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[Department of Dermatology and Venereology] Can intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy remove acne scars?

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Photorejuvenation, commonly referred to as intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, can be effective in improving the appearance of certain types of acne scars—particularly post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and erythema (redness). IPL works by delivering broad-spectrum light energy that targets melanin in pigmented lesions and hemoglobin in dilated blood vessels. As a result, it helps fade brown discoloration left behind after acne resolves and reduces persistent redness associated with inflammatory acne.

However, IPL is not effective for atrophic (indented) or hypertrophic (raised) acne scars, which involve structural changes in the dermis and require different modalities—such as fractional laser resurfacing, microneedling, or subcision. Additionally, outcomes vary significantly based on skin phototype: patients with lighter skin tones (Fitzpatrick I–III) typically achieve better results and lower risk of complications, whereas those with darker skin (Fitzpatrick IV–VI) face higher risks of paradoxical hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation and require careful device selection and conservative settings.

A comprehensive acne scar management plan should always begin with active acne control—since ongoing inflammation undermines treatment efficacy and increases scarring risk. Once acne is stable, a board-certified dermatologist can assess scar morphology, skin type, and treatment history to determine whether IPL is appropriate, or if alternative or combination therapies would yield superior outcomes.

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