Photo Rejuvenation: IPL Treatments Vs LED Treatments

Photo Rejuvenation — also known as photofacial — treatments are a non-surgical skin treatment that can remove unwanted facial markings and restore youthfulness to the skin. The two most common types of photo rejuvenation treatments are intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments and light emitting diode (LED) treatments. Although they belong to the same class of treatments, there are some important differences.
Here’s what you need to know about both IPL and LED-based photo rejuvenation treatments:

IPL Photo Rejuvenation Treatments
IPL treatments use a handheld device that emits intense pulses of light. This light kills off old skin cells and encourages new, healthy cells to grow. This type of laser treatment can penetrate deep into the skin, making it ideal for repairing deep-seated issues like sun damage. The deep-penetrating nature of this treatment means it should only be used in the hands of a licensed professional.

LED Photo Rejuvenation Treatments
LED treatments also use a handheld device that emits light but instead of intense pulses of light, it emits colors of LED lights. Each color has a different healing property.

  • Blue – Blue light treats acne and blemishes.
  • Red – Red light stimulates collagen production.
  • Green – Green light treats hyperpigmentation and freckles

In general, LED treatments act on the epidermis and treat surface-level skin defects. This is because the light used by LED treatments is far less intense than that of IPL. You’ll occasionally see LED treatments used in spas and salons and there are even some at-home LED treatments.

Which Treatment Is Right For You?
Both can be used to treat a number of skin conditions including wrinkles, spider veins, rosacea, and stretch marks. IPL treatments are better at treating issues deeper in the skin while LED treatments can effectively treat surface level defects. Think of it like this: IPL is more effective in general, but isn’t always necessary for minor surface defects.

One important thing to note is that IPL has been known to cause hyperpigmentation in patients with darker skin. LED treatments are not known to cause this issue. There are also a number of other factors in play, so to determine which treatment is best for your skin you should consult with a qualified professional.

Are There Any Risks With These Procedures?
Both types of photo rejuvenation are non-surgical, but they should still only be performed by a licensed medical professional. Some potential side effects include:

  • Bruising
  • Blistering
  • Swelling
  • Mild burning

These are temporary effects of the procedure that will quickly dissipate. Since no skin is actually removed during either of these procedures there is little to no risk of long-term complication.

As with any cosmetic procedure, it’s best to consult with a licensed cosmetic surgeon before deciding on anything. They will be able to determine the right type of treatment for your issues and inform you of the potential side effects. When performed by a skilled practitioner, both types of photofacial treatments can restore a youthful appearance to the face with minimal risk of complications.

Are you looking for an experienced cosmetic surgeon to perform your photo rejuvenation? Dr. DeMercurio has over 9 years of experience in the field and his clients hold him in very high regard. Please, contact us at The Florida Center for Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery today to find out more about our treatments.



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