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Individuals with light to medium skin tones have a non-invasive treatment option for scars called intense pulse light (BLOG_IPLforscarremoval) treatments that can fade or reduce mild to moderate scars, says Joel Aronowitz MD. IPL can fade or reduce the appearance of acne scars, accident scars, and surgical scars. Combined with other treatments, such as post-IPL taping and Embrace silicone dressings, over a period of weeks, the scar reduces in appearance.
How IPL Works
IPL uses light energy to remove damaged skin cells in a specific target area, using a handheld medical device that resembles a handheld scanner. A doctor administers multiple light wavelengths on the scarred skin, heating skin cells and breaking them down. Over the course of a few weeks, the patient Medical News Today.
The IPL Process in Detail
The first IPL session takes only an afternoon or morning. In a matter of hours, the plastic surgery patient undergoes their first IPL treatment, and the scar removal process begins, says Dr. Joel Aronowitz. That’s only the first step in the five-step IPL process.
In the next treatment step, the doctor wraps the area using a special medical tape that the surgery patient wears for about two weeks. The third step in the treatment involves wrapping the area in Embrace silicone dressings to minimize the development of new scar tissue. The surgical patient returns to the doctor’s office every two weeks for four to six weeks so medical staff can redress the area.
In the fifth and final step of the IPL treatment, the IPL patient undergoes a bioCorneum+ scar gel regimen. This silicone-based medicine helps block the sun’s damaging rays and protect new scar tissue. Instead of using it alone, doctors encourage IPL patients to adhere to a strict plan of sunscreen use to further protect their skin and the reduced scar from sun damage.
What Does IPL Cost?
According to Real Self, the cost of IPL treatment varies throughout the U.S. Factors influencing its cost include:
- Doctor’s location
- Doctor’s experience
- Number of IPL sessions required.
Costs range from $123 to $1,800, but with an average cost of $677. Its affordability makes it a common choice for scar revision. Most patients need to undergo a session of IPL annually to maintain their scar revision.
Finding Out if IPL Is Right for You
Although it produces positive results, IPL won’t work as a treatment for everyone. This non-surgical technique won’t work on darker skin tones. Those with active acne or a condition known as skin resurfacing disorder can’t undergo the process. If you take Accutane, you’ll need to cease taking the drug for some months before IPL sessions.
Contact a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area for a consultation. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons offers a free database of plastic surgeons. At your consultation, the plastic surgeon will assess your skin, health, and prescription medications to determine if you should undergo IPL. They may suggest alternative treatments that can work for your situation if IPL doesn’t suit your situation.
