What is IPL?

IPL stands for intense pulsed light, a form of light therapy that is used to dimmish the appearance or wrinkles, age spots, birthmarks, sun damage, broken blood vessels, and unwanted hair. Unlike a laser treatment, which focuses only one wavelength of light at the skin, IPL releases many different wavelengths of light, similar to a photo flash. IPL light is more scattered, and penetrates down into the deeper layers of the skin without harming the outer layers. The pigment cells in the skin absorb this light energy, which is changed into heat. The heat is what destroys unwanted pigment in the skin or hair follicles. This treatment can be used almost anywhere on the body.

Who Can Benefit from IPL?

Individuals who are looking to improve their complexion and lessen the appearance of lines and wrinkles, sun damage, age spots, broken blood vessels, or unwanted hair can benefit from IPL treatments. A consultation appointment is needed to best determine if this treatment option is right for you. Individuals with a history of keloid scarring, those with darker skin tones, or those who are pregnant may not be the best candidates for IPL.  

What To Expect?

During the IPL treatment, your technician will clean the area to be treated, and a gel will be rubbed onto the skin. Both the patient and technician will be asked to wear eye protection during treatment. The IPL device will then be used to deliver pulses of light strategically across the targeted area. Some patients describe the feeling of the light pulses as similar to a rubber band lightly snapping the skin, though the treatment should not be painful. Overall, treatment can take 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the targeted area. 

What are the Results?

Following an IPL session, mild redness or swelling may occur temporarily. There is no downtime required, though patients should avoid spending time in the sun and be sure to wear sunscreen to prevent future skin damage. For optimal results, a series of 6 treatments is usually needed, each spaced one month apart. For hair removal, a series of 6-12 treatments may be required.