IPL is a very common laser that was one of the first to be widely used for various skin treatments. IPL stands for intense pulsed light. These lasers are named for the bright flashes of light when in use. This characteristic bright light is because IPL lasers usually range in wavelength from 500nm – 1200nm, which falls in the visible light spectrum. Thus, IPL treatments necessitate eye protection for both providers and patients. The term “photo facial” usually refers to an IPL treatment, although this term may have since been coopted for other laser treatments as well.
How does IPL work?
IPL lasers work by utilizing filters to emit specific wavelengths, each intended to target different chromophores in the skin. Targeted chromophores can be melanin (for pigmentation or hair removal), hemoglobin (for redness), or even water. Selective targeting of chromophores in the skin allows for their removal without harm to surrounding areas. This principle is true for all laser treatments for the skin. This is why treatment of different issues requires treatment with different wavelengths.
How is IPL different from other lasers?
IPL lasers are differentiated from other lasers by their pulse duration and featured wavelengths. Pulse width or pulse duration is the length of time between the start and end of a laser pulse. For IPL lasers, pulse duration is usually in the range of milliseconds, which is 1 x 10^-3 seconds. Pulse duration in milliseconds is considered relatively long when compared to those of Q-Switch or pico lasers. These other lasers can feature pulse duration in the range of nanoseconds, which is 1 x 10^-9 seconds, or even in the range of picoseconds, which is 1 x 10^-12 seconds.
Because IPL lasers generally work by using physical filters to emit desired wavelengths, one device can emit several different wavelengths. Other lasers are generally constrained to much fewer wavelengths, depending on the lasing medium used to create the laser energy.
What can IPL treat?
Because IPL lasers can generally be operated in several different wavelengths, they can be used to treat a variety of skin issues: redness, rosacea, broken capillaries or other vascular lesions, mild to moderate acne and/or associated PIH or PIE, sun damage or other signs of photoaging, benign pigmented lesions, and even remove unwanted hair. More advanced IPL treatments can even stimulate collagen generation and improve skin quality.
Treatment providers will pick the wavelength and treatment settings for individualized skin concerns. This allows for selective targeting of hair, vascular lesions, and/or pigmented lesions. The IPL energy selectively damages the targeted hair follicles, collapses unwanted vessels, or breaks down pigmented lesions. For the treatment of acne, the laser energy can kill the bacteria associated with acne vulgaris via heat as well as help reduce post inflammatory erythema or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Different treatment targets require different wavelengths, which is why IPL lasers often come with the option to choose between several different wavelengths.
Who is a good candidate for IPL?
In the correct skin types, IPL can be a very effective laser treatment for a variety of skin concerns. However, because of its relatively long pulse duration, there is a risk of post-treatment hyperpigmentation in certain skin types, especially in skin types IV, V, and VI. In general, the longer the duration of each laser pulse, the more risk there is of overheating treated skin and causing unwanted side effects like hyperpigmentation or even burns. This is simply because the longer the duration of each pulse, the more time that laser energy is being applied to the skin.
Treatment providers must tune laser settings with patient skin type in mind (this is true for ALL lasers), but especially so in lasers with longer duration times to mitigate development of undesirable post-treatment complications. These settings include spot size, fluence, time between subsequent pulses, pulse duration, and even wavelength. If the settings of an IPL laser cannot be tuned to accommodate a specific skin type or to safely treat individual skin conditions, it is necessary to consider other, non-IPL lasers or even non-laser solutions.
What are common IPL lasers?
Some common IPL devices in the USA include: M22 from Lumenis, BBL from Sciton, Icon from Cynosure Lutronic, Spectrum from Rohrer Aesthetics, and Nordlys from Candela. This is not an exhaustive list, as there are many, many IPL lasers on the market, some of which may be available internationally but not in the USA. There are many purported home IPL devices as well, but care must be taken with use to prevent unwanted side effects.
What is an IPL treatment like?
If necessary, topical numbing can be applied to the skin for several minutes to make treatment more comfortable. Cold water-based gel will be applied to treatment areas to cool and protect skin. Eye protection in the form of eye shields or laser goggles will be supplied. Each pulse may feel like heat or like a rubber band snapping. Depending on treatment, there may be some redness or minor swelling after treatment. Treatment areas may get dark and/or peel for several days after treatment, which is to be expected. Repeat treatments to the same area are necessary in order to treat to satisfaction.
How to prepare for IPL treatment?
As with all laser treatments, avoid sun exposure for a minimum of 2 weeks before treatment. Daily SPF must be worn to protect skin and ensure good results pre and post-treatment. Reschedule your appointment if cold sores are present or if you have recently been ill or have undergone vaccinations. Stop use of active topicals (retinoids, exfoliants, even strong acne products) a few days before and after treatment to prevent undue skin irritation. Accutane and pregnancy are contraindications for treatment.
Read More: How to Prepare for Laser Treatments
What is IPL post-treatment care?
Avoid very hot water, steam, saunas, and heavy exercise for at least 24 hours post-treatment to prevent additional irritation. Active topicals and exfoliants should not be used for several days post-treatment. Do not pick or scratch peeling skin. Daily use of SPF is highly recommended. Do not schedule laser treatments within two weeks of injectable treatments, facials, etc.
For IPL treatments in Los Angeles, give DSC a call! We have dedicated consultants who can answer all your questions about IPL or can help determine if IPL is the right laser treatment for you.
DSC Laser & Skin Care Center
www.dscbeauty.com
(626)285-0800
info@dscbeauty.com
889 S. San Gabriel Blvd, San Gabriel, CA 91776
