Intense Pulsed Light™

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL™) treatment, using the photorejuvenation process, represent a breakthrough in age-defying skin care. The Intense Pulsed Light treatment technique treats skin damage noninvasively — there is no disruption of the skin’s epidermal surface. Intense Pulsed Light treatments address the effects of photoaging and sun damage with low risk of complications and no recovery time. Intense Pulsed Light treatment is the “gold standard“ for photorejuvenation. This FDA-cleared, patented technology provides dramatic results for a variety of benign conditions, including age spots, sun-induced freckles, symptoms of rosacea, birthmarks, unsightly veins, acne scarring and other blemishes — even unwanted hair for your Intense Pulsed Light treatment.

How does Intense Pulused light (fotofacial) work?

The intense pulsed light hand piece delivers high intensity pulses of broadband light that is different from the narrow band light of lasers. IPL, which stands for intensed pulsed light, is non-ablative meaning that is does not damage the surface of the skin. The intense pulsed light is delivered to the deeper parts of the skin (dermis) and leaves the superficial aspect of the skin (epidermis) untouched. There are different versions of intense pulsed light available on the market that target different structures in the skin. The PhotoDerm VL targets vascular lesions such as spider veins and vascular birthmarks. The PhotoDerm PL targets pigmented lesions such as melasma and age spots. The PhotoDerm HR and Epilight target hair. The thermal effect of intense pulsed light also causes production of new collagen, leading to improvement in wrinkles.

What are Intense Pulsed Light's advantages?

As discussed above, intense pulsed light does not damage the skin surface, unlike dermabrasion and laser resurfacing. Therefore, there is virtually no recovery time.” Intense pulsed light treatments take approximately 30-45 minutes. Patients can apply makeup before leaving the office and return to work the same day. There is also minimal pain with intense pulsed light, unlike laser or radiofrequency resurfacing which both require topical anesthetic. Also, with intense pulsed light, a larger area can be treated at one time than with laser treatment.

What are Intense Pulsed Light's disadvantages?

Given that there is little damage to the skin surface, several treatments may be required to see the desired effect. For best results, approximately 4-6 treatments, spaced 3 weeks apart, are needed. Side effects can include transient redness and increased or decreased pigment in the treated area. Minimizing sun exposure can reduce these side effects.