IPL Laser Treatment

If you’ve been researching non-invasive cosmetic surgery, you might have come across the term “IPL”, or “Intense Pulsed Light” treatment. With IPL laser treatment, intense light is pulsed onto an area of the face or body. Laser tattoo removal, hair removal, acne removal and other treaments can be accomplished with the IPL method. This light therapy is considered safer and less traumatic than traditional laser treatment.

IPL laser treatment is also known as photo rejuvenation, and can be found under the trade names of FotoFacial, PhotoFacial, PhotoDerm, EpiLight, MultiLight, and PlasmaLight. The light can be used to perform many of the same functions as lasers, but patients and technicians report less incidents of burning or blistering with IPL. Many patients find that they do not need to spend any time away from their everyday activities.

Attend a pre-IPL consultation with a technician to see if you’re a good candidate for the procedure. If you have dark skin, you might have a higher risk of hyperpigmentation in the treated areas. IPL is best suited to patients with light skin tones who have varicose veins, skin discolorations, and other treatable conditions. Diabetics are advised not to get this treatment, as their wound healing abilities might be decreased due to the disease. Patients with a hindered ability to form blood clots are also not eligible for this procedure. The use of any blood thinners should be discontinued about ten days prior to surgery. (Check with your doctor before you stop taking any prescribed medications!)

At the consultation, you can expect to have a patch or spot test done to make sure you don’t have a reaction to the light. This test usually costs about $75. It is helpful because it will reveal any unusual sensitivity or tendency for discoloration from IPL.

If you are found to be a good candidate for IPL, you’ll be given a price estimate that depends on the type of procedure you’re having. The length of each session, as well as the number of sessions required, will also vary. The IPL technician will also advise you of any pre-operative guidelines. Typically, patients are advised to stop wearing makeup and any creams or lotions the day before the procedure.

During treatment, you might have a topical anesthetic cream applied to the area. Then a cold gel is applied, and a glass prism is placed over the treatment area. An intense flash of light is pulsed through the prism and targeted at your problem area. Technicians usually start with a conservative treatment to prevent any blistering or burning, but this might be stepped up in subsequent sessions. IPL treatments are administered every three to four weeks.

After IPL laser treatment, patients can expect redness and mild swelling. The treated area should be protected from UV light for a few days. If any symptoms last longer than three days, patients should seek the advice of their doctor or technician.