Laser Genesis vs IPL
Laser Genesis is a gentle laser that warms the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen, booked for texture, fine lines, pores and redness. IPL is broad-spectrum pulsed light that targets pigment and blood vessels, booked for sun spots, pigmentation and redness. Laser Genesis is $350 at both our clinics; IPL is from $329 at Ivanhoe.
- Laser Genesis
- $350
- IPL
- from $329
- Where
- South Yarra & Ivanhoe
Both are quick, no-downtime skin treatments, and both start with a conversation about your skin, your history and what you want to change. The difference is the kind of light. Laser Genesis uses a single laser wavelength in gentle micro pulses to warm the dermis, the layer where collagen is made. IPL (intense pulsed light) is not a laser at all: it delivers a broad spectrum of light that is absorbed by pigment and by blood vessels.
That is why they tend to be booked for different things. Laser Genesis is the gentle all-rounder for texture, fine lines, enlarged pores, acne scarring and diffuse redness. IPL is the one we reach for when sun spots, pigmentation and sun damage are the main concern. Laser Genesis is on the menu at South Yarra and Ivanhoe; IPL is performed at our Ivanhoe clinic.
Choose Laser Genesis if
- Texture, enlarged pores or fine lines bother you more than spots
- You have diffuse redness or flushing and want no downtime at all
- You want a treatment you can book at either clinic
Choose IPL if
- Sun spots, freckling or uneven pigment are your main concern
- You want face, neck and décolletage treated together
- Ivanhoe is your clinic
Laser Genesis vs IPL at a glance.
| Compare | Laser Genesis | IPL |
| What it is | A laser: one wavelength, delivered in gentle micro pulses | Intense pulsed light: a broad spectrum of light, filtered for your skin |
| How it works | Warms the deeper layers of the skin (the dermis) to stimulate collagen | Light is absorbed by pigment and blood vessels in the skin |
| Booked for | Fine lines, redness, acne scarring, enlarged pores and uneven texture | Sun spots, pigmentation, sun damage, redness and acne scarring |
| Feels like | Gentle warmth, no anaesthetic | A mild snapping or stinging with each pulse |
| Downtime | None. Mild redness or warmth settles quickly | None. Avoid sun and wear sunscreen afterwards |
| Course | Usually three to five sessions, a few weeks apart | Typically three to six sessions, three to four weeks apart |
| Session | 45 minutes | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Pregnancy | Not performed during pregnancy | Discussed at your consultation |
| At Akmē | $350 at South Yarra & Ivanhoe | From $329 at our Ivanhoe clinic |
Laser Genesis or IPL for your concern?
For redness and rosacea
Both are used. Laser Genesis suits diffuse redness that comes with texture and pore concerns, and there is nothing to recover from. IPL treats redness together with pigment, which helps when sun damage shows as both. When visible vessels are the main concern, we may suggest Green Genesis or Excel V+ instead. See all our options for redness.
For pigmentation and sun spots
IPL is the treatment we book most for sun spots and uneven pigment, because its light is absorbed by pigment. If South Yarra is easier for you, Green Genesis uses a 532 nm wavelength that is absorbed by haemoglobin and melanin, the sources of red and brown colour in the skin, and Excel V+ is also on the menu there. Read more about pigmentation treatments.
For acne scarring and texture
Laser Genesis is booked for acne scarring, enlarged pores and uneven texture, and IPL Acne Scarring is a dedicated IPL session at Ivanhoe. For deeper texture work, Laser Genesis also pairs with microneedling (below). See our plans for acne scarring.
Or combine both.
Laser Genesis warms the deeper dermis with light; microneedling creates tiny channels in the skin with fine needles, infused with serums chosen for your skin. Our Dual Collagen Reset combines the two in one hour, stimulating collagen at two depths of the skin, and it can be extended to the neck.
Laser Genesis also pairs with an enzyme exfoliation (Enzyme Genesis) or a Deluxe HydraFacial (Hydra-Genesis). All of these are on the menu at South Yarra and Ivanhoe.
| Laser Genesis | 45 mins | $350 |
| Green Genesis | 45 mins | $300 |
| Enzyme Genesis (enzyme exfoliation plus Laser Genesis) | 1 hour | $400 |
| Hydra-Genesis (Deluxe HydraFacial plus Laser Genesis) | 1 hr 15 mins | $499 |
| Dual Collagen Reset (Laser Genesis plus microneedling) | 1 hour | $550 |
| Dual Collagen Reset plus neck | 1 hour | $650 |
South Yarra & Ivanhoe. The Genesis treatments are not performed during pregnancy.
IPL menu.
Our IPL sessions are tailored to your skin and concern, because different wavelengths reach different depths. Face, neck and décolletage can be treated together. IPL is booked at our Ivanhoe clinic, 236 Upper Heidelberg Road.
Not sure which suits you? A 45 minute skin consultation is $89 at either clinic, and the $89 comes off your first treatment or product.
| IPL Pigmentation | 45 mins | $329 |
| IPL Acne Scarring | 45 mins | $329 |
| IPL Pigmentation Face + Neck | 45 mins | $359 |
| IPL Face, Neck & Décolletage | 30 mins | $379 |
Prices as listed in our online booking menu. Ivanhoe clinic.
How your visit runs.
- 01
We talk first
We look at your skin, your history and your goals, and recommend Laser Genesis, IPL or another option.
- 02
Your treatment
About 30 to 45 minutes in a calm, private room. Laser Genesis feels warm; IPL feels like a quick snap with each pulse.
- 03
Aftercare and a plan
Clear aftercare before you leave, including sun protection, and a plan for how many sessions, if any, you will need.
Laser Genesis and IPL FAQ.
What is the difference between Laser Genesis and IPL?
Laser Genesis is a laser: a single wavelength that gently warms the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen and improve texture. IPL is not a laser. It uses broad-spectrum pulsed light, which is absorbed by pigment and blood vessels, so it is mostly booked for sun spots, pigmentation and redness.
Which is better for redness?
Both are used for redness. Laser Genesis suits diffuse redness alongside texture and pore concerns, with no downtime. IPL is booked for redness together with pigmentation and sun damage. For redness and visible vessels, we may also suggest Green Genesis or Excel V+. Your consultation decides which fits your skin.
Which is better for pigmentation and sun spots?
IPL is the one we book most for pigmentation and sun damage, because its light is absorbed by pigment. It is available at our Ivanhoe clinic. At South Yarra, Green Genesis (532 nm, absorbed by haemoglobin and melanin) and Excel V+ are the options for pigment and redness.
Does Laser Genesis or IPL hurt?
Laser Genesis needs no anaesthetic and most clients feel only a gentle warmth. IPL feels like a mild snapping or stinging sensation as each pulse is delivered. Both are quick and well tolerated.
Is there downtime?
Neither has downtime. After Laser Genesis some mild redness or warmth may appear and settles quickly. After IPL, avoid sun exposure and wear sunscreen on the treated area.
How many sessions will I need?
Laser Genesis is usually booked as a course of three to five sessions a few weeks apart. IPL is typically three to six sessions, spaced three to four weeks apart, with maintenance every six to twelve months if needed. We give you a plan at your consultation.
Can I have Laser Genesis or IPL while pregnant?
Laser Genesis, Green Genesis, Enzyme Genesis and Hydra-Genesis are not performed during pregnancy. Tell us at your consultation if you are pregnant or planning to be, and we will suggest a suitable alternative.
How much do Laser Genesis and IPL cost at Akmē?
Laser Genesis is $350 for 45 minutes at South Yarra and Ivanhoe. IPL starts at $329 for 45 minutes and is booked at our Ivanhoe clinic. A 45 minute skin consultation is $89, and that $89 comes off your first treatment or product.
Explore each one.
Laser Genesis
from $350Gentle Nd:YAG laser that warms the dermis to build collagen, calm redness and refine pores. No downtime.
IPL
from $329Intense pulsed light for pigmentation, acne scarring and sun damage. Ivanhoe clinic.
Green Genesis
from $300A 532 nm micro-pulsed laser for redness, sun spots and early signs of ageing. No downtime.
Not sure which light treatment suits you?
Book an $89 skin consultation at South Yarra or Ivanhoe, or go straight to Laser Genesis from $350.
Book an appointment