IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light technology. IPL is also known as photorejuvenation. During an IPL procedure, intense light from a range of wavelengths is focused on the specific parts of your skin that you are treating. The IPL device itself is gently pressed onto the skin, with a smooth, transparent surface emitting the light on the targeted areas. This light helps to spur the production of collagen, which will help to fill in lines and wrinkles or shallow scarring, while also reducing redness, discoloration, and spots. Meanwhile, the targeted tissue that has been damaged is naturally removed by the body. Depending on what is being treated, the exact wavelength range can be adjusted to optimize results.
IPL skin rejuvenation offers patients a wide range of benefits, including:
- IPL is a quick in-office procedure. It’s easy to fit it into your schedule and get on with the rest of your life. You see great results without undergoing intensive surgery.
- IPL works wonders for removing red splotches, brown spots, and scarring, as well as reducing pore size, eliminating and reducing wrinkles, and improving overall skin texture, smoothness and quality. IPL has been used to treat rosacea, hyper-pigmentation, melasma, age and sunspots, broken capillaries, spider veins, stretch marks, and other conditions as well.
- IPL is a great tool to help combat the effects of ageing, and achieve a more youthful appearance.
- IPL can also be utilized anywhere on the body, offering great versatility from a single procedure.
IPL is not as effective on very dark or tan skin in comparison to fare or pale complexions.
The procedure itself may be slightly uncomfortable, like a stinging or slight burning sensation. After the procedure, it may feel as if you had been sunburned for about 24-48 hours. There is the possibility, although not common, that you may develop blistering or scabs following IPL. After receiving your treatment, you will be advised to spend anywhere from two to five days out of direct and prolonged sun exposure. Your clinician may also recommend avoiding direct hot water streams, i.e., your shower, or soaking in water in a tub or pool.
Depending on what exactly you’re looking to accomplish, you will likely need to schedule multiple IPL treatments, potentially up to six. Individual IPL sessions are spaced approximately four-six weeks apart. Therefore, while the treatments are quick, the overall process may take some time to see final results and completion. In the first week or two after a treatment, blemishes or spots may actually darken before fading.