Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) laser treatment is a technology that was developed in 1995. It’s similar to other laser treatments except that instead of a single wavelength of light, IPL light is filtered so that only those wavelengths that are taken up by the intended surface (e.g. skin pigment, blood vessels) are used.
IPL energy affect the area just below the skin’s surface, affecting the desired area (e.g. dark age spots) and damaging it so that the body’s natural repair processes heal it. The body naturally will remove the damaged tissues and replace it with new, smoother-looking skin.
IPL treatments are good for age spots (dark pigments), facial redness, hair removal, and small dilated blood vessels that are near the surface of the skin, also known as spider veins (telangiectasias). IPL is not effective for wrinkles.
It usually takes 3-6 IPL treatments to see significant results. Treatments can be spaced out every 3-4 weeks.
IPL requires very little downtime. Most patients recover in only a few days, with the skin reddening and/or darkening and peeling before lightening. The procedure itself is mildly uncomfortable, most often being described as someone popping a rubber band on the skin.
Patients should be mindful of choosing a provider that specializes in IPL treatment, as expertise in filter use and placement affects the effectiveness of the treatment. The professionals at Orlando ENT in Orlando and Oviedo are experts in IPL treatments and can help you decide if IPL is right for you.
