IPL treatment, also known as photorejuvenation, releases light in many wavelengths.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment is a form of light therapy that can be used to address a range of skin issues. Although it works in a similar way, IPL differs from laser therapy in the way in which it releases light. Read on to find out how the treatment works, what concerns it can address, and what the process involves…
How does IPL differ from laser treatment?
While laser treatment focuses wavelengths of light at the target area of skin, IPL therapy releases light of many wavelengths, much like a photo flash. For this reason, the light that is released during IPL treatment is less focused than laser therapy. Instead, the light scatters more widely. IPL treatment also penetrates the dermis, which is the second layer of the skin. In doing so, it does not cause any damage to the epidermis, the top layer of the skin.
During IPL treatment, the pigment cells in the skin absorb the light energy that is released. This light energy is then converted into heat, which works to destroy unwanted pigmentation.
What can IPL be used for?
IPL therapy can be used to address a broad range of issues. The treatment can effectively reduce the appearance of age and sun spots; freckles; birth marks; large pores; vascular blemishes; acne scars; irregular pigmentation and rosacea. The treatment can also be used to remove unwanted hair on various areas of the body, including the face, legs, underarms and bikini line.
What does the process involve?
Each treatment session usually takes between 20 and 30 minutes to complete. To begin the process, your face will be cleaned and dried and you will be provided with protective eye shields. A handheld device is then passed over the target areas of skin. This device delivers pulses of intense light that penetrates the layers of your skin. The process is generally painless and causes only minimal discomfort in some cases.
After treatment, it is completely normal to experience some swelling and redness. These side effects should resolve within a day or so. Don’t worry if you notice some discolouration following your IPL session — this is a sign that the treatment is working and these areas of skin will eventually flake off as the skin begins to heal from the inside.
How often is treatment required?
We generally recommend that patients come in for an IPL session every three to four weeks for the first few rounds. Once you have been having treatment on a regular basis and you can see that your results are maintained, it is usually sufficient to come in for annual touch-ups.
In order to enjoy optimal results, we encourage new patients to come in for a series of three IPL sessions. If you have sun-damaged skin, you are likely to benefit considerably from touch-up treatments. When you come in for a consultation, our team will let you know what treatment schedule best suits your needs.
How can we help?
At Cranford House Plastic Surgery, we are excited to be offering IPL treatment, the newest addition to our range of services. If you are struggling with irregular pigmentation, unwanted freckles, large pores, vascular blemishes, sun spots, acne scars or rosacea, we encourage you to come in for a consultation so that we can let you know if the treatment is right for you. If you choose to go ahead with the treatment, the procedure will be performed by a board-certified skin doctor or experienced nurse to ensure that your well-being is prioritised.
If you would like to find out more about IPL therapy and what it involves, please have a look here.
If you would like to arrange a consultation to see us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch here or give us a call on 08 7070 0596.
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