IPL-Treatment For Hair Removal, Acne, And Skin Conditions
Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a non-invasive and non-ablative treatment that improves the appearance of, Acne, Vascular Lesions, Pigmented Lesions, Hair Removal, Collagen Stimulation Photorejuvenation
Intense pulsed light (IPL) or flashlamp therapy is a non-invasive and non-ablative treatment that uses high intensity pulses of visible light to improve the appearance of the following skin problems:
1. Vascular Lesions.For the treatment of spider, reticular and thread veins, telagiectasias, hemangiomas and some vascular birthmarks. Light pulses targeted at the red-pigment (haemoglobin) in the blood which heats and destroys the pigment without affecting the skin or other tissues.
2. Pigmented Lesions. For the treatment of age spots, freckles, flat pigmented birthmarks and other skin discolouration problems such as dyschromias, melisma, chloasma and erythromelanosis of the neck (poikiloderma of Civatte). Light pulses targeted at the melanin in the skin’s surface which heats and destroys melanin to remove the discolouration.
Using the principle of selective photothermolysis, these treatments target different chromophores in the skin, which selectively absorb the laser or light energy as heat and yield the desired response. These optimal wavelengths of light clear vascular and pigmented lesions by targeting the chromophores of hemoglobin (for vascular lesions) and melanin (for pigmented lesions). These damaged lesions are then cleared by the body, removing the appearance of the lesion from the skin. Pigmented lesions undergo a mild desquamation and slough off within two or three days, while the vascular lesions blanch and then resolve within 10 to 14 days
3. Hair Removal. For the treatment of unwanted hair. Light pulses targeted at the hair follicle causing the hair to fall out and prevent further growth. Generally ineffective for light coloured hair. May be used for hair in any location including underarms, bikini line, face, neck, back, chest and legs.
4. Collagen Stimulation, Photorejuvenation. IPL has a stimulatory effect on Collagen synthesis minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reversing sun damage and improving skin tone and texture.
5. Acne. Treating acne with pulsed light can deliver better aesthetic results, especially on inflammatory acne, without the side effects associated with topical and oral acne medications. Because the IPL can penetrate deep into the skin it can work on the overactive glands that contribute to acne and the bacteria that aggravates the condition. IPL treatments target and destroy the skin bacteria responsible for acne that helps to prevent future breakouts from occurring on faces, chests and backs.
How does it work?
IPL systems work on the same principles as lasers in that light energy is absorbed into particular target cells with colour (chromophores) in the skin.
The light energy is converted to heat energy, which causes damage to the specific target area. IPL systems are different to lasers in that they deliver many wavelengths (or colours) in each pulse of light instead of just one wavelength. Most IPL systems use filters to refine the energy output for the treatment of certain areas. This enhances penetration without using excessive energy levels and enables targeting of specific chromophores (these are skin components that absorb light).
IPL therapy is considered a non-ablative resurfacing technique, which means that it targets the lower layers of skin (dermis) without affecting the top layers of skin (epidermis). The results are not as dramatic as ablative resurfacing where both the dermis and epidermis are injured to produce a much more noticeable overall outcome. The advantage of IPL therapy is its minimal downtime – a patient can often have the procedure done in their lunch break and return to work immediately afterwards.
What does the procedure involve?
Prior to the procedure the process will be explained in detail to you, and expectations of your treatment will be defined and documented. You will be
advised whether or not the results you are looking for will be achievable using this method.
IPL treatments are normally straightforward. Avoid sun exposure in the days and weeks before and after treatment.
Throughout the treatment session the patient must wear protective eyewear. The sensation of an IPL treatment has been likened to a light pinch or the snap
of a rubber band.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects are minor and include:
1. Vascular Lesions.For the treatment of spider, reticular and thread veins, telagiectasias, hemangiomas and some vascular birthmarks. Light pulses targeted at the red-pigment (haemoglobin) in the blood which heats and destroys the pigment without affecting the skin or other tissues.
