Light Vs. Laser: Are They Both the Same?
- Posted on: Oct 30 2017
It’s easy to get skin care treatments confused— especially when you’re not the one performing them. Two procedures that patients often mistake for each other are laser and light procedures because of their ability to treat similar skin care concerns like sun spots, broken blood vessels, and sun damage. And although they can be used to target the same issues, they are administered differently.
For starters, IPL uses a series of high-intensity pulses of broad-spectrum light where laser uses a direct beam of energy.
What Are the Benefits of IPL?
IPL or intense pulse light is popular amongst our patients for a variety of reasons including that there is no downtime following the treatment. Additionally, IPL is ideal for most patients seeking to minimize pores, get rid of sunspots, treat hyperpigmentation, and rejuvenate the skin.
What Are the Benefits of Laser?
As previously mentioned, IPL uses small, pulses of light to target areas. However, the laser uses one consistent burst of energy which makes it better at giving patients precise results. Depending on the type of laser being used during your treatment, you may or may not have some recovery time afterward. Dr. Anna Petropoulos recommends laser treatments for patients who are suffering from skin concerns such as but not limited to, sun spots, scarring, rosacea, melasma, enlarged pores, spider veins, varicose veins, and fine lines and wrinkles.
What Is Right for You?
During your initial consultation with Dr. Anno Petropoulos, you will go over your skin concerns, she will conduct an evaluation, and then she will work to create a treatment plan that is catered toward your skin’s specific needs— whether that be with laser or light therapy.
Just like with anything, there’s a time and a place for both laser and light skin therapy treatments. Schedule your consultation with our Danvers office to learn more about which option will give you optimal results.
Posted in: Laser Treatments
