Which Laser Is Right for Me?
Choosing a laser treatment can feel overwhelming. With so many options—IPL, fractional lasers, targeted vascular lasers—it’s natural to wonder: Which laser is right for my skin?
At Rainforest Medical Aesthetics, we use advanced, physician-directed technology to ensure each patient receives the safest and most effective treatment for their specific concern. This guide breaks down the differences in plain language so you can feel confident before booking.
First Things First: IPL vs Laser — What’s the Difference?
Although often grouped together, IPL and laser treatments are not the same.
🔹 IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
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Uses broad-spectrum light
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Treats multiple skin concerns at once
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Sun damage
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Redness
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Uneven skin tone
Best for:
-
-
Minimal downtime
🔹 Laser
- Uses a single, focused wavelength
- More precise and powerful
- Best for:
- Scars
- Wrinkles
- Veins
- Pigmented lesions
- Often delivers more targeted results
At Rainforest, we use Candela and Icon platforms, allowing your provider to choose IPL or laser depending on what your skin needs — not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Best Laser Treatments by
Skin Concern
☀️ Sun Damage, Redness & Uneven Skin Tone
Best option: Photofacial (IPL or Laser)
- Uses IPL or laserdepending on skin type
- Improves discoloration, redness, and dullness
- Quick treatment with little to no downtime
Ideal if you want overall skin clarity and brightness
Brown Spots & Pigmentation
Best option: Laser Brown Spot Removal (IPL or Laser)
- Targets sun spots and age spots
- Uses Icon or Candela technology
- Precise treatment of individual spots
Ideal for isolated pigmentation concerns
Visible Veins & Vascular Concerns
Best option: Laser Vein Removal
- Uses laser onlyfor accuracy
- Treats facial veins and small vascular lesions
- Not all veins respond to IPL — laser is often required
Ideal for spider veins and facial redness caused by visible vessels
Venous Lakes (Lips or Face)
Best option: Venous Lake Laser Removal
- Laser-only treatment
- Collapses dark blue or purple vascular lesions
- Highly targeted and precise
Ideal for benign vascular spots on lips or face
Strawberry Hemangiomas & Skin Tags
Best option: Laser Removal
- Laser provides controlled, precise removal
- Quick in-office treatment
- Minimal downtime
Ideal for benign raised or vascular lesions
Wrinkles, Acne Scars & Texture
Best option: 1540 Non-Ablative Fractional Laser (XD / XF)
- Uses 1540 XD or XF fractional laser
- Stimulates collagen without damaging the skin surface
- Improves:
- Fine lines
- Acne scars
- Skin texture
Ideal if you want visible improvement with less downtime than deep resurfacing
Why Technology Choice Matters
Not every laser is appropriate for every concern — or every skin type.
At Rainforest Medical Aesthetics:
- We do notdefault to one device
- We use Candela, Icon, and 1540 XD/XF platforms
- Your treatment is selected based on:
- Skin type
- Skin tone
- Concern severity
- Safety and results
This personalized approach helps minimize risk while maximizing results.
Still Not Sure Which Laser Is Right for You?
That’s completely normal — and expected.
That’s why we offer professional consultations and skin analysis before treatment.
Your provider will evaluate your skin and recommend the most appropriate technology for your goals.
Ready to Get Started?
✨ Whether you’re treating sun damage, scars, redness, or texture, the right laser makes all the difference.
👉 Book your consultation today and let our expert team guide you to the safest, most effective option for your skin.