- What is IPL laser treatment?
What is IPL laser treatment?
Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a technology used by cosmetic and medical practitioners to perform various skin treatments for aesthetic and therapeutic purposes, including hair removal, photorejuvenation (e.g. the treatment of skin pigmentation, sun damage, and thread veins) as well as to alleviate dermatologic diseases such as acne.
- What's the difference between laser and IPL?
What’s the difference between laser and IPL?
Differences Between IPL and Laser Technology
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) IPL emits a broader spectrum of light wavelengths, (polychromatic light) in short pulses, at less intensity than a laser.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Intense Pulsed Light Procedures in Las Vegas
What is IPL Photofacial?
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. It is a procedure where a high-intensity pulse of light is used to treat areas of the skin where there is sun damage, age spots, dark spots, rosacea, redness, acne scars, or fine lines and wrinkles. IPL is also commonly referred to as IPL photofacial, photorejuvenation, or broadband light.
How does it work?
IPL photofacial treatments use high-intensity pulses of broadband light. It is a non-ablative treatment, which means that it doesn’t do any damage to the surface of the skin. It works by delivering intense pulsed light to deeper areas of the skin (the dermis) and leaves the superficial aspect of the skin (the epidermis) untouched.
Who is a candidate for IPL photofacial?
IPL photofacial is ideal for individuals with light or fair skin that are highly susceptible to damage from the sun’s UV rays (Fitzpatrick Skin Types I, II, and III) who has areas of the skin with dark spots, age spots, sun damage, and rosacea. It also has indications for fine lines and wrinkles, red complexion, acne scars, and large pores.
Is it safe?
IPL photofacial is one of the safest light-based treatments on the market. Photorejuvenation causes little to no pain during or after treatment, and any side effects on the skin usually vanish within a few hours and up to a few days after the treatment.
Complications are minimized to blistering of the skin which disappears in a few days, or in more severe cases, discoloration of the skin, which is normally limited to dark skin tones where IPL may not have been suitable in the first place
How long does IPL photofacial take?
Photorejuvenation procedures last about 30 minutes to one-hour total, depending on how large the area being treated is. Since you can apply make-up right after, IPL photofacial can be done on your lunch break or in the morning before you start your day since it’s such a quick procedure and requires zero downtime!
How to prepare for IPL
Because the IPL photofacial involves the application of intense light waves, you will be asked to make certain preparations prior to treatment. The goal is to ensure that your IPL treatment is as productive and effective as possible. To prepare, you will be required to avoid self-tanners or excessive sun exposure for two to four weeks. “Excessive sun” includes beach and pool time, laying out in the sun, or being exposed to strong rays in activities such as boating, sports, running, or other outdoor activity.
There are several medications you will likely have to discontinue a few days before each treatment: minocycline, tetracycline, doxycycline, or Retin-A, to name a few of the most common. Medication changes may need to be coordinated with your doctor. To prevent bruising, you may be asked to avoid aspirin or ibuprofen for a week prior to your appointment. Note that laser treatments should not be performed during pregnancy. No safety studies have been performed, and changes in your skin color during pregnancy may work against the results that can be achieved.
