Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a skin rejuvenation treatment that uses high intensity pulses of visible light (or light energy) to improve the appearance of dark spots (age spots, sun spots or freckles), vascular lesions (such as spider veins, rosacea), as well as fine lines, wrinkles, large pores, acne and acne scarring. The process is referred to as photorejuvenation.
IPL is similar to lasers in that light energy is absorbed into cells with specific color targets, referred to as chromophores (such as melanin or hemoglobin). The light energy is absorbed by the color target and is converted to heat energy, which causes damage to the specific target area. IPL is different than lasers in that they deliver many wavelengths (or colors) of light in each pulse instead of a single wavelength. Filters can be used to focus on more specific targets.
IPL is considered a non-ablative resurfacing therapy, which means it targets the lower layers of the skin (dermis) without affecting the top layers of skin (epidermis). The advantage of IPL therapy is its minimal downtime--a patient can often have the procedure done and immediately return to work or other social functions.
What does an intense pulsed light procedure involve?
What are the side effects to intense pulsed light therapy?
Side effects are minor and include: