What is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)?
Intense pulsed light can be used to treat many skin conditions due to its flexibility. In our clinic the most common conditions to benefit from IPL are acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, thread veins and the removal of unwanted hair. Sessions are short and spaced apart by a varying number of weeks depending on the condition being treated. IPL is a very efficient treatment as the cost is low relative to the results that can be achieved.
How does IPL work?
Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments are often considered similar to laser due to their applications. Lasers use a single wavelength of light whereas IPL uses a broad spectrum of light wavelengths.
Filters are used to cut off the lower end of the wavelength spectrum and therefore the wavelengths that are not required for particular treatments. The chosen wavelengths of light target the skin concern e.g. Acne and over multiple sessions alleviate the signs or symptoms..
How popular is this treatment?
In our clinic we have found IPL becoming increasingly popular due to the above reasons and the success in treatments that we see.
What areas can be treated?
- Face
- Neck
- Décolletage
- Back
- Arms
- Hands
- Legs
What conditions can be treated?
The face is the most common area to be treated but in fact pretty much anywhere on the body can be treated depending on the concerns and potential side effects. For example, treating acne on the face of a young man must be weighed against the potential for hair removal whereas a woman will most likely enjoy that particular side effect.
What happens during my consultation?
Your nurse will take a medical and psychosocial history, discuss the problem area(s) and physically examine possibly including a closer look with a dermatoscope. If appropriate a test patch may be performed to determine your individual skin response and the required settings.
What happens during my treatment appointment?
Preparation
Your skin will be cleansed and prepared, eye protections will be provided and verbal advice about the procedure. IPL gel will be applied to your skin.
Treatment
The IPL device will be applied to your skin and various shots will be fired. You may still be aware of flashes of light and will likely feel brief sensations of heat when the devices fires. You will be required to provide feedback throughout the treatment as this is crucial to gauging the optimal settings of the treatment. Cooling of the skin will be a carried out throughout the treatment and sometimes afterwards too.
What’s the aftercare advice?
Written advice will be provided post treatment. In most cases only a sun protection cream will be applied with advice to avoid excessive sun exposure where possible.
How long do the results last?
Treatment frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Before and After IPL
