Home › What is the Difference Between IPL and Laser?

What is the Difference Between IPL and Laser?

by Dr. Amber L. Allen

Enhancing your skin with either Intense Pulse Light (IPL) or laser resurfacing is an effective way to help you achieve more radiant skin. While both treatments can help you achieve a more radiant appearance, there are some key differences patients should consider before deciding which option would be ideal for them.

At Allen Aesthetic Surgery, Dr. Allen has helped thousands of patients achieve clear, glowing skin. Dr. Amber L. Allen is a double-boarded physician in both cosmetic and general surgery and is dedicated to helping you look and feel better in your skin.

To schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Allen, please call her Raleigh office at (919) 676-5052 or contact us online.

Contents

1 About IPL Photofacials and Laser Resurfacing
- 1.1 Laser Skin Resurfacing
- 1.2 IPL Photofacial
2 Benefits
3 Which Procedure Am I A Candidate For?
4 Personal Consultation
5 Preparation
6 How Do the Procedures Differ?
- 6.1 The IPL Photofacial Procedure
- 6.2 The Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure
7 Recovery & Results
- 7.1 After an IPL Photofacial
- 7.2 After Laser Resurfacing
8 Cost of Laser Resurfacing or IPL in Raleigh
9 FAQ
10 References

About IPL Photofacials and Laser Resurfacing

Intense Pulse Light (IPL) photofacials and laser resurfacing are both skin rejuvenation techniques that help address a variety of skin imperfections and achieve healthier-looking skin. Both skin resurfacing procedures and skin treatments have grown in popularity, being the third and fourth most widely performed procedures of 2023, respectively. Over 3.5 million resurfacing treatments were performed alongside 3.1 million combination laser skin treatments. ⁽¹⁾

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is a procedure that can address skin imperfections and symptoms of aging through the use of laser technology. The lasers used in the treatment can help stimulate the production of collagen, leaving you with glowing, healthier-looking skin and diminished imperfections. Different classes of lasers are typically used in a resurfacing treatment with the most common being ablative and nonablative. ⁽²⁾

Ablative lasers take off the top layer of skin during the treatment process, while nonablative lasers can target deep levels of skin without removing the uppermost layer. Both lasers offer their own benefits, with ablative lasers offering a more in-depth treatment and nonablative lasers offering a quicker recovery. ⁽²⁾

IPL Photofacial

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, also known as a photofacial, is a procedure that uses wavelengths of pulsed light to eliminate mild skin imperfections and blemishes. This treatment can be used to help with a variety of skin conditions, such as acne, skin rejuvenation, hair removal, hyperpigmentation, and more. ⁽³⁾

Benefits

Both lasering and IPL offer a variety of benefits but vary in their depth of treatment, level of rejuvenation, and overall effectiveness.

IPL photofacials are FDA-approved for the treatment of acne, rosacea, hair removal, and melasma, as well as a wide range of other dermatological conditions. ⁽³⁾ IPL can reduce pigmentation and other irregular discoloration, effectively diminishing sun and age spots. This treatment can also help stimulate the production of collagen, leaving the skin rejuvenated. ⁽³⁾

Resurfacing the skin can help reduce the appearance of sun and age spots, as well as scars, leading to smoother and higher-quality skin. Laser resurfacing also targets wrinkles, fine lines, and creases, tightening the skin and creating a more youthful appearance.

To find which treatment may be more beneficial for you, please call (919) 676-5052 or contact us online, and a member of our team will be with you soon.

Which Procedure Am I A Candidate For?

At your personal consultation, Dr. Allen will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your medical history, ideal treatment goals, and physical condition to see which procedure you are more suited for. All patients interested in either a photofacial or laser resurfacing should be in good overall health, free of any underlying medical conditions that may impair healing.

The most ideal candidates for laser resurfacing are those with moderate to more severe skin conditions and are interested in revitalizing and improving the quality of their skin. Patients may be experiencing wrinkles or creases around the eyes or forehead and may also be experiencing sun-damaged, leathery skin.

Candidates interested in IPL are those with more fair to medium skin tones who may be experiencing rosacea, broken capillaries, hyperpigmentation, skin texture issues, and other dermatological issues. If you have any active skin infections, are currently pregnant, or are breastfeeding, it is recommended to delay your treatment. ⁽³⁾

To find out which treatment you may be eligible for, please schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Allen by calling our Raleigh, NC, office at (919) 676-5052 or contacting us online.

