What is IPL?
ipl hair removal is a simple procedure to rejuvenate the skin and restore a youthful glow. It is also the preferred method for removal of unwanted hair.
IPL is ideal for patients with active lifestyles because there is no downtime and a low risk of side effects. A patient can often have the procedure done during lunch, and return to work immediately afterwards.
The purpose of all facial rejuvenation technique is to reverse sun damage and reduce signs of aging: wrinkles, skin atrophy, rough skin texture, irregular coloration, and enlarged pores.
IPL also diminishes flushing or redness of the face associated with rosacea, reduces brown spots, erases broken capillaries, and smoothes roughly textured skin.
IPL therapy is non-invasive. It uses high intensity pulses of visible light to improve the appearance of certain hair and skin problems.
IPL passes through the top layer of skin and penetrates to the deeper layer where blood vessels, pigment cells, and collagen are found. Because the top layer of the skin is unharmed, the severe redness and peeling that are by-products of laser skin resurfacing is avoided.
IPL is similar to Laser Surgery, with 3 distinct advantages:
••••IPL Is Safer Than Laser.
••••IPL Is Quicker Than Laser.
••••IPL Costs Less Than Laser.
What conditions can be treated by IPL?
••••Safe and Painless Hair Removal:
•••••••Spot Treatment
•••••••Forearms
•••••••Full arms
•••••••Lower legs
•••••••Thighs
•••••••Full legs
•••••••Stomach
••••Vascular Lesions including
•••••••Spider Veins
•••••••Port Wine Stains
•••••••Broken Facial Veins
•••••••Rosy Cheeks
•••••••Rosacea
•••••••Red Thread Veins
••••Fading Red Splotches
••••Facial Lines and Wrinkles
••••Age Spots
••••Rejuvenating Skin
••••Mild to Moderate Acne and Stretch Marks.
••••Freckles
••••Sun Spots
How does IPL work?
••••IPL selectively heats unwanted skin lesions to temperatures high enough to destroy them, without any damage to the surrounding skin.
••••IPL therapy consists of a series of 4 to 6 treatments, in which an intense flash of light is emitted similar to the flash of a camera.
••••The light penetrates the tissue and is absorbed by either the blood when treating vascular lesions or the melanin when treating pigmented lesions damaging them.
••••When IPL is set on a different depth of penetration it removes hair and slows growth by stunting the hair follicle.
••••IPL stimulates new collagen to form in the skin, an essential part of any rejuvenation process. This reduces fine lines, minimizes pore size and acne scars, and increases skin elasticity.
What are the advantages of IPL over Laser?
••••IPL gives immediate results comfortably with little or no down time or side effects.
••••IPL emits a broad spectrum of light wavelengths; through the skin, without injuring the surrounding tissue, to effectively treat problems.
••••IPL uses a less-intense, broader spectrum of light than lasers, but it is equally effective in rejuvenating the skin.
••••IPL systems are different from lasers in that they deliver many wavelengths in each pulse of light instead of just one wavelength. IPL covers a broader and deeper area than laser, so fewer treatments are needed.
••••IPL is safer, and more comfortable, and more cost effective than laser treatment.
••••IPL side effects are minor:
••••IPL treats the inner skin and leaves the outer skin intact, so there are very few side effects.
••••IPL treatments are relatively painless compared to other facial rejuvenation techniques. The sensation has been likened to a light pinch or the snap of a rubber band.
••••Possible slight pain during treatment (reduced by contact cooling and if necessary, topical anesthetic).
••••Skin turning pink and a little sore immediately after the procedure.
••••Sensation of mild sunburn for a few days.
What precautions should one take before IPL?
••••Avoid sun exposure for 4-6 weeks before and after treatment.
••••Avoid scrubbing or rinsing the treated area with abrasive skin cleansers.
••••After IPL, it is important to wear sunscreen and a hat to avoid sun.
What will my treatment be like?
••••You and your doctor will wear safety glasses to protect your eyes during the procedure. The doctor will use a small hand piece that touches your skin to deliver the light.
••••The number of treatments depends on the size, location, depth and color of your skin problems. Spider veins and age spots usually do well with few treatments, while darker deeper conditions may require additional treatments.
••••Hair removal can be done in 4-8 treatments. Each session will last anywhere from 15-30 minutes.
••••In some cases, the patient will notice a glow and a smoother complexion even after the first treatment.
