IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light, is a type of phototherapy used to treat wrinkles, blemishes, and unwanted hair. It works by using light energy to target a certain color of the skin. When the skin heats up, the body gets rid of unwanted cells and that eliminates what is being treated. Unlike lasers, an IPL device emits more than one wavelength of pulsating light.
IPL systems operate on the same principles as lasers in that light energy is absorbed into certain colored target cells (chromophores) in the skin. Light energy is converted into thermal energy, causing damage to the specific target area. IPL systems differ from lasers in that they offer many wavelengths (or colors) in each pulse of light instead of a single wavelength. Most IPL systems use filters to refine energy production for treatment of certain areas. This improves penetration without using excessive energy levels and makes it possible to target specific chromophores. IPL takes about 6 sessions to remove 70% of hair permanently.
In addition, the way IPL works by killing the follicle means that in overgrown hairs it will no longer be a problem. It is not necessary to allow hair to grow before treatment, as it is necessary to shave (DO NOT WAX OR EPILATE) the day or the day before the treatment. Because IPL uses a much wider spectrum of light than laser, it can offer a wider range of aesthetic treatments and treat a wider range of hair colors and skin types. The immediate endpoint of IPL treatment of dyschromia should be visible darkening of treated brown spots. Staying out of the sun for at least 2 weeks before and after treatment is an absolute requirement to avoid any treatment-related adverse reactions, so we generally recommend patients to start their treatment series in autumn or winter so that they finish before summer and can be fine protected from excessive sun exposure. IPL treatment offers a wide range of benefits compared to services such as waxing for the removal of unwanted hair.
It uses intense wavelengths of light to heat the surface enough to stimulate natural skin regeneration while increasing collagen production. Discuss all your options with your skincare specialist, including benefits, risks and costs, to decide if IPL or other treatment will work best for you. The success of treating vascular lesions with IPL depends on the type and size of the target vessels, and cherry angiomas and superficial telangiectatic veins usually demonstrate the best response. Although this technology appears to be safe, clinical study results suggest that it is less effective than in-office treatments performed with lasers or IPL devices with higher energies. Estimates indicate that unsightly veins are a common problem for more than 60% of the adult population, so many turn to IPL treatment for a quick and effective solution. Clients will need a treatment cycle consisting of a series of 4 to 6 treatments separated by four weeks to achieve optimal results.
The first IPL device obtained authorization from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1995 for the treatment of lower extremity telangiectasias. IPL systems have been used effectively in the treatment of cavernous hemangiomas, venous and capillary malformations, facial and leg telangiectasias, and Civatte's poikiloderma. In addition, IPL treats a much larger area of skin per light pulse than laser, resulting in a faster and more cost-effective treatment process. IPL is an effective way to treat wrinkles, blemishes, unwanted hair, vascular lesions, hemangiomas, venous malformations, telangiectasias, poikiloderma, and other skin conditions. It offers many advantages over other treatments such as waxing for hair removal. However, it is important to discuss all your options with your skincare specialist before deciding if IPL or another treatment will work best for you.
