The Difference Between a Laser Skin Treatment and an IPL Treatment

It’s easy to confuse laser skin treatment with IPL (intense pulsed light) treatment. They both use light waves to correct skin problems, and for some conditions either therapy method can be effective. So what’s the difference, and how do you know which one is right for you?

You could choose either laser or IPL treatment to rejuvenate your skin’s appearance if you have:

•         Age spots
•         Broken blood vessels
•         Sun damage
•         Unwanted hair

But there are distinct differences in the science behind the two techniques, and that means their capabilities and the results you can expect are different, too. Essentially, intense pulsed light is less powerful but more broadly applicable, while laser is more powerful and specific.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

IPL uses broad-spectrum light delivered in a series of high-intensity pulses. Therefore it can be used to address multiple issues simultaneously. Despite the “intense” name, IPL is a gentler type of procedure than laser treatment. Results are more subtle, so Dr. Raval will likely recommend a series of treatments to achieve your aesthetic goal. IPL sessions are short – often just 20 minutes – and require little to no downtime.

Intense pulsed light is non-ablative – it doesn’t affect the top surface of the skin because its frequencies penetrate just below the skin surface. As they penetrate, they break up the melanin that forms brown spots caused by aging or sun damage. The pulses also help stimulate natural production of collagen and elastin and can help tighten skin, though not as effectively as laser therapy.

IPL is a great choice for:

•         Diminishing redness in the face
•         Restoring a more youthful appearance to visibly aging or damaged skin
•         Minimizing pore size
•         Overall facial rejuvenation

Laser Skin Treatment

A laser produces a direct beam of a single wavelength, or frequency. Lasers are more precise than IPL, so they are used to treat just one target condition a time. (Different frequencies work best to treat different conditions.) There are also types of laser treatments that use heat energy. Laser is an ablative form of treatment, which means it can be used to resurface your skin.

You can expect to see more dramatic results, but since laser treatment is a more intense procedure, you can also expect some downtime. A laser treatment also takes longer and costs more than an IPL treatment.

Laser therapy is recommended for:

•         Minimizing scars, such as from acne
•         Reducing pores
•         Melasma
•         Rosacea
•         Removing spider veins
•         Removing tattoos
•         Diminishing wrinkles and fine lines

Which is Right for You?

Talk to your physician. That’s always the best starting place if you’re considering any procedure. With so many options available today and technology advancing so fast, only an experienced plastic surgeon can help you find the right option. Besides, there are many factors that go into choosing the best procedure in addition to your appearance goals. These factors include your age, general health, allergies and of course your skin type.