IPL (intense pulsed light) is a type of light therapy used to treat wrinkles, spots, and unwanted hair. 

You can use IPL to minimize or remove:

• age spots

• sun damage

• freckles

• birthmarks

• varicose veins

• broken blood vessels on your face

• rosacea

• hair on your face, neck, back, chest, legs, underarms, or bikini line

The difference between IPL and laser treatment

IPL is similar to a laser treatment. However, a laser focuses just one wavelength of light at your skin, while IPL releases light of many different wavelengths, like a photo flash. 

The light from IPL is more scattered and less focused than a laser. IPL penetrates down to the second layer of your skin (dermis) without harming the top layer (epidermis), so it causes less damage to your skin.

Pigment cells in your skin absorb the light energy, which is converted into heat. The heat destroys the unwanted pigment to clear up freckles and other spots. Or, it destroys the hair follicle to prevent the hair from growing again.

You can use IPL anywhere on your body, but it may not work as well on uneven areas. It isn’t recommended for people who tend to get thick, raised keloid scars or who have darker skin tones. It’s also not as effective on light-colored hair as it is on darker hair.

Preparing for IPL & laser hair removal

Before your IPL procedure, we will examine your skin and let you know what to expect. Let us know if you have any skin conditions that might affect healing after your treatment, such as inflammatory acne or eczema. 

You should avoid:

• direct sunlight

• tanning beds

• waxing

• chemical peels

• collagen injections

• drugs that increase your bleeding risk, such as aspirin (Ecotrin) and ibuprofen (Advil)

• creams or other products that contain vitamin A, such as RetinA, or glycolic acid

Possible risks:

• Most people experience mild redness or swelling after the procedure. This typically fades within a day or two.

  In some cases, you may experience:

  • bruising

  • blistering

  • change in skin color

  • infection

What to expect afterward:

• You should be able to go right back to your regular activities. The treated area of skin will be red and sensitive for a few hours, as if you got sunburned. Your skin may be slightly swollen, too. Your skin will continue to be sensitive for a couple of days after the procedure. You may need to avoid using hot water on it until your skin heals.