IPL

IPL works in a similar way to laser therapy. The difference is that where laser therapy delivers a single wavelength of light energy, IPL delivers multiple wavelengths. This means that IPL can treat a larger area of skin in a shorter time than laser therapy.
 

People may choose IPL as a treatment for a range of skin issues. These include:

• acne scars

• birthmarks

• rosacea, a condition that causes redness of the face

• hyperpigmentation, including liver or age spots and freckles

• melasma, a condition causing brown or gray-brown skin patches

• scars

• spider veins

• stretch marks

• sun damaged skin

• wrinkles

 

People may also commonly use it to remove unwanted hair or tattoos.

 

Safety, risks, and side effects

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IPL is safe for most people but is not suitable for everyone. Pregnant women and people who are on blood thinners, for example, should avoid IPL.

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Other factors that make people unsuitable for IPL treatment include:

• currently or recently taking the acne drug Accutane

• having active acne

• suffering from a skin resurfacing disorder

• being susceptible to keloid scarring

• having severe scarring

• having suffered severe sunburn recently

 

As with any medical procedure, IPL does carry the risk of complications. These include:

• pain

• skin discoloration

• swelling

• infection

• bleeding

• scarring

• crusting

 

How effective is it? 

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The effectiveness of IPL depends on many things. It works better on white or light brown skin than on black skin, for example. Another factor is the kind of equipment a healthcare professional uses during the procedure.

Everyone responds differently to IPL, and most people will need multiple rounds of the treatment before they start to notice results.

 

Preparation

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Anyone planning on having IPL treatment should speak to a dermatologist about the potential benefits, side effects, and complications.

To prepare for the procedure, a dermatologist will usually ask people to avoid the following for 2 weeks:

• sunbathing and tanning beds

• waxing

• chemical peels

• collagen injections

 

Immediately before and after therapy, people should also avoid using any perfume or deodorant on the treatment area.