Intense pulsed light therapy, also known as IPL is a dermatological cosmetic treatment that can effectively reduce the appearance of vascular lesions, age spots, freckles, fine lines and wrinkles and unwanted dark hair.
How Does Intense Pulsed Light Therapy Work?
IPL uses high-energy pulses of light that are converted into heat energy and then absorbed by specific cells in the lower layers of the skin. Most intense pulsed light systems produce different wavelengths of light so that the treatment can be customized to the area and issue being treated.
Issues Treated With Intense Pulsed Light Therapy:
- IPL can reduce the appearance of vascular birthmarks and spider veins by targeting the red pigment in the blood without damaging the skin or surrounding tissue.
- IPL can be targeted at the melanin-producing cells on the surface of the skin to remove discoloration caused by melasma, birthmarks, freckles, and age spots.
- IPL can be directed at the hair follicles on the face, neck, back, chest, underarms, and bikini line to eliminate unwanted hair. The treatment is most effective on dark hair.
What to Expect:
IPL treatment should only be performed by an expert in cosmetic dermatology. Treatment sessions typically last approximately 20 minutes. Most patients require a series of four to six sessions spaced over several weeks to achieve the desired results. A gel is applied to the skin at the area to be treated. The treatment head of the IPL device, which is a smooth, glass surface, is applied to the area to deliver the light pulses. Most patients describe the sensation of the light pulses as similar to being snapped with a rubber band or a light pinch. Since IPL dermatology treatment is non-invasive and does not damage the surface of the skin, patients are able to resume their normal activities immediately.