A. There are many options for acne scars. In my office, I regularly use chemical peel, Fraxel, IPL, Cooltouch, and fractional CO2. There is no one right answer for every patient, but for those with red acne scars that are not terribly indented, I like IPL. There is no downtime. Patients usually need 3-6 sessions, each done every 3-6 weeks. Because IPL stimulates collagen repair, you will also see an improvement in the skin's texture, and a temporary shrinking of the pore openings.
Q. My face is very red and blotchy. What is a good treatment for this problem? Creams have done very little.
A. The best option for this condition is a procedure called Intense Pulsed Light. This is non-coherent light energy (i.e. non-laser) that targets and heats blood vessels to shrink them. IPL benefits include the fact that there is no downtime and texture is also improved after a series of 3-6 sessions.
Q. My complexion is very uneven and it makes me look unhealthy. How effective is IPL and how long do the results last?
A. Intense Pulsed Light is very effective for blotchy discoloration that is the result of mottled hyperpigmentation and spotty hypopigmentation. IPL is also effective to reduce the ruddy, irregular redness seen from rosacea and sun damage. It usually requires a series of 3-6 sessions, but there is no downtime and make-up can be worn immediately. Improvement rate is over 80% and the results last years if the discoloration is from sun damage. Unfortunately, if the changes are the result of rosacea, relapses occur more quickly: 6 months to two years, in my experience. Of course, a good post IPL skin care program will prolong the benefits and prevent further damage from occurring as quickly.
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