What is IPL?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) systems are used for photo-rejuvenation. Photorejuvenation assists in the treatment of the following skin conditions: vascular changes, including telangiectasias (spider veins), and the redness and flushing symptoms of rosacea. Pigmentary changes, including brown spots, sunspots and lentigines, dyschromia and other conditions brought about by sun damage and photo-aging. Enlarged pores, poikiloderma and melasma. Generalized aging of the skin.
How Does it Work?
The IPL system produces a broad beam of highly concentrated light. This light is filtered to a wavelength that is selectively absorbed by the target tissues with minimal effect on surrounding tissues. This absorption produces heat, which in turn alters the undesirable target tissues. The body’s natural healing process then absorbs the affected tissue and allows for re-growth of healthy tissue. The duration (milliseconds) and energy (fluence) of the light pulse are adjusted for your specific skin characteristics to achieve maximum benefit. The target is usually abnormal pigmentation or small, unsightly blood vessels.
What can IPL treat?
IPL is a unique treatment option that can be used to treat a wide variety of cosmetic concerns including:
- Uneven skin pigmentation
- Vascular birthmarks
- Facial redness
- Freckles
- Age spots
- Broken capillaries
- Rosacea
- Sun damage
Are IPL treatments painful?
Generally, IPL treatments are not considered painful by most patients. Many compare a typical IPL session to the sensation of being snapped with a rubber band. Ultimately, your response will depend on your pain tolerance. Any discomfort will resolve within a few minutes of treatment. Topical numbing cream can be applied for an additional cost.
Side Effects & Risks:
IPL side effects are generally both minor and temporary. It is possible that you will experience:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Light bruising
- Itching
- Peeling
- Scabbing
Is more than 1 treatment necessary?
Yes, in most cases you will need more than one treatment to see drastic improvements. Most practitioners recommend between 3 and 5 treatments, though it really depends on the area and type of condition being treated.
Contraindications:
- Are pregnant
- Have a skin condition
- Take medication for other conditions
- Are sensitive to light
- Have recently tanned your skin using sunlight, tanning beds, or tanning creams
- Might have skin cancer
- Are very dark-skinned
- Have a skin resurfacing disorder
- Have severe scarring
- Have keloid scar tissue
Pre Treatment Instructions:
- Avoid tan in the sun, in a tanning bed, or with tanning creams for 4 weeks before you go
- Avoid wax, or get a chemical peel or collagen shots for 2 weeks before
- Avoid wearing perfume, makeup, deodorant, or any skin irritants
- Do not take aspirin or another drug that can make you bleed more
- Do not take any medication that will make you sun-sensitive; for example, the antibiotic doxycycline.
Post Treatment Instructions:
It may feel like you have a sunburn for 4-6 hours after you’re finished. Ice packs or a cool washcloth can help you feel better.
Your skin may be red or bruised for a day or two. Some of your brown spots may get darker, but they should peel off within a few weeks.
While you heal:
- Don’t put on makeup if your skin hurts.
- Do not pick at your skin or any scabs that are forming. They will fall out on their own when the skin underneath is ready.
- Use moisturizing lotion.
- Protect yourself with sunscreen. Make sure it has an SPF of at least 30 and a physical blocker like zinc. Reapply it every 2 hours, even if it’s not sunny outside.
- Wash your face with cleanser for sensitive skin.
- Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 2/4 weeks, preferably until the end of your treatment. The sun is the enemy.
Contraindications include, but are not limited to the following:
- Current or history of cancer, especially malignant melanoma, or recurrent nonmelanoma skin cancer, or pre-cancerous lesions such as multiple dysplastic nevi.
- Any active infection.
- Disease which may be stimulated by light at 560nm to 1200nm, such as history of recurrent Herpes simplex, systemic lupus erythematosus, or porphyria.
- Use of photosensitive medication and / or herbs that may cause sensitivity to 560-1200m light exposure such as isotretinoin, tetracycline, or St John’s Wort (Best Avoided for at least one year before your procedure).
- Immunosuppressive disease, including AIDS and HIV infection, or use of immunosuppressive medications.
- Patient history of Hormonal or endocrine disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome or diabetes, unless under control.
- History of bleeding coagulopathies, or use of anticoagulants.
- History of keloid or hypertrophic scarring.
- Very dry skin.
- Exposure to sun or artificial tanning during the 3-4 weeks prior to treatment. Sunblock should be applied 2 weeks or more before your procedure using a product that is sensitive for the skin and contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxidecontaining sunblock.
- Skin type V1 or very dark, black skin types
- Pregnancy and nursing.
- Ectropion, outward turning of the lower eyelid and excessively dry eyes, previous lower blepharoplasty.
- Koebnerizing diseases, prior radiation therapy leading to a loss of adnexal structures, extensive fibrosis resulting from prior cosmetic treatments (e.g., Dermabrasion, deep chemical peels, silicone injections).