Intense pulsed light therapy
Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a non-invasive and non-ablative treatment that uses high-intensity pulses of visible light to improve the appearance of the following skin problems:
 
Vascular lesions including spider telangiectasia, port wine stains, broken facial veins, rosy cheeks, rosacea and red thread veins of the legs
Freckles and age marks
Facial lines and wrinkles
Removal of unwanted dark hair
The procedure of rejuvenating aged skin is referred to as photorejuvenation and requires a series of IPL treatments.
IPL may also be helpful for mild to moderate acne and stretch marks.
 
How does intense pulsed light therapy work?
 
IPL systems work on the same principles as lasers in that light energy is absorbed into particular target cells with colour (chromophores) in the skin. The light energy is converted to heat energy, which causes damage to the specific target area. IPL systems are different to lasers in that they deliver many wavelengths (or colours) in each pulse of light instead of just one wavelength. Most IPL systems use filters to refine the energy output for the treatment of certain areas. This enhances penetration without using excessive energy levels and enables targeting of specific chromophores (these are skin components that absorb light).
IPL therapy is considered a non-ablative resurfacing technique, which means that it targets the lower layers of skin (dermis) without affecting the top layers of skin (epidermis). The results are not as dramatic as ablative resurfacing where both the dermis and epidermis are injured to produce a much more noticeable overall outcome. The advantage of IPL therapy is its minimal downtime; a patient can often have the procedure done in their lunch break and return to work immediately afterwards.
What do the IPL do?
 
1.Vascular lesions
 For the treatment of spider and thread veins, and some vascular birthmarks.
Light pulses targeted at the red-pigment (hemoglobin) in the blood which heats and destroys the pigment without affecting the skin or other tissues.
 
2.Pigmented lesions
For the treatment of age spots, freckles, flat pigmented birthmarks and other skin discoloration problems such as melasma and erythromelanosis of the neck (poikiloderma of Civatte).
Light pulses targeted at the melanin in the skin’s surface which heats and destroys melanin to remove the discoloration.
 
3.Hair removal
For the treatment of unwanted hair.
Light pulses targeted at the hair follicle causing the hair to fall out and prevent further growth. Generally ineffective for light colored hair.
May be used for hair in any location including underarms, bikini line, face, neck, back, chest and legs

What does the intense pulsed light procedure involve?

Prior to the procedure your specialist practitioner should explain the process to you and clearly define your expectations of the treatment. They should be able to tell you whether or not the results you are looking for will be achievable using this method. It is important that the correct diagnosis has been made by your doctor prior to treatment.
Avoid sun exposure in the days and weeks before and after treatment.
A topical anaesthetic may be applied to the area but is not usually necessary.
A cold gel is applied to the area being treated. IPL devices often have integrated cooling systems.
The smooth, glass surface of the IPL treatment head is applied to the skin, delivering precise pulses of light to the area being treated.
Treatment sessions usually last about 20 minutes. A course of 4-6 sessions every 3-6 weeks may be needed to achieve desired results.
Most patients can return to work immediately after treatment.
Throughout the treatment session, the patient must wear protective eyewear. IPL treatments are relatively painless compared to other facial rejuvenation techniques. The sensation has been likened to a light pinch or the snap of a rubber band, but some people find it distressing.

Are there any side effects of intense pulsed light therapy?

Side effects of IPL are minor and include:

● Pain during treatment (reduced by contact cooling and if necessary, topical anaesthetic)
● Skin turning pink and a little sore immediately after the procedure.
● A sensation of a mild sunburn (redness, peeling, swelling) that may last a few days after treatment.
● Rarely, skin pigment may absorb too much light energy and blistering can occur.
● Sometimes the pigment cells (melanocytes) can be damaged leaving darker or paler patches of skin. White patches or scars are rarely permanent.
● Hair loss may occur.
● Bruising affects up to 10% of patients.

What does intense pulse light do?

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a cosmetic skin treatment that may help reduce the signs of aging, remove unwanted hair, lighten darker patches of skin, and improve the appearance of scars and spider veins. IPL works in a similar way to laser therapy.

What's the difference between IPL and laser?

The key difference between laser and IPL is the type of light. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is a broadband pulsed light source, whereas laser is a monochromatic coherent light source. Both methods target the melanin in the hair follicle and permanent results can be expected from both.

How many sessions of IPL do you need?

For patients to get the best IPL results, it is generally recommended that patients receive, on average, 4 – 6 treatments scheduled 4 weeks apart. Why do most patients need more than 1 IPL session? Every IPL treatment builds upon the previous one, allowing the skin to react gradually.

How long does the IPL last?

The procedure takes between 30 and 90 minutes depending on the type of photofacial, the treated area, and the practitioner's experience. While some redness and swelling may occur, which should subside within 24 hours and the procedure requires little to no downtime.

How long do IPL laser results last?

Photofacial or IPL treatment results can normally last for around a year, but with proper maintenance treatments, you can make your results last for much longer. This procedure is designed to help treat hyperpigmentation, whether from acne scars, age spots, or just an overproduction of melanin.

What should I avoid after the IPL?

● Don't take hot showers, hot baths, or bask in a hot tub for a minimum of 48 hours.
● Don't exfoliate your skin within the first 7 days as it may cause irritation.
● Don't pick any crusting or blisters.
● Don't exercise or participate in any strenuous physical activity.

Does IPL age your skin?

IPL does not cause accelerated skin aging. Temporary darkening of the pigment and redness can occur as well as mild swelling. But ultimately IPL uses light to rejuvenate the skin.

Is IPL good for anti-aging?

IPL is an effective way to treat wrinkles and minimize the signs of aging. There are, however, some things you can do to prevent them if not visible or slow their progress: Protect your skin: Use sun protection such as sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen to reduce UV exposure.

Does IPL increase collagen?

IPL will stimulate collagen growth by treating a deeper layer of skin, while improving texture, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Since IPL treatments target the deeper layers of skin, they can be performed with other skin treatments such as microdermabrasion, facials or chemical peels.