IPL

What is intense pulsed light (IPL)?

An intense pulsed light is a high-energy light that gets absorbed by both blood vessels and pigment in the skin. IPL is not a laser – it is a broadband light that can target multiple things at once within the skin. It requires a high contrast between what it treats and surrounding skin – and so it is often best suited for patients with fair skin. Our office uses the M22 IPL from Lumenis. 

What can IPL treat?

IPL can target sun spots and some features of rosacea at the same time. It has a large handpiece and so is often used to treat a full face. We can also treat the neck, chest and hands – and it can be done in the same sitting. 

During your consultation, the expected improvement, number of treatment sessions, expected recovery and risks will be discussed in detail. 

What is the recovery like after picosecond laser?

On the day of treatment, our nursing staff reviews the procedure with you, you sign forms and we take photos in our dedicated photo studio. The skin is cleansed and your eyes are shielded. When IPL light is applied to the skin, it feels like a hot elastic band being released. A stingy feeling like a sunburn develops – we quickly cool the skin with cold compresses after the procedure. 

All patients should expect more redness and some swelling, from 1-4 days. Areas of pigment may look darker for a few days and come to the surface, like “coffee grounds”. We avoid treating tanned skin and advise to avoid direct sun exposure to minimize rare risks of hyperpigmentation from the device. Blistering and scarring are rare risks with any laser procedure and care is employed to avoid them. 

Curious to see if you are a candidate for IPL? Contact our office for a consultation.