IPL vs Pico vs CO₂: Which Laser Actually Works for Anti-Aging? | The UnPhiltered Podcast

Are IPL, Pico, Halo, CO₂ or Erbium lasers actually worth it for anti-aging — and how do you know which one is right for your skin? In today’s episode of The UnPhiltered Podcast, Dr. Philip Solomon breaks down the entire world of energy-based devices, from zero-downtime treatments to the most powerful resurfacing lasers we use in facial plastic surgery. We compare the most common options — IPL, Pico laser, microneedling RF, micro laser peels, CO₂ resurfacing and Erbium — and explain what each device is best suited for, including pigmentation, freckles, sun damage, texture, acne scars, fine lines, and deeper wrinkles. You’ll also learn the key differences between ablative vs non-ablative lasers, what “fractional” really means, how downtime changes with each device, and why certain lasers are safer for darker skin tones. Dr. Solomon also discusses how we combine technologies for better outcomes and shows real examples of how CO₂ and Erbium resurfacing can dramatically improve skin quality in a single treatment. Whether you're considering your first laser procedure or looking for the most effective option for your age and skin type, this episode breaks down what works, what doesn’t, and how to choose the safest, most effective treatment.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction: What Are Energy Devices?

00:43 – The Three Categories of Aesthetic Medicine

01:38 – Why We Use So Many Lasers at Solomon Facial Plastic

02:16 – Light-Based Devices: IPL Explained (Benefits, Limitations)

03:42 – Can IPL Treat Fine Lines and Wrinkles?

04:10 – Treatment Frequency & Downtime for IPL

04:36 – Pico Laser: How It Works & Who It's For

05:21 – How Many Pico Laser Sessions Do You Need?

06:05 – Pico Laser for Darker Skin Tones (Safety Advantages)

06:35 – Combining Pico with Microneedling RF (Morpheus)

06:42 – Entry-Level Resurfacing: NanoPeel & Micro Laser Peel

07:04 – Ablative vs Non-Ablative Lasers (Key Differences)

08:32 – Understanding Laser “Depth” & Controlled Burns

09:14 – ProFractional, Fraxel & Other Fractional Devices

09:48 – Why Skin Type and Downtime Matter Most

10:24 – Micro Laser Peel Results & When It's Worth It

11:10 – The Laser Pyramid: From IPL to CO₂

11:44 – Treating Acne Scars: Why No Single Device Works

12:20 – Best Lasers by Age Group (30s, 40s, 50+)

13:08 – CO₂ Lasers: Downtime, Settings & Customization

13:45 – CO₂ Before & After Case: Freckles, Texture, Pores

14:42 – Combining CO₂ and Erbium for Advanced Aging

15:30 – Why Erbium Is Best for Lip Lines & Smoker Lines

16:13 – CO₂ for Eyelid Tightening (Non-Surgical Blepharoplasty)

16:41 – Why We Combine Multiple Laser Devices

16:45 – Halo Laser Explained (Benefits & Downtime)

17:34 – The Real Challenge: Laser Downtime

17:56 – Laser Season: Why Winter Is Best for Treatment

18:31 – Sun Exposure After Lasers: Risks & Precautions

19:10 – Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Laser for Your Skin

#laserresurfacing #co2laser #picolaser #facialaesthetics #plasticsurgery #facialplasticsurgery #facialplasticsurgeon #plasticsurgeon #drsolomon #theunphilteredpodcast

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