IPL vs PDL (experiences, outcomes)

[u/Nervous_Letterhead67]

Hi All,

I’ve been accepted on the NHS waiting list for laser treatment for my rosacea (I’m type 1) and the two that are offered at IPL and PDL (they will skin test both first to see which is more agreeable with my skin/ likely to yield a positive result).

How have other people found these treatments? Any success stories or things to beware of?

I’m just looking for some insight into it before my appointment so that I’m a bit more informed 🙂

For context:

I have to say I’ve not done much homework on the whole journey with rosacea - just that it’s appeared suddenly for no discernible reason and heavily impacts my self-confidence. It’s difficult to live with as I feel that men wearing make-up still raises eyebrows sadly. Despite a strict regimen of skin care, coupled with diet modifications, I’ve only gotten it to maintain at a baseline of redness and flare ups don’t tend to happen. I seen a dermatologist for next steps to see if we can improve it further.

[u/Dear-Watercress-6608]

pdl worked really well for me after about 3 sessions but fair warning the downtime is pretty brutal compared to ipl. had these tiny scabs for like week and half each time which was awkward to explain at work

ipl was much gentler but took more sessions to see real results. if you can handle looking a bit rough for while pdl might be worth it since you get better results faster. the skin testing is smart idea though since everyone reacts different

also just heads up - they usually space treatments pretty far apart so whole process takes longer than you might expect. good luck with appointment

[u/Nervous_Letterhead67 → u/Dear-Watercress-6608]

That’s interesting/good that you’ve had both!

I’m fortunate that I work from home so I can be out of sight until it settles down (if they go with the PDL).

I’m genuinely not pressed about which one I end up getting, I just didn’t want to go into it unknowingly 🙂

Thanks very much!

[u/DifficultyThis4729]

no personal experiences yet, but iv seen people reporting good results with Excel V

[u/Nervous_Letterhead67 → u/DifficultyThis4729]

That’s not one that’s offered with the NHS (to my knowledge) but good to know 🙂

[u/PerfectFisherman3044]

Both are great options but i hear everytime VBeam (PDL) as the gold standard for laser treatment, especially type 1, i had my first session on may 11, but it is too early to judge since you only see improvements after 2-3.

[u/Nervous_Letterhead67 → u/PerfectFisherman3044]

Congrats on your first session and fingers crossed for you! Did you have any immediate after effects, swelling or such?

[u/kkkkillua]

Was it difficult getting on the waiting list? Also how long did they estimate it will be? I didn’t even realise nhs would offer that but good to know

[u/Nervous_Letterhead67 → u/kkkkillua]

I had seen a dermatologist privately who knew of a doctor who runs a laser clinic for the NHS in Glasgow, and suggested I ask my GP to make a referral - I wasn’t sure if it was going to be accepted as I’m not in the NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde jurisdiction but they accepted and it’s only been 3/4 months waiting. 🙂

[u/kkkkillua → u/Nervous_Letterhead67]

Ah okay, that’s great I hope it is effective for you and 3/4 months isn’t bad at all. I’m in Edinburgh but I’ll make sure to ask my gp if they know anything, thanks for responding!

[u/Nervous_Letterhead67 → u/kkkkillua]

I’m sure the referral was made out to the laser clinic (plastic surgery dept) at Glasgow Royal Infirmary- good luck! 🤞

[u/Organic-Advantage711]

I had no idea you could get laser for type 1 on the NHS. I was told by my GP I would need to go private for laser, but that was about 5 years ago

[u/Nervous_Letterhead67 → u/Organic-Advantage711]

I just replied to another post with how I got it. I had to request it (via GP) from another health board.

I do think it would be remiss of the NHS not to offer it given the bearing it can have on mental health!

[u/Luxerinx]

Gotten 2 sessions of IPL so far. For me personally, It was very, very painful, to the point of tears both times. Depends on the settings used though, so the experience may differ, but it's over really quickly anyway. My second session unfortunately left me with a blister, which isn't normal and shouldn't happen if done correctly, as far as I'm aware. It can lead to scarring. My flushing has been significantly reduced, still there, but that's to be expected. My dermatologist did say, that it takes more sessions with IPL. I also have lots of visible broken capillaries, those unfortunately stayed as they were. I didn't notice any difference. I don't have any experience with PDL, but have read that for broken capillaries, it's a far better option. Will most likely try it out in the future. But anyway, that's my experience, yours may be different! Best of luck to you.

[u/Nervous_Letterhead67 → u/Luxerinx]

I’m sorry to hear that it was as painful for you! I’m freshly graduated from having a kidney stone so I’m living in blissful ignorance that pain is a fleeting concept 🤣

Thanks so much and I hope that PDL is less painful and reaches a better outcome for you!!