What is IPL Treatment?

Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment that uses light to improve the appearance of the skin. IPL can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including:

  • Age spots
  • Rosacea
  • Sun damage
  • Acne
  • Hair removal
  • Vascular lesions (such as spider veins)
  • Stretch marks
  • Uneven skin tone

IPL uses different wavelengths of light to target different parts of the skin depending on what the procedure is used for..

How Does IPL Treatment of the Skin Work?

IPL treatment should be performed under the supervision of a doctor and is usually done in a doctor’s office or clinic. A topical anesthetic may used to numb the area being treated. The IPL device is then used to deliver the light to the skin. The light is emitted from the device in pulses. The number of pulses, the duration of each pulse and the energy intensity of the pulse will vary depending on the skin condition being treated.

IPL treatment is usually well-tolerated. Some people may experience mild side effects, such as redness, swelling, and bruising. These side effects usually go away on their own within a few days.

Benefits of IPL Treatment of the Skin

IPL treatment has a number of benefits, including:

  • It is a non-surgical procedure and usually there is no or a short downtime.
  • It is effective for a multiple skin conditions.
  • It is relatively painless.
  • The results are often long-lasting but usually not permanent

Risks of IPL Treatment of the Skin

IPL treatment has a few risks, including:

  • Temporary redness, swelling, and bruising.
  • Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation (darkening or lightening of the skin).
  • Scarring.

If proper protocols are follow, then these risks are rare and usually go away on their own.

Are You a Good Candidate for IPL Treatment?

IPL treatment can be performed on most people and most skin types. However, in some cases we may recommend not doing the treatment at all or delaying the treatment. As always, any medical treatment should be individualized. The same goes with IPL and a one-size-fits-all approach may be potentially harmful.

If you are considering IPL treatment, it is important to talk to your doctor about whether or not you are a good candidate.

Conclusion

IPL treatment of the skin is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment that uses light to improve the appearance of the skin. IPL can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including age spots, rosacea, sun damage, acne, hair removal, vascular lesions, stretch marks, and uneven skin tone. IPL treatment is usually well-tolerated and has a number of benefits. However, it is important to talk to your doctor about whether or not you are a good candidate for IPL treatment.

Points to keep in mind when having a IPL treatment

  • The results of IPL treatment are not permanent. You may need to have the treatment done every few months to maintain the results.
  • You may experience some redness and swelling after the treatment, but this should go away within a few days.
  • It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions after the treatment to prevent infection or other complications