To learn more about other procedures, you may be eligible for, please read our blog.

Personal Consultation

We ask that you schedule a personal consultation with us before these procedures. This allows our team to get to know you on a more personal level and understand how Dr. Allen can best help you achieve your aesthetic goals. At the personal consultation, Dr. Allen will perform a comprehensive examination on the treatment site and discuss your symptoms and medical history before suggesting either laser resurfacing or IPL as the right treatment for you. Once a treatment plan has been established, she will start preparing pre-and post-operative instructions for you while also discussing the full cost of the procedure.

Preparation

Before the start of each procedure, you should ensure they are following all instructions given to them by Dr. Allen or another member of our expertly trained team. We will provide preparation instructions during your personal consultation. You should ensure you are staying hydrated and eating nutritiously leading up to the appointment. Generally speaking, IPL or lasers should not be performed on tanned skin; hence, you must avoid tanning beds or the beach prior to treatment. Usage of retinol is allowed if your skin care routine has been consistent in usage. Different skin types may be placed on other agents to help “prime” the skin and reduce the chances of hyperpigmentation with treatment. A consultation with Dr. Allen before your treatment is critical for the best possible outcome.

How Do the Procedures Differ?

The IPL Photofacial Procedure

Before an IPL Photofacial procedure, Dr. Allen will help clean the skin, ensuring it is free of any makeup or skincare products. Protective eyewear will be given to you to help protect your eyes from the bright light emitted during the treatment before a cooling gel is applied to the treatment area. This cooling gel is designed to help protect your skin while making sure you feel comfortable throughout the procedure. Dr. Allen or our educated staff will use a handheld device, passing it over the treatment areas to deliver the bright pulses of light. ⁽³⁾

This treatment usually ranges from 30-60 minutes to perform, depending on the size of the treatment area.

The Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedure

The procedure for laser skin resurfacing varies slightly, with the procedure starting with the administration of local anesthesia or topical numbing cream to ensure you feel relaxed throughout the treatment. For those undergoing deeper or more intense laser resurfacing treatment, the density, and energy of the laser are more aggressive to stimulate the production of collagen while simultaneously removing the outermost layer of skin. If you are receiving a nonablative treatment, you will experience the stimulation of collagen without the removal of the skin. Laser resurfacing can take longer, on average, lasting 30 minutes to 2 hours to perform the procedure.

Recovery & Results

After an IPL Photofacial

Following an IPL photofacial, you can expect to experience light tenderness or redness at the treatment site, but any discomfort can be managed through the use of topical medication or use of ultrasound gel during the procedure. Post-operative instructions will be provided at your personal consultation, but in general, you are encouraged to continue staying hydrated, avoiding sun exposure without the proper protection, and using gentle face cleansers and products.

The full effects of your photofacial will gradually become more noticeable as your skin heals itself, creating a more revitalized and healthy look. After undergoing IPL, you can enjoy a nicer skin complexion, smoother skin texture, reduction in skin redness and irregular pigmentation, and glowing skin. While many have reported improvements after just one session, it is recommended to receive a series of treatments for the most ideal results.

After Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing treatments do not require extensive downtime, but after receiving one, you will need to let your skin heal. Those undergoing an ablative skin resurfacing procedure will likely experience several days of redness and other minor effects, while nonablative patients can return to their schedules immediately. You should wear skin protection when going outside and avoid excessive or unnecessary sun exposure to help prevent new skin damage or hyperpigmentation. If you regularly wear makeup, you should wait until the treatment site is fully healed before applying.

You can enjoy the full benefits of your laser resurfacing treatment anywhere between 2-3 months following a laser resurfacing treatment. The results are gradual, meaning that the skin will continue to improve as more collagen is produced.

Cost of Laser Resurfacing or IPL in Raleigh

The cost of each IPL or laser resurfacing can vary from patient to patient, depending on several factors, including the type of treatment they receive. Because each treatment is tailored to you to help you reach your own goals, the best way to receive your quote is to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Allen.

To explore the full cost of your procedure, please call our Raleigh, NC, office at (919) 676-5052 or contact us online, and a member of our team will be with you soon.

FAQ