Without a doubt, lasers and various light-emitting devices can help reduce the signs of aging and attenuate the signs of sun damage. With so many IPL laser procedures available, knowing the basics of each is essential to making the best decision for your concerns.

A complicated subject

The subject of lasers, intense pulsed light (IPL) or other forms of skin rejuvenation is complicated. If you’ve been doing your homework, you’ve probably come across a bunch of complex technical information that’s hard to decipher. Deciding which IPL laser or light treatment to perform can be further complicated if marketers make unrealistic claims and promises. Therefore, it is important to find a dermatologist who is clear about the pros and cons, and the improvements you can expect to see.

Two types of procedures

Lasers and IPL laser treatments are ablative or non-ablative. Non-ablative treatments target the lower layers of the skin, while ablative treatments target both the surface and lower layers of the skin. The system you choose will depend on the results you are looking for and the risk you are willing to take.

Ablative lasers can:

  • make a significant difference in the appearance of wrinkles,
  • significantly fade skin discolorations,
  • erase years of sun damage by replacing damaged skin with healthier skin.

The risks of ablative procedures include:

  • swelling, scabbing, drainage,
  • bleeding, peeling, redness,
  • Significant irritation that takes longer to heal, and
  • Long-term skin discoloration and scarring.

After ablative laser treatment, the skin oozes, bleeds, and forms scabs. It will be about two weeks before it looks even vaguely normal. If you chose an ablative treatment, carefully follow the postoperative care instructions. Inconsistency or incomplete care can cause infection, delay healing, and increase irritation.

Non-ablative resurfacing, like IPL laser therapy, does not have any of the side effects associated with ablative resurfacing. However, it does not produce the same dramatic results as ablative rejuvenation. And multiple treatments are required to get the most remarkable result. The advantage of non-ablative resurfacing is its minimal downtime.

Non-ablative lasers can:

  • remove some skin discolorations,
  • improve and potentially eliminate redness,
  • improve minor wrinkles and fine lines, and
  • stimulate collagen production after repeated treatments.

The risks of non-ablative procedures include:

  • swelling and possible bruising
  • a reaction similar to a sunburn,
  • temporary darkening of the treated spots.

There is no better laser

Despite what you probably hear, there is no one best laser or IPL laser treatment for everyone. Which one is used depends on several factors, including your concerns, as well as the efficacy and safety of the treatment. There is no best laser or light-emitting treatment; Rather, there are several options, each with its own pros and cons.

Regardless of which device you and your dermatologist choose, make sure you are fully informed about what to expect and what is required of you before and after the procedure. And of course, none of these treatments will deliver great results if you don’t put the effort into using a great skincare routine that includes daily sun protection.