 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

Thank you for your question. Depending on your skin type and depth of your scars, you may benefit for combination phototherapy followed by Erbium laser using the Profractional laser by Sciton. BBL which has limitations with darker skin can help with acne and improving texture. Erbium laser on the other hand can be used on all skin types to resurface and remove acne scars.I recommend researching specialists that understand the different technologies and have options to address your specific needs.Si prefieres hablar con alguien sobre esto en Español, Nos puedes hablar para pedir una consulta virtual sin costo.

Yellow laser or pulsed dye would give more improvement to this type of scarring when combined with microneedling/prp, subcision and fillers. See an expert in acne scarring for a formal evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer

Thank you for your question danielcasulah. I understand your concern.
IPL is a great treatment for facial rejuvenation. For redness associated with acne I use the Forever Clear BBL acne laser treatment. This is an IPL treatment with 3 steps: blue, red, and infrared light. This helps clear acne and improve redness. For my patients I recommend a series of 6 weekly treatments followed by one maintenance treatment every 6-12 weeks thereafter. Please consult with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

While IPL Photo Rejuvenation can treat redness of the skin, it can have little impact on acne scarring. Other treatment options such as Microneedling and Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing will probably give you better results. Consult a certified provider to help determine which treatment will work best for you. 

Hello.
IPL is an excellent choice for red pigmentation issues.  We treat pigmented acne scars with IPL frequently with much success.  Depressed acne scars will respond better to other laser treatments or microneedling.
Hope that helps

I can appreciate your concerns and address them with our patients daily.  Depending on your skin type, you are probably not a candidate for IPL.  We have had great success treating texture issues, including acne scars on all skin types with the PicoSure Laser with the FOCUS lens array.  The PicoFOCUS will probably not address the red coloration, but it improve the overall skin tone and the redness will probably correct itself.  We normally recommend a series of 4 treatments, once  every 4 weeks.  This treatment is non-ablative and has almost no downtime.  You will typically have a flushed complexion for 0-2 hours.  You can put your make-up on and go back to work.  After your initial visit, a typical PicoFOCUS appointment is less than 1 hour. The PicoFOCUS gently delivers bursts of energy deep in the dermis without causing harm to the overlaying skin.  The pulses work to break up pigment and stimulates new collagen and elastin production.  Your body’s own healing process sweeps away older, damaged tissue and ramps up skin turnover.  We sometimes pair the PicoFOCUS with a Pelleve treatment for additional skin tightening.We recommend finding an experienced physician in your area.  Treatment prices vary by market.