IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): This noninvasive skin rejuvenation skin care procedure uses high-powered pulses of light to improve the appearance and clarity of the skin. This procedure also treats common skin concerns such as dark spots and broken capillaries. IPL is also effective in treating sun damage, acne scarring, and the redness associated with rosacea. IPL penetrates below the surface of the skin, leaving the top layer of skin intact, which means that there is no post-treatment recovery period. The light is absorbed by the pigment in sunspots and the blood in the visible vessels, and converted to heat. The heat dissolves the cells that create the pigment and shrinks the vessels. Reach out to our Bryn Mawr office at 610-525-3800 today to schedule an appointment.
The Intense-Pulsed-Light Skin Rejuvenation Procedure
The IPL machine is placed on the settings that best suit the patient’s skin; among the factors considered are the condition being treated and, because IPL is absorbed differently by different skin colors, the amount of pigment in the skin. Protective coverings are placed over the patient’s eyes, and the IPL handpiece is gently pressed to the skin as pulses of light are emitted. The light is absorbed by the skin’s red or brown pigment and converted to heat, which dissolves the pigmented cells. After treatment, light redness and potential swelling may be seen. If there is any swelling, a cold pack can be applied for 5 to 10 minutes.
Three to six treatment sessions are usually required; sessions typically last from 30 to 90 minutes each and are spaced approximately 4 weeks apart. Gradual improvement may be seen after each treatment, but optimal results appear only after several months.