IPL

What Is IPL?

Intense Pulsed Light (abbreviated IPL) describes the use of intense pulses of non-coherent light distributed over a range of wavelengths; from 400nm to 1200nm.

The technology utilizes specific wavelength ranges to target various chromophores in the skin. This enables effective treatment of a broad spectrum of conditions, including vascular and pigmented lesions, skin photoaging treatments and hair reduction.

How does IPL Work?

IPL treatment uses concentrated light to heat brown pigment and red veins more than the surrounding skin, reducing these blemishes without breaking the surface if the skin.

Broad spectrum pulsed light is transmitted through a continuously cooled applicator, gently placed over the skin. Cut-off filters in the handpiece change the range of wavelengths, optimizing it for different applications and skin types. The light penetrates the tissue and is absorbed by either the relevant chromophores and damages them (blood chromophores when treating vascular lesions and melanin chromophores when treating pigmented lesions). The body's natural processes then clear the lesion debris, giving the skin a more even and youthful appearance.

Sun damage

IPL is a powerful treatment for sun damage, including the reduction of brown pigment spots caused by sun exposure over the years, and fading broken veins and red blood vessels. Commonly treated areas are the face, neck, chest and hands.

The result: your skin appears clearer and cleaner, reflecting light more easily.

A pleasant bonus to IPL is a slight enhancement in collagen production with each treatment. After a course of IPL, you may also notice improved skin texture or reduced pore size.

IPL for sun damage combines extremely well with Botulinum Toxin® for wrinkles and dermal fillers for facial contour. Studies show combining treatments may cause a synergistic effect, giving more improvement than expected.

Rosacea

IPL is an excellent treatment for rosacea, reducing facial veins for a reduction in flushing. We recommend that severe rosacea sufferers see one our expert dermatologists first, for a full treatment plan that may include medication and skin care.

Caution

IPL should not be used in Skin Type IV and over, as it risks causing burns and brown discolouration of the skin. You should also avoid IPL if:

• you are pregnant or breast-feeding
• your skin is tanned
• you take medication that make your skin sensitive to light
• or you can't avoid UV exposure on the area for four weeks after treatment.

Hormonal brown pigment, called melasma, should not be treated with IPL, as it may be exacerbated.