Intense pulsed light therapy (IPL), also known as photofacial, is a way to improve skin color and texture without surgery. It can undo some of the visible damage caused by sun exposure, which is called photoaging. You may notice it mainly on your face, neck, hands, or chest. IPL is similar to laser treatment, but a laser focuses only one wavelength of light on the skin, while IPL emits light of many different wavelengths, such as a photographic flash.
Brown spots, also known as “lentigines” in medical terminology, will fade with several treatments. Most patients will need 4 to 6, but each is different. After that, some people may need occasional maintenance treatments to keep their skin young and healthy. IPL is rarely a permanent solution for blemishes.
Some maintenance treatments may be needed once a year or every two years. Although this long-lasting treatment may make the skin look better, it cannot stop future aging. Therefore, it is important to avoid sun exposure and protect the skin by daily application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and will help prevent future sun damage. 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.
You don't have to look far for excellent dermatology services, including IPL therapy and other cosmetic treatments. The success of treatment largely depends on the skill and experience of the person performing IPL therapy. A photofacial is a simple treatment that exposes the skin to broad-spectrum light with wider coverage that significantly reduces the intensity of light exposure so that the treatment can be customized to your specific concerns. Newer IPL devices work just as well as laser treatments for some cosmetic treatments, such as discoloration of blood vessels in the skin.
Because melanin (pigment) absorbs light energy, IPL treatment works best on skin that is not too tanned or dark. This type of light treatment tends to work best for people with lighter skin, and a person will usually need several rounds of treatment. This treatment is considered a rejuvenating anti-aging treatment because it can largely restore a more youthful appearance to the skin. The number of treatments you need is likely determined by the condition of your skin and your aesthetic goals, as well as how your skin responds to treatment.
It is worth noting that it may take up to several weeks to notice the results of IPL treatment. 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. Other factors that will determine which treatment system is ideal for your aesthetic problems may be your skin sensitivity, the skin care products you use, and any previous experiences you have with energy-based cosmetic treatments.
