You’ve heard the buzz about intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments, and now you’re curious. Are they safe? Could this type of treatment be the right choice for you? What should you expect from an IPL treatment? Let’s dive into the details.
What Is an IPL Treatment?
Intense pulse light is a type of light therapy. Sometimes referred to as a photo facial, this cosmetic treatment can be used on various areas of the body and offers a way to improve the appearance, color, and texture of skin without surgery or lasers. Instead, a device is used to deliver high-intensity light to targeted areas of the skin.
Are IPL Treatments Safe?
According to the National Library of Medicine, IPL treatments are considered safe and tolerable. In fact, the first IPL device was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1995. Since then, the technology has continued to improve. Now, it is used to address an extensive range of cosmetic and functional issues.
What Are IPL Treatments Used to Treat?
As WebMD explains, IPL treatments can be used to erase or minimize a lengthy list of skin imperfections:
- Acne
- Age spots
- Birthmarks
- Broken blood vessels
- Dark spots from hormonal changes
- Discolored skin
- Dullness
- Fine lines
- Freckles
- Redness
- Rosacea
- Scars
- Spider veins
- Stretch marks
- Sun damage
- Texture issues
- Wrinkles
IPL treatments can restore a general appearance of youthfulness by stimulating collagen production. They can also be used to remove unwanted hair from the face, neck, chest, underarms, back, legs, and bikini line.
How Do IPL Treatments Work?
When you undergo this type of treatment, the intense light penetrates the skin and generates heat. This heat breaks apart unwanted pigment or damages undesired hair follicles. The damaged cells are cleared away by the body’s natural processes. Multiple treatments may be needed to achieve the desired results, but with persistence, you can achieve skin that is smoother, clearer, and more evenly toned. This often produces a more youthful look.
What Should You Expect from an IPL Treatment?
Before the procedure begins, your provider will thoroughly clean the skin being treated. Then, they will apply a cool gel and provide you with special glasses to protect your eyes.
During the treatment, you will be able to feel the pulses created by the IPL device. The sensation shouldn’t be painful; it’s frequently described as being snapped with a rubber band. The process generally takes 15 to 30 minutes. The timing depends on several factors, including the purpose of the treatment and the size of the treatment area.
For a skin issue, 3 to 6 treatments are often required. Hair removal typically requires 6 to 12 treatments. Breaks of a few weeks are necessary between treatments to let your skin rest.
Can You Return to Work Afterwards?
No downtime is required after IPL treatments. You can resume your normal activities immediately.
The treated skin will be red and slightly swollen for a few hours, but it’s typically on par with a sunburn. It’s common for the area to remain tender for a few days, but you can use cool washcloths or ice packs to ease the discomfort. Initially, some hyperpigmented areas might get darker, but that’s temporary. They should flake away without pain in a week or two.
How Soon Do You See Results?
Recovery from IPL treatments is fast, and you can expect to see some results within a few weeks. Of course, multiple treatments may be required to reach your goal, so you will need to complete the full set of planned treatments to see the final result.
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An IPL treatment is a fantastic option for improving the appearance of skin. Could it be the right choice for you? The healthcare team at C.O.R.A.MED HRT & Regeneration Center is ready to help you make that determination. We can help you evaluate your situation and goals to choose the best path forward. With numerous aesthetic and regenerative treatments in our toolbox, we’re prepared to prioritize your well-being and satisfaction. Contact C.O.R.A.MED HRT & Regeneration Center today to schedule an appointment.
