Intense pulsed light (IPL) is used as a cosmetic or medical treatment for various skin issues. The technology is in a handheld device and delivers high-powered intense, visible pulses of light. Different filters may be used to modify the light for different skin conditions. Here are five interesting facts about intense pulsed light therapy.
- Because the treatment is intended to bypass the upper layers of the skin without removing skin, it is termed a non-ablative treatment. IPL focuses mostly on the dermis or middle layers of the skin.
- IPL lasers target the cells with the pigment called melanin. The light from the laser damages primarily the area that’s targeted and has little effect the surrounding areas.
- What makes it different from lasers is that it produces many wavelengths in each pulse, whereas a laser is one wavelength.
- To cool and soothe the treated areas cold gels are used and some IPL machines have built-in cooling systems.
- Because IPL does not require surgery and it is a considered non-invasive treatment, there is rarely downtime needed for recovery.
For skin rejuvenation usually, three to six sessions are recommended for best results.
IPL has shown to be effective in treating rosacea and redness of the skin from surface blood vessels. When you have a consultation with Dr. Dayan, your skin will be examined and the correct IPL treatment may be recommended. In order for the treatment to work best, three to four weeks are usually needed between procedures.
Even though the treatments focus energy on the deeper skin tissues, the sensation is not too intense. The first pulses of the treatment usually are not felt by the patient, but occasionally it feels like a soft pinch or snap of a rubber band as the tissue absorbs and changes the energy into heat.
To learn more about IPL and what it can do for you, contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Steven Dayan in Chicago! We’re looking forward to hearing from you and discovering how we can help you with your skincare needs.
