V-IPL Treatment Information

What is intense pulsed light therapy?

Intense pulsed light (IPL) or flashlamp therapy is a non-invasive and non-ablative treatment that uses high-intensity pulses of visible light to improve the appearance of the following skin problems:

• Vascular lesions including spider telangiectasis, port wine stains, broken facial veins, rosy cheeks, rosacea and red thread veins of the legs

• Freckles and age marks

• Facial lines and wrinkles

• Removal of unwanted dark hair

The procedure of rejuvenating aged skin is referred to as photorejuvenation and requires a series of IPL treatments and IPL may also be helpful for mild to moderate acne and stretch marks.

How does intense pulsed light therapy work?

IPL systems work on the same principles as lasers in that light energy is absorbed into particular target cells with colour (chromophores) in the skin. The light energy is converted to heat energy, which causes damage to the specific target area. IPL systems are different to lasers in that they deliver many wavelengths (or colours) in each pulse of light instead of just one wavelength. Most IPL systems use filters to refine the energy output for the treatment of certain areas. This enhances penetration without using excessive energy levels and enables targetting of specific chromophores (these are skin components that absorb light).

IPL therapy is considered a non-ablative resurfacing technique, which means that it targets the lower layers of skin (dermis) without affecting the top layers of skin (epidermis). The results are not as dramatic as ablative resurfacing where both the dermis and epidermis are injured to produce a much more noticeable overall outcome. The advantage of IPL therapy is its minimal downtime – a patient can often have the procedure done in their lunch break and return to work immediately afterwards.

It is recommended to have 3-5 treatments, 4-6 weeks apart for best results. More treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired outcome.

How IPL treats skin concerns:

Vascular Lesions        

For the treatment of spider and thread veins, and some vascular birthmarks. Light pulses targeted at the red-pigment (haemoglobin) in the blood which heats and destroys the pigment without affecting the skin or other tissues.

Pigmented Lesions     

For the treatment of age spots, freckles, flat pigmented birthmarks and other skin discolouration problems such as melasma and erythromelanosis of the neck (poikiloderma of Civatte). Light pulses targeted at the melanin in the skin’s surface which heats and destroys melanin to remove the discolouration.

Hair Removal 

For the treatment of unwanted hair. Light pulses targeted at the hair follicle causing the hair to fall out and prevent further growth. Generally ineffective for light coloured hair. May be used for hair in any location including underarms, bikini line, face, neck, back, chest and legs

Skin Rejuvenation

IPL Skin Rejuvenation treatments work to stimulate the body’s own collagen production by focusing on the cells under the skin directly. By releasing lightwaves into the skin the IPL Laser targets damaged skin tissues, wrinkles and fine lines. As a natural healing response, the body produces excess collagen to the treated area, developing new, smoother, healthier-looking skin.

What is an IPL Treatment entail?

Prior to the procedure your Laser Technician will make sure the treatment area is clean, and may use facial or body wipes to help clean the area prior to treatment. Ultrasound gel will be applied to the treatment area. The smooth, glass surface of the IPL treatment head will be firmly applied to the skin, delivering precise pulses of light to the treatment area. Throughout the treatment session, the patient will wear protective eyewear. IPL treatments are relatively painless compared to other facial rejuvenation techniques. The sensation has been likened to a light pinch or the snap of a rubber band. Treatment sessions usually last about 20-40 minutes. A course of 3-5 sessions every 4-6 weeks may be needed to achieve desired results. Most patients can return to work immediately after treatment.

Are there any side effects of intense pulsed light therapy?

Side effects of IPL are minor and include: Pain during treatment, Skin turning pink and a little sore immediately after the procedure. A sensation of a mild sunburn (redness, peeling, swelling) that may last a few days after treatment. Rarely, skin pigment may absorb too much light energy and blistering can occur.

Sometimes the pigment cells (melanocytes) can be damaged leaving darker or paler patches of skin. White patches or scars are rarely permanent. Hair loss may occur. Bruising affects up to 10% of patients. Are you considering an IPL Laser Treatment? Call for a FREE CONSULT!