Laser Vs. IPL. Which is better and what to choose?

 

The differences between IPL and lasers

The main difference between a laser and an IPL is that a laser can only emit a single wavelength, while an IPL emits a range of wavelengths (usually between 450nm and 1200nm). The laser wavelength is not existed in the nature and has to be artificially produced by some kind of a source like an emitting diode. 

Unlike a laser, an IPL does not get its energy (light) from stimulated emission.  A flash lamp is used to create a wide range of wavelengths (xenon lamps are usually used for IPLs), which is then filtered to prevent radiation from unwanted wavelengths. 

Those are the three characteristics of light that distinguish lasers from IPL's:

In practice this means that lasers are much more targeted than IPL's. As well as more concentrated.

Which is better for each procedure?

With a laser you will get better results to do a specific task. Like removing hair or a vein.
Whereas an IPL will be better to do a general treatment. Like anti-ageing or a light facial. However, in real life the divide between the treatments are not so exact. 
 

Are the new  IPL's as good and selective as lasers? Is there still a use for lasers?

This is a very common perception. IPL's are much more limited as far as safe treatment on dark skin types is concerned.

Once the melanin content goes over a certain fresh-hold the energy must be reduced to such an extent that the treatment no longer yields any satisfying results.
 

Written by Liliana Fass

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 www.Lilianalaser.ca