Posted by: Dr. Ramsarat in Cosmetic
Intense pulsed light therapy, or IPL, is a cosmetic treatment for some skin conditions. It has been used for several things, like reducing the signs of aging or eliminating unwanted hair. It has also been known to be effective in lightening dark patches of skin, minimizing the appearance of scars, and improving the outlook of spider veins.
Some people may confuse IPL with laser therapy, although their techniques and technology differ. Both use light wavelengths, but laser therapy delivers a single light wavelength while IPL delivers multiple wavelengths simultaneously. Because of the various wavelengths of IPL, it can treat a larger area than laser therapy.
What Is Intense Pulsed Light Or IPL?
Intense pulsed light therapy, also known as photofacial, is a cosmetic skin procedure. It corrects and improves skin texture and color without the need for surgery. It can undo much of the visible damage from sunburns like photoaging. Photoaging is commonly seen on your face, hands, neck, and chest. If you have red, brown, or splotchy skin, you can benefit from IPL. Note that it works better on lighter skin tones than darker ones.
How Does Intense Pulsed Light Therapy Work?
IPL uses a handheld device to target problem areas on the body with multiple wavelengths of light energy. The light energy removes hair follicles and damaged or pigmented skin cells in the target area. The light energy heats the target area and breaks down the cells and tissues. After treatment, the body naturally eliminates broken-down tissues and cells over time.
What Conditions Does IPL Treat?
Here is a list of conditions that doctors use to treat using IPL:
- Rosacea.
- Acne scars.
- Hyperpigmentation—including freckles, age spots, and liver spots.
- Scarring.
- Stretch marks.
- Wrinkles and other visible signs of aging.
- Birthmarks.
- Melasma, which causes gray-brown or brown skin patches.
- Spider veins.
- Sun damage on the skin.
- It is also commonly used in tattoo and hair removal.
Is It Safe? What Are The Risks?
IPL is a safe procedure and is usually manageable; the side effects are very mild and do not last long. However, it is only safe for some. For instance, if you are on blood thinners or pregnant, you are not recommended to use IPL. Some other situations that make it unsuitable for use are:
- If you have recently suffered severe sunburn.
- If you currently have a skin resurfacing condition.
- If you have active acne.
- If you are currently on Accutane, the acne drug.
- If you are susceptible to keloid scarring.
Just like most medical procedures, IPL does have some risks and complications. Some common ones are pain in the targeted area after treatment. You may also experience swelling, scarring, discoloration, crusting, infection, or bleeding. If you experience any of these, talk to your doctor. They will prepare a treatment to help minimize the impact.
Is It Effective?
How effective IPL is depends on several factors, like skin color. Another thing that dictates its effectiveness is the equipment the doctor uses. More modern equipment leads to better results and lesser chances of complications. Each patient responds differently to the treatment, but most need a few treatment sessions for the best results.
For more on what intense pulsed light therapy treats, visit Dr. Veronica Ramsarat OD at our office in New York, New York. Call (833) 255-0096 to book an appointment today.
