What is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)?

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a non-laser skin treatment. It produces high intensity pulses of visible light, which in turn directed to the surface of the skin. Light energy is then absorbed into specific skin target causing damage to the particular target, such as pigmented lesion, hair, or vascular lesions.
 
Intense pulsed light technologies have evolved significantly since they are first introduced to the medical cosmetics 20 years ago. Latest technologies give results as good as those of laser treatments. Such devices can now be used effectively and safely for the cosmetic treatment of pigmentation, unwanted hair growth, and vascular lesions.


 
When should I receive IPL treatment?

You may want to discuss with our doctor regarding IPL treatment if you have skin problems of the following:

• Uneven skin tone
• Large pore & oily skin
• Facial sensitivity & redness
• Freckles & lentigines
• Facial lines & wrinkles
• Unwanted hair growth (underarm, forearm, abdomen, or calf)

What does the procedure involve?

Treatment session usually takes about 20-30 minutes:

• Area being treated will be cleansed.
• Ice pack & treatment gel are applied to the area being treated.
• Pulses of light are delivered to the area by IPL hand piece under specific setting.
• Treated area is cleansed & cooled.
• Moisturizer and sunscreen are applied to the treated area.
  

Is there anything I need to know about the procedure?

• IPL treatments are relatively painless.
• Most people can return to work immediately after treatment
• Avoid excessivesun exposure few days before and after treatment.
• A course of 4 – 6 sessions every 4 – 6 weeks may be needed to achieve desired results.
• There may be color changes of the pigmented lesion, and usually resolve after few days.
• You should inform doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  

What are the side effects?

IPL treatments are non-ablative and non-invasive, and therefore they are generally safe.
 
Most people experiences mild tingling sensation or redness after the treatment, which may last for few hours. IPL treatments rarely cause burn or blistering.