Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy

*Video courtesy of Dr. Sidhu

What is IPL Photofacial Therapy?

Intense pulsed light technology (IPL) is a revolutionary skin rejuvenation treatment that uses targeted light pulses to treat vascular and pigmented lesions and other skin imperfections. This treatment uses a broad spectrum of light to address multiple issues simultaneously. IPL is a superior, non-invasive treatment that helps with anti-aging and improves the color and texture of the skin.

The use of intense pulsed light in various wavelengths can stimulate collagen production in the skin and improve the activity of blood vessels. These cosmetic treatments work by emitting intense light pulses that penetrate the skin's surface, targeting unwanted pigmentation in photodamaged skin. The procedure results in a more even skin tone and improved texture on treated skin. When appropriately applied, IPL photofacial therapy produces long-lasting results and enhances the skin's appearance, treating wrinkles, fine lines, brown spots, redness, sun damage, and rough texture.

The IPL procedure is ideal for those seeking to enhance their complexion without surgery. It's a particularly effective option for those with fair to medium skin tone, as intense pulsed light therapy can easily differentiate between excess pigmentation and the surrounding area. Intense pulsed light can provide a promising solution for patients who want clearer, more radiant skin. One of the most significant advantages of IPL therapy is its quick recovery time. Unlike surgical procedures, IPL treatment offers minimal downtime and allows patients to resume normal activities immediately. The absence of a prolonged recovery makes IPL therapy a popular choice for those seeking skin rejuvenation.

Intense pulsed light therapy causes minimal discomfort, although some patients experience a slight tingling, like the snapping of a rubber band, during their sessions.  The most common side effect of IPL treatment is skin redness in the treated area, which usually subsides within 48 hours of the procedure.

How Does IPL Treatment Work?

The IPL photofacial treatment is an excellent way to revitalize the skin with light energy. The IPL device emits a series of light pulses that target melanin, a significant component of the epidermis and hair follicles in the human body. It reaches into the deeper layers of the skin where pigmentation resides. The device emits various wavelengths of light that turn into heat, targeting skin pigment while leaving surrounding tissue untouched.

This process also activates the body's natural defenses to stimulate collagen production. IPL treatment creates a more even skin tone and diminishes redness from blemishes, rosacea and other discolorations.

Photofacial treatment is non-invasive and virtually painless, making it suitable for people hesitant about receiving laser treatments. We recommend a minimum of three intense pulsed light treatment sessions for optimal results, but more may be needed depending on the patient’s individual goals and how they respond to this cosmetic procedure. Consecutive treatment sessions are spaced about four weeks apart for best results.

Patients should know that IPL therapy may temporarily lighten or darken the skin in treated areas. Nevertheless, this phenomenon is a normal part of the healing process during skin rejuvenation.

What to Expect During IPL Treatment Sessions

Before your IPL therapy, you should schedule an appointment with your provider to discuss your skin concerns and goals. Your doctor will evaluate your skin and create a personalized treatment plan to ensure you receive an effective and safe procedure.

On the day of your treatment, we will prepare your skin by applying a cooling gel to the treatment area. We will also give you protective eyewear to shield your eyes during intense pulsed light therapy. As you receive the intense pulsed light source, you may feel a slight snapping, similar to a rubber band on your skin.

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is quick, generally 20 to 30 minutes per visit. Once completed, you can return to your daily activities.

Results and Benefits of IPL Photofacials

Undoubtedly, one of the most appealing benefits of an IPL photofacial treatment is how it will transform your complexion. Initial results are visible within a few days, although skin texture and tone will continue to improve over the coming weeks. As your body's natural healing process takes over, you'll notice the following benefits:

• Improved facial contour
• Decreased redness from acne scars
• Diminished age spots and freckles
• Stimulates collagen production
• Helps combat flushing and generalized redness

Individualized skin concerns and post-treatment maintenance can affect the longevity of your treatment.

One of the most notable advantages of IPL therapy is that it can treat a wide range of skin issues noninvasively. Intense pulsed light gives patients a targeted approach that yields significant results with minimal discomfort.

