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Frequently Asked Questions About Intense Pulsed Light

What is intense pulsed light?
At what age can intense pulsed light be performed?
What does a typical intense pulsed light consultation entail?
How is intense pulsed light performed?
What should I expect after my intense pulsed light treatment?
Does intense pulsed light hurt?
When will I be able to see the results?
What are the risks of intense pulsed light?
Are the results permanent?

1. What is intense pulsed light?

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a type of skin resurfacing that can improve or eliminate age and liver spots, fine wrinkles, facial flushing, redness, broken capillaries, many types of birth marks, freckles, minor sun damage, tattoos, unwanted hair, and other skin problems. This minimally invasive cosmetic procedure is based on using high intensity pulses of light (not laser light) to penetrate the skin to the desired depth. There are different machines for different levels or types of penetration and to treat different problems. IPL treats certain pigmentation problems by heating up the pigment or tiny blood vessel causing the problem. It also causes the skin being treated to make more collagen, which can make the skin firmer and younger looking. It is also known as photofacial or fotofacial, and by several brand names, including PhotoDerm and EpiLight.

2. At what age can intense pulsed light be performed?

There is no specific age when IPL treatment might be considered, since it depends on why the treatment is needed. Children with birth marks can be treated with IPL,wile older individuals might need it for age spots.

3. What does a typical intense pulsed light consultation entail?

You will meet with the doctor and he or she will determine if you are a good candidate to receive IPL treatment. He or she will discuss your health, examine your skin, ask questions. Then, the doctor will explain to you what can and cannot be treated with IPL. You will also have a chance to ask questions and explain what you are seeking. You may be asked to have a spot test done to see if your skin reacts well to IPL and does not blister or suffer pigmentation problems. The doctor will also advise you on about how many treatments and pulses per treatment will be needed to achieve your goal. The treatments may be performed by a skin care technician or aesthetician.

4. How is intense pulsed light performed?

The technician or doctor will determine if you need a topical anesthetic on the area to be treated. After the treatment area is numb, a gel will be applied to the treatment area, and a glass prism will then be placed over the gel and treatment area. An intense flash of light, or pulse, is beamed through the prism to the treatment area. This initial treatment may not be as aggressive as the treatments you get later, because your doctor and technician need to determine your skin's tolerance. Treatments are usually performed every 3 to 4 weeks.

5. What should I expect after my intense pulsed light treatment?

Since there is no real "downtime" with IPL. Unlike with laser resurfacing or other skin resurfacing procedures, you will not have to go through a period while your skin heals. You may be slightly pink or red right after your treatment or have mild swelling. This should subside in a few days. If it doesn't, you should inform your doctor/technician.You can resume your normal activities after a pulsed light treatment. However, you must protect the treated skin from ultraviolet light, whether it is natural sunlight or a tanning bed.

6. Does intense pulsed light hurt?

You may feel anything from a sensation of warmth to something like a sting as if a rubber band has been snapped against your skin. However, different people have different pain tolerance. If you feel the pain is severe, tell the doctor or technician.

7. When will I be able to see the results?

You should see results starting after one or two treatments depending on the problem, but your doctor should tell you how many treatments you need in order to see results. Only a consultation with a qualified physician can determine this.

8. What are the risks of intense pulsed light?

Although rare, blistering or slight bleeding are possible, as are hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation (lightened or darkened areas of skin). If pigmentation problems occur, it may be anywhere from 3 to 12 months before normal skin coloration returns. This is especially true with hypopigmentation (lack of color). Be aware that some patients may experience permanent skin pigmentation changes. Scarring is possible, although it rare.

9. Are the results permanent?

Depending upon your habits (sun exposure, skin care, use of sunblock, etc.), hyperpigmentation problems may be permanently eradicated with IPL. Your skin will continue to age, but the treatment sort of sets the clock back a little bit and you will look younger longer. Your physician should be able to tell you how long the effects will last.