IPL vs. Laser Skin Resurfacing

Serving Newport Beach and Orange County, California

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and laser skin resurfacing are actually quite different in the way they work, the effect on the skin itself, pain levels, and recovery time.

Laser Skin Resurfacing
Traditional laser resurfacing uses laser energy to destroy specific layers of damaged skin. Penetration is set to a desired depth. This process removes the entire layer of skin, destroying the healthy, normal cells along with the undesired cells.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
IPL passes light through the layers of skin and targets skin tissue that is brown or red, leaving the lighter, normal skin tissue unharmed. Rather than indiscriminately removing all of the cells in a particular layer of skin, IPL targets only the unwanted cells.

IPL is a gradual process. It is gentle. It does take several sessions to achieve the desired results, but these sessions are relatively painless and involve minimal destruction of tissue. Laser resurfacing may also require several sessions, but the sessions are much harsher on the skin. Problems associated with laser resurfacing include burning, permanent pigmentation changes, scarring and complications from anesthesia.

Overall, IPL is less invasive than laser resurfacing, and avoids destroying healthy normal cells. The end result is less pain, less risk of burning, scarring, or redness, and a much shorter, if any, recovery time.

During your free initial consultation, Dr. Rivkin will evaluate your unique needs and explain the procedure in detail. You will have the opportunity to view before and after photos, so that you will know what to expect from the treatment. After your treatment Dr. Rivkin will instruct you on the best techniques to care for your skin to maintain your new healthy look.

Dr. Rivkin's patients know that they can get in touch with him at any time. He's always in the office at Westside Medical Spa, and is personally involved in every treatment.

To learn more about IPL vs. laser skin resurfacing or to schedule a free consultation, contact us by phone or email today. We proudly serve the Newport Beach and Orange County, California area