Thank you for your question. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a device that emits a spectrum of light from wavelengths of 400nm to 1200nm with a millisecond pulse duration. Using filters to select for a certain range of wavelengths, an IPL treatment is versatile and improves skin issues such as unwanted hair, superficial blood vessels, pigmentation and acne. Picosecond laser treatment, on the other hand, produces a single wavelength of light with a picosecond pulse duration (one trillionth of a second) and is mostly used to improve pigmentation, and sometimes for acne scarring.
IPL devices cover a wider treatment spectrum compared to picosecond lasers as they emit a range of light wavelengths which is diffused and less controlled. Because of this, they are able to deliver light to more targets and hence more conditions can be treated using IPL. However, this also means that IPL devices are less selective and in inexperienced hands, it potentially carries a higher risk of complications. Picosecond lasers, on the other hand, emit just one single light wavelength, therefore it has the ability to target skin blemishes more selectively compared to IPL devices.
There are different factors influencing outcome when you consider the cost-effectiveness of an IPL with a picosecond laser treatment. Apart from pricing, a favourable result is also dependent on your specific skin condition, lifestyle factors, genes, as well as pre and post-treatment skincare. Lastly, the expertise of the doctor can give value-added results, especially when combined with other treatments.
Unlike lasers, the usage of IPL is non-regulated and does not require a physician’s license. Therefore there is a possibility of being attended to by a novice, or, worse still, an untrained practitioner. To have overall cost-effectiveness, a sound approach, skincare discipline, as well as the expertise and experience of a doctor are all contributing factors worth noting. I hope this answer is helpful to you!
