IPL vs. Lasers: What's the Difference?

IPL vs. Lasers: What's the Difference, Anyway?

Hey there! I'm Dr. Steven Fish, and as a board-certified ophthalmologist, I've spent many years using advanced light technologies to treat patients. While most of my career has focused on helping people see better, these same technologies can do amazing things for your skin, too. That's why today, I want to talk about something that confuses many of my patients: what's the difference between IPL and lasers, anyway?

What is IPL?

First, IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. Think of IPL as a broad flashlight that sends out gentle pulses of light across your skin. It doesn't use a single laser beam. Instead, IPL uses multiple wavelengths of light at once. Because it's gentler and spreads the light energy out, it's fantastic for treating issues like sunspots, freckles, redness from rosacea, broken capillaries, and uneven skin tones. It's non-invasive (meaning no cuts or needles) and has minimal downtime—so you can get right back to your daily activities quickly!

How Do Lasers Work?

Laser treatments, on the other hand, use a single, very focused wavelength of light. Imagine a laser pointer—it's precise, powerful, and hits one exact spot. Lasers are great when you have a very specific issue you want to fix, like deeper wrinkles, stubborn acne scars, or for precise removal of tattoos or hair. Because lasers are so targeted, they can penetrate deeper, which means they're often stronger. But that also means they usually come with longer recovery times and might feel a bit more uncomfortable.

Which One is Better for Me?

This depends on your personal goals and the condition of your skin. If you have general skin concerns like sun damage, freckles, or redness, IPL is usually the better and gentler choice. It's great if you prefer quicker treatments, less discomfort, and want to avoid long recovery times.

However, if you're dealing with more stubborn skin issues—like deeper scars or very defined wrinkles—a laser might be the right choice. The trade-off is that treatments can take longer to heal, and you might experience a bit more discomfort during the session.

My Personal Perspective as an Eye Doctor

As an ophthalmologist, precision is part of my daily routine. My entire career has involved working delicately around eyes, which are sensitive and need careful treatment. That's why I love IPL so much—it offers impressive results gently and safely, similar to the advanced technologies I've trusted for years in my ophthalmology practice.

At Coastal IPL, my wife Dr. Madison Fish (also a board-certified surgeon) and I personally oversee every treatment, ensuring that your experience is not only safe and effective but also comfortable.

Still not sure?

That's completely okay! At Coastal IPL, we always sit down with you first and help you understand the best options tailored just for you. If you're curious to learn more, we'd love to meet you.

— Dr. Steven Fish