While BOTOX and derma fillers seem to get all the good press, we shouldn’t forget about another non-invasive procedure that might be just the choice for you. IPL, or intense pulsed light, is another popular treatment for several specific conditions. In fact, IPL may treat several conditions at the same time.
Vascular conditions, such as broken capillaries (spider veins), sun or age spots; rosacea; some loss of firmness; and enlarged pores are all treatable with a series of IPL sessions. This treatment is not the same as the laser but it does use high-intensity light and heat to penetrate below the outer layer of skin and, actually, damage the melatonin that causes brown spots or the blood vessels that create broken capillaries.
Then when the skin repairs or rejuvenates itself, the brown spots or broken veins disappear leaving the new skin clearer and more even-toned. Additionally, the IPL process may also stimulate the production of your body’s own collagen and create a firmer, tighter connective structure for your skin.
IPL is a process and the greatest success comes over a period of three to six treatments, at three to four week intervals. Each procedure, lasting about 30 minutes, reveals more and more noticeable results and you can decide when you’ve attained your optimum outcome.
Another consideration in selecting intense pulsed light treatments is affordability. Because IPL performs several different functions it’s usually less costly, overall, than the laser and, therefore, a good procedure to explore first.
As with all cosmetic dermatology treatments, every patient has different tolerances for discomfort. A cooling gel will be applied to the area, during the process.
As for side-effects, they are, usually, minimal and may include some temporary redness and minor swelling which may be covered with make-up.
