IPL – Intense Pulsed Light Treatment

IPL is a non-invasive technique that uses pulses of light to clear the skin of benign discolorations. This includes rosacea, facial spider veins, sun or age spots, and hemangiomas (small, red mole-like growths). IPL is also used to remove dark hair from the face and body. The innovative technology of IPL allows for customized treatment depending upon skin type and extent of the problem being treated.

IPL works uniquely for different problems. For vascular areas, the light actually targets the hemoglobin in the blood vessels, heating the blood so that the veins cease functioning. The vessels are then absorbed by the body. Overall redness is reduced, along with the burning sensations associated with rosacea. Side effects are minimal and include brief mild to moderate pinkness on the skin. Full clearance of vessels can generally be seen in two sessions.

On hyperpigmented areas such as sunspots or age spots, IPL safely reduces the amount of melanin, the dark pigment in the skin, and causes these areas to slough off and fade.

IPL hair removal uses pulsed light to remove hair and retard growth. Hair must be dark, as the pulsed light targets the pigment in the hair and travels to the follicle. Hundreds of hair follicles are treated simultaneously with each pulse of light. Hair can be removed from most parts of the body including chin, upper lip, cheeks, legs, bikini line, arms, underarms, and back. Safer than laser treatments, IPL effectively treats stubborn, unwanted hair. Four treatments spaced a month apart are usually needed, followed by maintenance treatments to keep any new growth in check.

Each session of IPL lasts from 15 to 30 minutes.

QUESTIONS OUR PATIENTS ASK US:

How much downtime is involved?

Slight to moderate pinkness of the skin is sometimes seen after the treatment. Brown spots treated may appear somewhat darker for a couple of weeks, and this is an expected response. Cosmetics may be applied immediately after treatment. Our patients tell us that any effects from treatment disappear within three days.

Do the areas return?
If sun exposure is a part of your lifestyle, then treatment at least annually is recommended.

I have rosacea. Is this a good treatment for my condition?

Definitely! However, it does require several treatments to reduce the overall redness of the skin once the vessels have cleared.

I am very dark-skinned. Can I be treated?

IPL treatments for hair removal can be done on any skin type. Facial rejuvenation however is done on light, untanned skin.