LASER stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Lasers emit light energy of a single wavelength. The energy in lasers is hyper-focused, making them very effective for treating specific skin conditions. Depending on their wavelength, lasers can be geared towards treating the skin’s surface or towards treating deep layers of skin without affecting much of the surrounding skin structures. Lasers used for medical uses are generally in the infrared range. Some of the wavelengths used for laser treatments include 532,755,810,1064,1550, 2940 and 10,600nm.
Intense Pulsed Lights (IPL) also known as Photofacial has a broad spectrum of light with multiple wavelengths ranging anywhere between 400-1200nm. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a LASER. Unlike lasers, IPL devices “flash” when they treat the skin due to the various wavelengths of light seen individually as different colors forming a single, bright whitish color.
The effects of aging, sun damage and stress causes blemishes in the complexion and texture of our skin. Skin rejuvenation aims at getting rid of these unsightly effects of skin damage. IPL and lasers both use light energy to treat various skin conditions including:
- Age spots
- Skin pigmentation
- Vascular lesions, such as spider veins, birthmarks, and broken blood vessels
- Rosacea
- Freckles
- Sun damage
- Unwanted body hair
PROS of IPL
- The larger handpieces on most IPL devices allow for treatment of a broader surface area in a much shorter time.
- IPL can be used to treat a wider variety of skin conditions such as color correction for age spots, sunspots, rosacea, freckles and hyperpigmentation. It can also be used for treatment of small vascular lesions as well as hair removal.
- IPL treatments are usually less expensive than laser.
- There is generally very minimal to no downtime with IPL as compared to Laser treatments.
- IPL treatments tend to have fewer complications.
Cons of IPL
- IPL results are generally less dramatic than those from a Laser treatment.
- More than one session is usually needed for most IPL treatments.
- Lasers can be used on all skin types (I-VI) depending on the wavelength used whereas IPL should be avoided on darker skin types (IV-VI).
- Lasers can treat more specific skin concerns than IPL.
- Lasers can treat deeper layers of skin to promote collagen production, making them more effective at skin resurfacing.
DECIDING ON WHETHER IPL OR LASER?
Whether you choose IPL or laser treatment, keep in mind that the most important factor in ensuring great results is your provider’s wealth of knowledge and experience. Our medical director Dr. Kafuuma is a board-certified Internal Medicine Physician and a Certified Laser Specialist. He is a teacher and instructor in the field of Laser medicine and the use of various Energy-Based Modalities. His team at Aesthetics and Medical Lasers is well equipped with the knowledge and experience to handle most of the common skin treatments.
To learn more about what skin treatment is right for you, contact us at 720-818-0533.
