Intense pulsed light or IPLis a great way to treat a variety of undesirable skin conditions.
Unlike traditional laser treatments, which emit one specific wavelength of light, IPL treatments emit a broad spectrum of light with each pulse. The broad spectrum of light in each pulse makes IPL a versatile procedure capable of treating a variety of skin imperfections during a single treatment.
If you’re considering cosmetic IPL treatments, you probably have a few questions. Check out our list of frequently asked questions below.
What skin conditions can be treated with IPL?
IPL is a unique treatment option that can be used to treat a wide variety of cosmeticconcerns including:
Generally, IPL treatments are not considered painful by most patients. Many compare a typical IPL session to the sensation of being snapped with a rubber band. Ultimately, your response will depend on your pain tolerance. Any discomfort will resolve within a few minutes of treatment.
What are the side effects of IPL treatment?
IPL side effects are generally both minor and temporary. It is possible that you will experience:
Redness
Swelling
Light bruising
Itching
Peeling
Scabbing
In some cases, more serious IPL side effects such as burning, blistering or scarring have been reported. When present, these side effects are typically more common in patients with darker skin.
Following pre and post-operative instructions, along with choosing a reputable practitioner will greatly decrease your likelihood of undesirable side effects.
Yes, in most cases you will need more than one treatment to see drastic improvements. Most practitioners recommend between 3 and 5 treatments, though it really depends on the area and type of condition being treated.
What are some of the advantages of IPL verses traditional laser treatment?
One of the key advantages of IPL is that a single type of treatment can treat a wide range of skin conditions, instead of having to undergo several different treatments (e.g., laser skin tightening, laser resurfacing, etc.).
In most cases, IPL treatments are also less expensive (averaging $300-600 per treatment) than most laser treatments ($1300-2100 for laser skin resurfacing treatments) and present a lesser degree of risk for burns or permanent scars.
Do you still have more questions?Contact us, we’d be happy to help!
Although side effects of IPL are typically rare and minimal in severity, the most common adverse events include pain and erythema. Other reported side effects include edema, bullae, hematoma, crusting, hyper- or hypopigmentation, leukotrichia, scarring, keloid formation, and infection.
Redness and a slight warming of the skin are normal after treatment and usually subsides within an hour. Over the next 24-48 hours you may see a darkening of pigmented spots; in the week afterwards the pigmented lesions flake off, leading to an evening out of skin tone.
The most likely side effect you could have after this treatment is increased redness on your face or nose. “It's common to see some redness after the laser,” Jaliman said. “This will usually fade within one to two weeks.”
The hair will grow back over a long period of time – so it's not 100% permanent, but the expensive, long-lasting hair removal treatment offers almost-permanent hair removal after a series of repeat visits.
One of the most common side effects of IPL treatments is a slight redness in the treated area. This is primarily due to the continuous exposure to heat during the procedure, which can cause minor skin damage similar to a light burn.
Overall, there aren't really any negative side effects if the treatment course goes well. However, if there was damage or trauma to the skin during the treatments, then scarring could be a long term side effect.
Pregnant women and people who are on blood thinners, for example, should avoid IPL. Other factors that make people unsuitable for IPL treatment include: currently or recently taking the acne drug Accutane. having active acne.
The short answer is yes, hair can fall out after IPL treatment, but the extent and duration of this hair loss can vary depending on various factors. It's essential to understand the mechanism behind IPL's impact on hair growth and the strategies to mitigate any potential hair loss associated with this procedure.
Can you use IPL on your face? Using IPL for facial hair treatment is a great choice for many people. It's recommended that you don't use IPL too close to the eyes and lips, as these areas are very sensitive and can be irritated by the light impulses. Only use it below the cheekbones.
After IPL, brown spots on your skin will temporarily darken and crust over. It can be tempting to pick and pull at these dark areas, but we need you to keep your hands off. Scratching at healing skin can disrupt the recovery process. It can also lead to scarring.
While IPL can significantly reduce hair growth, it does not guarantee permanent hair removal. Many users notice a significant reduction in hair density and thickness, making regrowth finer and lighter.
It is not uncommon for your skin to become itchy during the recovery period, but it is important not to scratch or pick at your skin, as this may cause permanent scarring.
One significant concern is the potential for player burnout due to the hectic schedule. With players participating in multiple domestic and international competitions throughout the year, IPL adds to their workload, increasing the risk of injuries and fatigue.
You can expect the following after IPL during the healing process: Redness lasts for 2-5 days. Bruising may last up to two (2) weeks. Darkened age spots or freckles last for 3-7 days.
What happens if I stop IPL treatments early? Stopping with the IPL treatments after just one or two courses will not result in full results. Usually after the third treatment results become more noticeable but for permanent hair removal, you should continue with the full treatment.
Most people have minimal discomfort and heal quickly after IPL treatment. You'll likely have some redness, which can last between an hour to a few days. Patients rarely experience swelling.
Research shows that IPL is safe and does not cause cancer. IPL has been used for over 30 years without raising concerns about increasing the risk of skin or other types of cancer.
Can I Use IPL Every Day? We know you're SO excited to experience permanent hair removal, but we do not recommend using your device more than twice per week. Using IPL every day may result in irritation – and it won't work as well, anyway!
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Intense pulsed light or IPLis a great way to treat a variety of undesirable skin conditions.