Answers

Replied on 11/4/2009

By: About Face Aesthetic Centers, LLC  |  Dr. Leslie Pickens
Alexandria, VA

I have posed this question to the Syneron Quality Control. The response was that lasers have been used in medicine for a long time. No laser company would put patients and themselves at risk for causing cancer. Lasers are used widely from LASIK eye surgery to laser assisted liposuction to a host of non-cosmetic medical procedures.

Replied on 11/1/2009

By: Esta Kronberg, M.D.  |  Board Certified Dermatologist
Houston, TX

There is no evidence or studies showing that Photofcial causes skin cancer.

Replied on 11/1/2009

By: Aspen Medical Aesthetics and Laser Clinic  |  Dr Chris Knuth
Mequon, WI

No. IPL Photofacial is filtered light and as such does not contain any significant ultraviolet light, neither UVA nor UVB. Skin cancer is felt to be due to exposure to ultraviolet light (UVA and UVB) along with ones own genetic make up and other unknown factors. There are no studies to suggest any increased cancer risk.

Replied on 10/31/2009

By: Robert A Young, M.D.  |  St. Louis Plastic Surgeon
Chesterfield, MO

In general the increased risk of skin cancer is associated with with exposure to ultraviolet light [and with even shorter wavelengths such as x-ray], while the light based treatments produce light in the visible range [400 nm or longer]. That is a good question to ask the
person providing the treatment.

Replied on 10/30/2009

By: Total Cosmetix & Laser Body Contouring  |  Hamid A. Towhidian, MD, PC
Irvine, CA

Not that we know of.

Replied on 10/30/2009

By: Gia Laser Aesthetic Center  |  Dr. Jeffrey Kronson
Claremont, CA

There is no evidence that links IPL treatment and skin malignancy.

Replied on 10/29/2009

By: CT Cosmedic  |  Dr. Jeffrey Lane, M.D.
East Lyme, CT

Hi, I know of no studies that have connected any type of cancer to any of the laser facial treatments available in the U.S.

Replied on 10/29/2009

By: Dermacare of Chesapeake  |  Michael Keverline, M.D.
Chesapeake, VA

There are no studies of IPL and melanoma. There is good evidence that IPL can play a preventative role with squamous cell skin cancer.

Replied on 10/29/2009

By: Renew Medi Spa  |  Dr. Lisa Hatzos, MD
Windham, NH

Yes, it is known for certain that the wavelengths used for IPL do NOT affect the skin adversely in terms of collagen damage or skin cancer risk.

Replied on 10/29/2009

By: Celibre Medical Corporation  |  Laser Dermatology & Injections
Orange, CA

There have been no studies to show this link. The light used in IPL
treatment is not the same as sunlight and therefore does not carry the
same risk.

Regards,

Replied on 10/29/2009

By: Mountain View Dermatology  |  Richard G. Levine, M.D.
Boulder, CO

Great question - somewhat controversial - no evidence that it increases risk of melanoma but
can see cell related changes from IPL even though it's just visible light - the significance of
these changes is unknown but there is no evidence at this time that it increases skin cancer risk.

Replied on 10/29/2009

By: Forever Young Med Spa   |  South Florida's #1 Medical Spa!
Fort Lauderdale, FL

There have been no studies to suggest a direct correlation for an increased risk of Melanoma. However studies have proven that light based treatments may decrease pre-cancerous cells especially when combined with Levulanic Acid. You should always see a Dermatologist annually for a full body exam.

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Why can't I use moisturizers on my face after IPL treatment? (1 answer)
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How many FotoFacial/IPL Treatments are required to see results? (1 answer)
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