Definition and Overview

Also referred to as flash lamp therapy, Intense Pulsed Light or IPL therapy is one technique that is now widely used in the field of dermatology. It involves the use of a broad but controlled spectrum of light to remove stretch marks and acne scars, as well as prevent hair regrowth, among others.

Contrary to what some people believe, IPL is not laser and vice versa, although both use light for treatment that is converted into heat energy to destroy cells that produce melanin or broken capillaries that lead to the appearance of spider veins.

The major difference between the two is the type of light they emit. Laser provides a single band of light colour (monochromatic) to target a specific area and condition. IPL, on the other hand, provides a broad spectrum of light (polychromatic), which covers a bigger area and produce different wavelengths. In other words, laser has a more targeted approach. Although both provide high intensity, IPL can be more controlled and therefore less likely to be painful than laser.

IPL is a non-invasive and non-ablative procedure, which means it doesn’t require anaesthesia or even sedation to be performed. It is non-ablative since the broad spectrum of light penetrates the deeper layer of the skin without harming or injuring the upper layer or the epidermis. Further, since the wavelengths can be filtered, IPL doesn’t have any negative effect on the neighboring cells and tissues of the targeted area.

Thus, it’s expected that with IPL, the risks are minimal and often, the patient can go back to normal activities right after. For this reason, it is often dubbed as a lunchtime procedure.

Who should undergo and expected results

A dermatology clinic that offers both laser and IPL therapies can suggest to a patient which of the two is more appropriate depending on the particular skin or hair condition.

IPL is effective in treating vascular lesions that result to spider or telangiectatic veins. These are veins which capillaries have been broken, leading to the appearance of the veins on the surface of the skin. IPL can be used to blast these broken capillaries, destroy them eventually, cut the blood flow into these veins, and let the veins die until they are reabsorbed by the body. However, the actual effects of IPL still depend on the severity, size, and site of the vascular lesions. IPL can also be used to lighten prominent birthmarks by destroying the pigment-producing cells that cause the discolouration.

The technique is also effective in treating skin conditions caused by prolonged or consistent exposure to the sun (photo damage). These include age spots and freckles. It can also treat melasma, acne, and stretch marks. What the technology does is destroy the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that provides colour to the skin. Once these cells are destroyed, the body is forced to generate newer skin cells, which lead to a more even skin tone.

IPL can also be used for removing unwanted hair in the bikini line, face, underarms, legs, and chest by destroying the follicles that produce hair. It is more effective on people with dark hair.

Since the treatment is broad, it usually takes at least three treatments before the desired results are achieved. The sessions are spaced a month apart to give the skin enough time to heal.

How the procedure works

Like laser treatments, IPL is not a regulated procedure, which means anyone who has been trained to operate the machine can perform the procedure. For your safety and peace of mind, however, it’s best if the technician has other certifications or training aside from using the machine. He or she should have a deeper knowledge of skin and the conditions that affect it. One can also look for clinics with professional aestheticians. These people have at least 260 hours of training and are licensed.

Before the treatment, the dermatologist will evaluate the condition of the skin to confirm if it is suitable for IPL.

For the procedure, the targeted area, such as the face, will be cleansed first, removing any dirt that may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. A cold gel is then applied to the skin to significantly minimize the burning sensation. The patient is also provided with a protective eyewear, which should be worn throughout the course of the therapy.

The aesthetician controls the intensity or wavelength of the light pulses that come out of the IPL head during the treatment.

After the therapy, the patient can go back to regular activities, as long as exposure to the sun is avoided.

Possible risks and complications

Most of the risks and complications of IPL are minor and are expected. These include redness of the skin, which may go on for a few days after treatment, discomfort, and mild to moderate burning sensation, which can be reduced by applying enough gel or topical anesthetic.

In some cases, it can cause blistering, white patches on the skin as pigment cells are destroyed, and bruising.

References:

• American Academy of Dermatology (2007). Guidelines of care for acne vulgaris management. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 56(4): 651–663. Also available online: http://www.aad.org/education-and-quality-care/clinical-guidelines/current-and-upcoming-guidelines.

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**Question:** What is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and how does it work?



**Answer:** Intense Pulsed ‍Light (IPL) is an advanced non-invasive skin treatment technology⁤ that utilizes a broad spectrum⁣ of high-intensity light pulses to target various⁣ skin concerns. It works by emitting intense bursts of light energy‌ that are absorbed by specific chromophores within the skin. These chromophores, such as melanin and hemoglobin, selectively absorb the light energy, converting it into heat. This heat triggers a controlled,‍ targeted response in the skin, leading ⁢to various beneficial outcomes.



**Keywords:** Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), light pulses, non-invasive skin treatment, chromophores, melanin, hemoglobin, heat ⁣energy.



**Question:** What are the benefits of‌ IPL treatment?



**Answer:** IPL treatment offers numerous benefits for the skin. Here are some of the most notable advantages:



* **Pigmentation Reduction:** IPL⁢ is effective in reducing various skin pigmentations, including sunspots, age‍ spots, and melasma. It works by targeting the melanin pigment responsible for these dark spots and disperses it, resulting in a more even skin tone.



* **Wrinkle Reduction:** IPL stimulates the production of⁢ collagen and elastin, key proteins responsible for skin’s firmness and elasticity. By promoting the formation of new collagen, IPL treatment helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving skin a smoother, youthful ⁢appearance.



* **Acne Clearance:** IPL can help manage acne breakouts by targeting‌ the bacteria that cause acne lesions. The heat generated by IPL destroys these bacteria, reducing inflammation ⁢and‍ preventing future breakouts.



* **Rosacea Improvement:** IPL ‍is ‌beneficial for rosacea, a chronic skin condition characterized by redness and⁢ visible blood vessels.‌ It effectively reduces the redness and ⁤minimizes the appearance of facial blood vessels, improving rosacea symptoms.



* **Hair Removal:** IPL⁣ can be used for permanent hair reduction. The light energy targets and damages the hair follicles, preventing hair growth. IPL hair removal provides long-lasting results and can be safely⁤ used on multiple body ⁢areas.



**Keywords:**⁤ Pigmentation reduction, wrinkle reduction, acne⁢ clearance,⁤ rosacea improvement, hair removal, collagen production, elastin production.



**Question:** ⁣What are the expected results from IPL treatment?



**Answer:** ‌The results from IPL treatment can vary‍ depending on the individual’s skin condition and the specific concerns being addressed. However, in general, patients ​can expect the following outcomes:



* **Fading of Pigmentation:** Improvement in the appearance of sunspots, age​ spots, and melasma can be seen after several IPL sessions. The treated areas gradually lighten in color, resulting in a more even skin tone.



* **Reduced Wrinkles and Fine⁤ Lines:** Over ‌time, with⁤ regular⁣ IPL treatments, the skin’s texture and elasticity improve, leading to a reduction in wrinkles ⁣and fine lines.



* **Acne Clearance:** IPL treatment can effectively reduce acne breakouts ⁣and ⁤prevent future lesions. The skin becomes clearer, with fewer blemishes and improved texture.



* **Diminished Rosacea Symptoms:** IPL helps alleviate rosacea redness and minimize the appearance of facial blood vessels. Patients‍ can expect a reduction in the severity of rosacea symptoms.



* **Long-Lasting ⁢Hair Removal:** With multiple⁤ IPL sessions, hair​ growth in targeted ‍areas can be significantly reduced. Results ‍are typically long-lasting, providing a virtually hairless appearance.



**Keywords:** Fading of pigmentation, reduced wrinkles, acne clearance, diminished rosacea symptoms, long-lasting hair removal, skin clarity, improved skin texture, even skin tone.