This treatment's ability to target damage from sun exposure and other imperfections results in a more even skin tone that patients strive for. Pulsed light also cleanses skin and promotes healing, leading to a cleaner and healthier look. This approach is particularly beneficial for treating acne scars, other blemishes and enlarged pores.

Potential IPL Treatment Side Effects

All cosmetic treatments have side effects, so before undergoing this therapy, make sure you know the potential problems you may encounter with intense pulse light therapy. One of the most common is temporary redness resembling a mild sunburn in the treated area. This side effect typically disappears within a few hours to several days following treatment sessions. Sometimes, IPL can cause blistering or bruising, especially when patients have sensitive skin. However, you can easily manage these issues by following your provider's recommendations and performing proper aftercare.

Recovery Following IPL Treatment

Recovery from IPL treatment is simple, with minimal downtime. However, you should follow your doctor's recommendations and take several essential steps to maintain your results.

Immediately following treatment, avoid sun exposure. Apply broad-spectrum sun protection with an SPF of 30+, even on cloudy days, and try to stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Your skin will be more susceptible to damage. Wearing a broad-brimmed hat can help protect our skin from harmful ultraviolet rays outdoors.

For post-treatment skincare, use gentle cleansers and moisturizers to soothe the skin and help it heal. Avoid harsh ingredients and exfoliants for at least a week following your session to prevent irritation. Drink sufficient water to stay hydrated.

Sometimes, mild peeling occurs for one or two weeks during skin renewal following intense pulsed light therapy. This peeling results from apoptosis (a natural cell death process) of the surface layer of skin cells, which helps new cells arise from below. This results in a more refined texture and a brighter complexion. If this happens, avoid picking at your skin to allow natural peeling and minimize scarring and pigmentation changes.

You should avoid exercising for about 48 hours following your treatment. Strenuous physical activity may cause you to sweat, and the combination of heat, moisture, and loose clothing could potentially inhibit proper healing.

IPL Therapy vs. Traditional Laser Therapy

In contrast to traditional laser treatment, intense pulsed laser outcomes are not based on the effect of a specific wavelength, as the IPL device works with a spectrum of different wavelengths. The light waves emitted by IPL devices are designed to target the hemoglobin, the red blood cells in the blood vessels, or melanin, the brown pigment in freckles and age spots.

The main difference between IPL photofacials and Fraxel laser treatments is the type of light used. IPL is a non-ablative cosmetic procedure that uses visible to infrared full spectrum light to treat different skin issues. These treatments are usually safe on skin types 1 through 4.

Unlike the wavelengths emitted from the IPL treatment, a Fraxel laser treatment emits just one wavelength. The downtime after a laser treatment varies depending on the type of laser and therapy used but can range from two to seven or more days. Unlike the IPL, which is only safe for lighter skin types, lasers such as the ND:Yag 1064 and PicoSure are safe for all skin types, including darker skin tones.

IPL photofacial treatments and other laser therapies each have advantages and disadvantages. Consult with us to determine your best treatment option.

IPL Photofacial Alternatives

While IPL therapy provides excellent solutions for many patients, not everyone is. Consider the following treatments:

• Chemical peels result in improved skin texture and tone by encouraging exfoliation.
• Fraxel laser treatment resurfaces the skin more deeply, using focused energy to remove several skin layers.
• Microneedling stimulates collagen production by creating minor wounds, utilizing the body's natural healing properties.
• Topical treatments can also address minor skin pigmentation and improve skin tone, but they work as well as photorejuvenation and other procedures.

IPL Combined with Another Cosmetic Procedure

Intensed pulsed light alone is excellent for improving the tone and texture of the skin, but you can combine it with other procedures, such as PRP microneedling, fractional non-ablative laser facial, or chemical peels, for optimal results. You will benefit from improved radiance, skin tone, collagen stimulation, and overall facial rejuvenation.

Who is a Good Candidate?

In contrast to traditional laser treatment, intense pulsed laser outcomes are not based on the effect of a specific wavelength, as the IPL device works with a spectrum of different wavelengths. The light waves emitted by IPL devices are designed to target the hemoglobin, the red blood cells in the blood vessels, or melanin, the brown pigment in freckles and age spots.

