Intense pulsed light (IPL)

Intense pulsed light or IPL laser is used for various skin treatments including skin rejuvenation, laser hair removal, pigmentation, sun damage, age spots, acne, acne scars and much more. It has a different wavelength to treat different conditions and so it can be used on different skin types and tones. The light spectral range is designed so it can target different structures such as hair follicles, pigmentation spots or excess of melanin, scars, and so on.

IPL vs Laser

IPL is similar to laser treatments but not equal. Both, IPL and laser treatment, use light to heat and in that way treat or reduce targeted issues or areas. IPL treatment has been used for two decades so it is not a new treatment when it comes to cosmetic, aesthetic and medical treatments. It is considered to deliver semi-permanent results; it all depends on the condition that is being treated. When it comes to hair removal, it reduces around 75 % of hair and patient’s will require touchups. When it comes to pigmentation, sun and age spots, it will deliver permanent results if skin is protected and maintained in the future with sunscreens and other topical creams. It delivers satisfying results that patients on Realself report around 76% satisfaction rate.

The price for IPL treatments ranges and it averages around $ 500 per treatment. Depending on the individual case of a patient, but patients usually require more than one treatment. It can be combined with other treatments to deliver best results. Again, it all depends on the condition that is being treated. Moreover, IPL encourages production of collagen, stimulating skin’s natural rejuvenation and healing process. Patient has to wear protective eyewear during treatment and usually cooling gel is applied to the area being treated. Depending on the size of the area being treated, treatment may last from few minutes to one hour. The procedure may cause slight pain and discomfort associated with needling pinching. The healing may take from few hours up to one to two weeks. It all depends on how your skin reacts to the treatment and how long it takes to heal.