What is an IPL laser?
IPL stands for ‘Intense Pulsed Light’ and is a non-invasive, non-ablative technology that uses intense pulsed light to treat various skin conditions. IPL is used for various medical purposes, in particular the treatment of pigmentation disorders such as age spots, freckles and uneven pigmentation, as well as vascular conditions such as superficial spider veins, rosacea, port-wine stains, haemangiomas, etc. It can also help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, treat acne and acne scars, and promote skin rejuvenation and an improved complexion (photorejuvenation).
During the treatment, high-energy light is applied to the skin; this is primarily absorbed by melanin (the pigment in the skin) and haemoglobin (the red blood pigment) in the skin. The absorbed light generates heat, which specifically damages the target structures in the skin, whilst the surrounding tissue remains largely unaffected. The damaged pigments – for example, in age spots – are ‘ejected’ to the skin’s surface and shed. The heating of the red blood pigment haemoglobin damages the inner walls of the blood vessels, causing them to collapse and be replaced by connective tissue. Previously visible red capillaries or haemangiomas are now skin-coloured.
IPL Laser Indications
- Age spots
- Freckles
- Spider veins (telangiectasia)
- Rosacea
- Port-wine stains, spider naevi
- Haemangioma
- Fresh (red) stretch marks
- Uneven skin tone, e.g. poikiloderma civate or other dyschromias
- Benign sun damage (solar lentigines, senile lentigines)
- Fresh reddened scars
- Hyperpigmentation
Advantages of the IPL laser:
Non-invasive:
The IPL laser is a non-invasive treatment method that does not require any surgical procedures. No stitches, incisions or large wounds are made, which reduces the risk of complications and downtime.
No to minimal downtime:
Generally speaking, laser treatment requires no downtime or a prolonged recovery period. When treating rosacea or spider veins, slight swelling and redness may occur for 1–3 days; for age spots, thin brownish scabs may form for up to a week. Most patients can resume their normal activities immediately after treatment.
Consistent UV protection:
The treated areas should be protected by consistently avoiding strong sun exposure for 2–3 weeks and by applying sunscreen with SPF 50+ several times a day.
Versatility:
IPL (Max™, Cynosure, Massachusetts, USA) can be used to treat a wide range of skin conditions. The device offers a broad spectrum of applications, making it suitable for various indications (see list above).
Quick treatment:
IPL treatments are usually quick to carry out, as larger areas of skin can be treated in a short space of time. However, the duration of a treatment session depends on the size of the area to be treated. For rosacea treatment, you should expect it to take approximately 20–30 minutes.
Frequency:
Depending on the indication and severity, 2–3 sessions at 4-week intervals are usually required. Individual variations are always possible.
Long-lasting results:
With an appropriate number of treatments, consistent use of UV protection and avoidance of trigger factors, the results of IPL laser treatment usually last for over a year or even longer.
FAQ
Questions?
IPL stands for ‘Intense Pulsed Light’ and is a non-invasive technology that uses intense pulsed light to treat various skin problems. The light penetrates the skin and targets pigments (melanin and haemoglobin), causing them to be destroyed. A series of subsequent regenerative processes leads to an improvement in skin tone, complexion and texture.
IPL laser treatments can be used to treat brown pigmentation disorders such as age spots, sun spots and freckles, or vascular conditions such as spider veins, rosacea, haemangiomas, port-wine stains and many more.
Yes, IPL laser treatment is safe. Temporary side effects such as redness, slight swelling or temporary changes in skin colour may occur. These side effects are usually temporary and subside on their own within a few days. Avoiding excessive sun exposure and consistently using UV protection reduce the risk of changes in skin pigmentation.
The duration of an IPL treatment session varies depending on the skin conditions being treated and the size of the area being treated. However, a session usually lasts around 20 to 30 minutes.
The number of IPL treatments required depends on various factors, including the type of skin problem and the individual’s skin condition. In most cases, several sessions – usually 2–4 – spaced a few weeks apart are required to achieve optimal results. It is also recommended to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and intense heat, to apply a high-factor sun cream (<50) daily, and to follow any other instructions given by the treating doctor.
During IPL treatment, you may feel a slight tingling sensation or a feeling of warmth on your skin, which most people find quite tolerable. Most IPL systems, including ours, are fitted with built-in cooling mechanisms to enhance comfort during treatment.
No, there is usually no downtime following an IPL treatment. Most people can resume their normal activities straight away after the treatment. In exceptional cases, the redness and swelling may be slightly more pronounced for 1–2 days.
The results of IPL treatment may vary depending on the skin condition and the individual’s response. In most cases, initial improvements are visible after just the first or second treatment session.
