Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is a breakthrough in aesthetic technology, offering a versatile solution to a range of skin concerns.
What is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments utilize multiple wavelengths of light to address various skin concerns. These devices deliver short bursts of broad-spectrum, high-intensity light that penetrates the skin’s deeper layers. Depending on the chosen treatment, the targeted light is absorbed by the pigment in hair follicles (for hair removal) or by hemoglobin in blood vessels (for vascular concerns).
What skin concerns can IPL treat?
- Hair Removal: IPL targets the melanin in the hair shaft, heating and destroying the hair follicle to reduce hair growth without damaging the surrounding tissue.
- Skin Rejuvenation: IPL stimulates collagen production and treats skin irregularities, resulting in smoother skin, reduced wrinkle appearance, pigmentation and an even skin tone. It is effective against Sun Damage, Large Pores, and Fine Lines.
- Pigmentation Treatment: Conditions like Freckles, Sun Spots, Melasma (SharpLight DPC technology), Age Spots, and other Pigmented Lesions can be treated using IPL treatments. The light targets pigmented cells ultimately being destroyed and naturally removed by the body’s immune system.
- Vascular Lesions: IPL effectively treats spider veins and visible vessels by targeting the oxyhemoglobin within them. The oxyhemoglobin absorbs the light energy, causing the vessel to coagulate and eventually be reabsorbed by the body. Our SharpLight DUAL VP piece effectively treats Rosacea, Telangiectasia, Poikiloderma of Civatte (PC), Spider Hemangiomas, Nose Veins and other Vascular Lesions.
Please note: IPL treatments are most suitable for clients with fair to light skin tones (Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV).
Contraindications and Risks of IPL Treatments
Understanding the contraindications can help ensure that the treatment is both effective and secure for those who choose to undergo it. Here are key contraindications for IPL treatments:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Skin cancer.
- Photosensitivity: Conditions that cause sensitivity to light, such as lupus, porphyria, and other photo-induced skin disorders.
- Use of photosensitizing medications: Such as certain antibiotics, antifungals, Accunate or other retinoids, which can increase the risk of burns or other side effects.
- History of keloid Scarring.
- Skin Infections or Inflammation.
- Tanned skin.
- Dark skin tone: High Fitzpatrick skin types (V and VI) have an increased risk of burns and pigmentation issues due to higher melanin concentration.
- Recent beauty treatments such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, microneedling, botox, fillers etc.
- Pacemakers or defibrillators.
Potential risks and side effects:
- Skin burns
- Pigmentation changes
- Scarring
- Redness and swelling
- Blistering and crusting
- Discomfort
To minimize and ultimately avoid potential risks, a thorough discussion of your individual risk factors is crucial before undergoing IPL treatment.
Schedule Your Consultation & Treatment: A consultation with our medical esthetician is required before any laser, IPL, or facial treatment. Schedule your consultation and treatment by clicking here, sending us a DM on social media, or calling us at +1 289 637 1545.
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