Intense pulsed light (IPL)
Intense pulsed light (IPL) is used for what conditions?
Intense pulsed light (IPL) demonstrates is efficiency in multiple conditions. Thus, brown spots, age spots and sun damage will diseapear after few treatments.
Vascular rosacea needs light technology like IPL for best results.
Intense pulsed light have a strong and long-lasting effect on skin tightening with 2 to 3 treatments a year.
Moreover, studies shows a 85% patient satisfaction rate after a serial of IPL sessions for severe acne lesions.
What is the difference between intense pulsed light (IPL) and Laser?
IPL use light as the laser do. However, laser focuses on one wavelength of light. In contrast, IPL releases light of many different wavelengths, like a photo flash.
The light from IPL is scattered and less focused than a laser. IPL penetrates deep to the second layer of your skin (dermis) without harming the top layer (epidermis). Consequently, it causes less damage to your skin.
In both technologies, pigment cells absorb the light energy in your skin. Then, light is converted into heat that destroys the unwanted pigment to clear up the spots. Both technics will stimulate your skin collagene production for photo-rejuvenation.
Doctors Lafond and Mandeville consider those two technics as efficent. Nevertheless, they prefer IPL for it capability of treating two or three conditions within the same session.
What can you expect during a IPL session?
The technician cleans the skin first then apply a gel. Subsequently, she executes the pulsed light to the skin. People compare the feeling to being snapped by a rubber band. You will need to wear glasses to protect your eyes. A session should take 15 to 30 minutes.
Depending of the reason for the IPL treatment, you may need 2 to 5 treatments spaced about 1 month apart.
Recommendations before and after intensepulsed light (IPL) session
The month before and after, you should avoid sunlight, tanning, chemical peels, vit.A, retinA creams, retinol, glycolic acid, photo-sensitizing medications and Accutane. Filler injections can be done after but not before an IPL session.
After, you can resume your normal activities. The treated skin area will be red and sensitive for a few hours and may be lightly swollen. It will continue to be sensitive for a few days after the procedure.
IPL possible risks
Intense pulsed light (IPL) is not suitable for all skin types. In particular, it use for dark skin is riskier. However, doctors Lafond and Mandeville can suggest other alternatives such as micro-needling and medicated creams.
Pulsed light devices are poorly regulated. Pigmentation disorders, burns, eye damage and delays in the diagnosis of skin cancer have been seen. Then, inquire about the quality of the device. Also, the experience and training of the technician or doctor performing the procedure is as important.
.