The main difference between IPL photofacials and Fraxel laser treatments is the type of light used. IPL is a non-ablative cosmetic procedure that uses visible to infrared full spectrum light to treat different skin issues. These treatments are usually safe on skin types 1 through 4.

Unlike the wavelengths emitted from the IPL treatment, a Fraxel laser treatment emits just one wavelength. The downtime after a laser treatment varies depending on the type of laser and therapy used but can range from two to seven or more days. Unlike the IPL, which is only safe for lighter skin types, lasers such as the ND:Yag 1064 and PicoSure are safe for all skin types, including darker skin tones.

IPL photofacial treatments and other laser therapies each have advantages and disadvantages. Consult with us to determine your best treatment option.

The best candidates for IPL skin treatments are those with skin types I-IV. Those with dark skin tones are not ideal for this procedure because of their naturally higher levels of melanin. IPL done on darker skin can cause increased pigmentation (hyperpigmentation) or adverse effects such as burns.

Contraindications

• IPL face treatments should not be performed on individuals with specific conditions such as active cold sores, a recent history of herpes or Keloid scarring, lupus, porphyria, or vitiligo.
• Patients with a heart condition, suffering from MS, or taking medications that affect the central nervous system must not have this treatment.

• Pregnant women or those trying to become pregnant or are breastfeeding
• The treatment increases photosensitivity by 20%, so you must avoid sun exposure for at least 1-week pre-treatment and 30 days after it.

Remember to inform your aesthetician if you take any antibiotics, as they may interfere with your IPL results. Moreover, certain phototoxic reactions associated with topical medications may be exacerbated by IPL photofacials.

Learn More About Intense Pulsed Light Therapy

If you want to learn more about how intense pulsed light therapy can rejuvenate aging skin, unwanted skin pigment cells and other concerns, contact VIVAA to schedule an appointment at one of our Seattle-area medical spas.

FAQs

Is an IPL facial worth it?

Many patients see noticeable results after one or two sessions, making this cosmetic treatment a worthwhile investment. It's ideal for those seeking improvement in sun damage, pigmented lesions, skin texture, and tone.

How painful is IPL?

You may feel a slight snapping or stinging feeling during treatment. Your provider can adjust the settings during your session to improve your comfort level.

How long do IPL therapy results last?

The results can last six months to one year, depending on your skin conditions, skin type and how well you follow your post-treatment regimen. To prolong your results, avoid sun exposure and schedule maintenance treatments as needed.

Does intense pulsed light have a downside?

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is generally safe and effective, but side effects and adverse reactions can occur. In rare cases, burns, scarring and other severe complications can occur. Choosing a reputable provider and following post-procedure instructions can minimize associated risks.

Do I need to wear sunscreen during treatment, and for how long after?

It is imperative to use a sunscreen that has a SPF 30+ with UVA and UVB protection before, during, and after treatments. Sunscreen should be a part of your daily skin care regimen and applied in the morning and reapplied every two hours for the day.

Will the IPL photofacial remove or shrink any existing moles?

Moles are not affected by this procedure because they are located deep beneath the surface of your skin, where they will not be affected by intense pulsed light energy.

Is redness normal after my IPL Photofacial treatment?

Slight redness in the treatment area is common. This redness usually subsides within 48 hours but can linger for up to one week after each session. If redness persists longer than one week, please consult your doctor because you might have an allergy to the laser or an intensity adjustment may be required for future sessions.

How soon will I see the results?

You should start seeing significant results after three sessions, but you may notice some improvement earlier.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of treatments will vary depending on the patient, their skin condition, unique needs and goals. A series of three treatments four weeks apart is a good starting point for most patients. Many need additional treatments and may require one to two yearly maintenance sessions.

Patient Review
"Thank you for Exceptional Service! I am so impressed with this medical staff and the Professional ism I experienced in getting my IPL! The staff was knowledgeable, friendly and took excellent care of me! I am telling you all this because I have been to other places to get IPLs, and this was by far the BEST!! Thank you to Justine and Jordan; great customer service!! And VERY VERY REASONABLE PRICE WITH FANTASTIC RESULTS!!!"
Gracie Mittag