Have you ever heard of IPL laser?

 

If you have been visiting dermatology clinics for a while, you may have heard of it, but it may not be as familiar to younger generations.

In the past, IPL was widely used, but nowadays, even at dermatology conferences, very few doctors primarily use IPL. Additionally, most manufacturers no longer release the latest IPL devices.

 

The reason for this is the development of toning lasers, pico lasers, and various long-pulse lasers, which have made IPL unnecessary for pigmentation treatments.

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📌 What is IPL Laser?

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) refers to "powerful pulsed light."

However, in reality, the term "IPL laser" is not accurate.

 

This is because "laser" (LASER) refers to a technology where light of a specific wavelength travels in a straight line, while IPL releases light across a broad range of wavelengths, from 300nm (ultraviolet) to 900nm (near-infrared), simultaneously.

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📌 Benefits and Drawbacks of IPL

 

IPL has the significant advantage of being able to use a wide range of wavelengths with a single device. However, it also comes with several drawbacks.

The penetration of light varies depending on the wavelength, affecting different layers of the skin—from the superficial epidermis to the deeper dermal and fat layers.

 

✔ Short wavelengths (blue to violet) act on the epidermis, targeting superficial pigmentation.
✔ Long wavelengths (red to infrared) penetrate deeper into the dermis and target blood vessels and deeper pigmentation.

 

In other words, it's not effective to use all wavelengths at once; it's crucial to select the appropriate wavelength based on the treatment target.

 

For this reason, IPL devices are equipped with polarization filters that allow only specific wavelengths to pass through.

 

However, unlike lasers, IPL cannot precisely select only specific wavelengths, meaning unnecessary wavelengths of light are often included, which is a drawback.

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📌 What is Pigmentation (Melasma)?

MAYO clinic

✔ Characteristics of Pigmentation (Melasma)

✔ Appears in broad areas on the center of the forehead, both cheeks (mainly symmetrically), the center of the nose, and the chin.
✔ Brown spots with undefined borders (patchy pigmentation).
✔ Spreads from the epidermis to the deep layers of the dermis, weakening the skin's barrier function.
✔ It is a chronic skin condition, making it difficult to completely remove; the best treatment is to reduce its visibility.
✔ Incorrect laser treatments can worsen the condition.

 

If you're unsure what type of pigmentation you have, it’s recommended to consult with a specialist!

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📌 IPL Pigmentation Treatment: Effects and Limitations

ORIGINAL ARTICLES

Side-Effects After Photodepilation, MORENO-ARIAS, GERARDO A. MD(2002)

 

 

 

Intense pulsed light : A review, Philipp Babilas MD(2010)

 

In the past, IPL was considered a versatile device used for various cosmetic treatments, including pigmentation removal, hair removal, redness, and wrinkle treatment.

 

Especially, with just IPL and CO2 lasers, it was considered a "cost-effective treatment device" that made it possible to open a dermatology clinic while keeping costs low.

However, with the advancement of technology, even home-use IPL hair removal devices have emerged, and IPL machines used in dermatology are becoming outdated.

 

✔ The introduction of the latest toning lasers and pico lasers has made pigmentation treatments safer and more effective than IPL.

✔ There are almost no treatments that can only be done with IPL anymore!

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📌 What Are the Side Effects of IPL?

Side effects and complications using intense pulsed light sources Sabine Stangl(2007)

 

IPL may seem like an easy and convenient treatment at first glance, but it's important to know that it carries significant risks in pigmentation treatments.

 

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✔ 1. Risk of Worsening Pigmentation

Side effects and complications using intense pulsed light sources Sabine Stangl(2007)

 

✔ IPL has low wavelength selectivity, so if the energy settings are incorrect, it can cause the pigmentation to darken instead of improving.

 

✔ Using the wrong laser for pigmentation treatment can lead to hyperpigmentation (worsening of melasma)!

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✔ 2. Risk of Burns and Pigmentation

Side effects and complications using intense pulsed light sources Sabine Stangl(2007)

 

✔ IPL uses a "long-pulse method" (where the energy stays on the skin for a longer period), so even a slight increase in energy can pose a burn risk.

 

✔ Heat damage can cause the pigmented areas to remain dark, potentially leading to a "tiger print" pattern (a mottled appearance).

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✔ 3. Potential for Long-Term Skin Damage

✔ Once the skin is damaged, it may not fully recover, even after many years.

 

✔ There have been reports of patients who underwent IPL treatment 10 years ago still having pigmentation issues remaining today.

 

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📌 Dermatologist's Viewpoint and Conclusion

 

💡 Currently, no new IPL machines are being developed, and 90% of IPL devices used in dermatology clinics are outdated models.

 

IPL treatment is often described as, "If lasers are sniper rifles, IPL is a grenade."

 

✔ Laser targets and removes specific pigmentation precisely.
✔ IPL applies energy over a broad area, which makes it more likely to damage unnecessary tissues.

 

💡 If a surgeon should only remove a specific tissue but ends up cutting healthy surrounding tissue, is that really the best method?

 

In conclusion, IPL is not ineffective, but compared to the latest lasers, it offers few benefits aside from the cost of the equipment.

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📌 Summary – Is IPL Really Necessary?

 

✅ 1. IPL was once considered a versatile device, but it has now been replaced by other lasers.

✅ 2. For pigmentation treatment, IPL has the fatal drawback of low wavelength selectivity and high risk of side effects.

✅ 3. Compared to the latest laser technology, IPL offers almost no benefits.

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✨ Be sure to understand the latest treatment methods and choose the procedure that’s right for you!

 

📢 If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment!

 

📢 This was Dr. Won Dehan, the Chief Director! 😊

 

📍 Primi Clinic
52 Seongsu-ilro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 3F (Primi Clinic)