2. Pigmented Lesions. For the treatment of age spots, freckles, flat pigmented birthmarks and other skin discolouration problems such as dyschromias, melisma, chloasma and erythromelanosis of the neck (poikiloderma of Civatte). Light pulses targeted at the melanin in the skin’s surface which heats and destroys melanin to remove the discolouration.
Using the principle of selective photothermolysis, these treatments target different chromophores in the skin, which selectively absorb the laser or light energy as heat and yield the desired response. These optimal wavelengths of light clear vascular and pigmented lesions by targeting the chromophores of hemoglobin (for vascular lesions) and melanin (for pigmented lesions). These damaged lesions are then cleared by the body, removing the appearance of the lesion from the skin. Pigmented lesions undergo a mild desquamation and slough off within two or three days, while the vascular lesions blanch and then resolve within 10 to 14 days
3. Hair Removal. For the treatment of unwanted hair. Light pulses targeted at the hair follicle causing the hair to fall out and prevent further growth. Generally ineffective for light coloured hair. May be used for hair in any location including underarms, bikini line, face, neck, back, chest and legs.
4. Collagen Stimulation, Photorejuvenation. IPL has a stimulatory effect on Collagen synthesis minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reversing sun damage and improving skin tone and texture.
5. Acne. Treating acne with pulsed light can deliver better aesthetic results, especially on inflammatory acne, without the side effects associated with topical and oral acne medications. Because the IPL can penetrate deep into the skin it can work on the overactive glands that contribute to acne and the bacteria that aggravates the condition. IPL treatments target and destroy the skin bacteria responsible for acne that helps to prevent future breakouts from occurring on faces, chests and backs.
How does it work?
IPL systems work on the same principles as lasers in that light energy is absorbed into particular target cells with colour (chromophores) in the skin.
The light energy is converted to heat energy, which causes damage to the specific target area. IPL systems are different to lasers in that they deliver many wavelengths (or colours) in each pulse of light instead of just one wavelength. Most IPL systems use filters to refine the energy output for the treatment of certain areas. This enhances penetration without using excessive energy levels and enables targeting of specific chromophores (these are skin components that absorb light).
IPL therapy is considered a non-ablative resurfacing technique, which means that it targets the lower layers of skin (dermis) without affecting the top layers of skin (epidermis). The results are not as dramatic as ablative resurfacing where both the dermis and epidermis are injured to produce a much more noticeable overall outcome. The advantage of IPL therapy is its minimal downtime – a patient can often have the procedure done in their lunch break and return to work immediately afterwards.
What does the procedure involve?
Prior to the procedure the process will be explained in detail to you, and expectations of your treatment will be defined and documented. You will be
advised whether or not the results you are looking for will be achievable using this method.
IPL treatments are normally straightforward. Avoid sun exposure in the days and weeks before and after treatment.
- A topical anaesthetic may be applied to the area but is not usually
necessary. - Cold gel is applied to the area being treated. IPL devices often have
integrated cooling systems. - The smooth, glass surface of the IPL treatment head is applied to the
skin, delivering precise pulses of light to the area being treated. - Treatment sessions usually last about 20 minutes. A course of 4-6 sessions
every 3-6 weeks may be needed to achieve desired results. - Most patients can return to work immediately after treatment.
Throughout the treatment session the patient must wear protective eyewear. The sensation of an IPL treatment has been likened to a light pinch or the snap
of a rubber band.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects are minor and include:
- Pain during treatment (reduced by contact cooling and if necessary,
topical anaesthetic) - Skin turning pink and a little sore immediately after the procedure.
- Sensation of a mild sunburn (redness, peeling, swelling) that may last a
few days after treatment. - Rarely, skin pigment may absorb too much light energy and blistering can
occur. - Sometimes the pigment cells (melanocytes) can be damaged leaving darker or
paler patches of skin. White patches or scars are rarely permanent. - Hair loss may occur.
- Bruising affects up to 10% of patients.
- After the procedure it is recommended to use an SPF30+ when out in the
sun, as skin becomes more sensitive to UV light.
