Intense Pulsed Light Therapy

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a technique of removing unwanted hair permanently from the body. Intense Pulse Light technology use broad spectrum light which is penetrated into the skin, without disturbing the skin surface and it target the unwanted treated structure beneath the skin surface. IPL technique is also use to treat facial disorders like skin imperfection, the sign of freckles, age spot,
pigmentation, mottled pigmentation, and poikiloderma. IPL therapy works well for reducing unattractive small veins and it helps in getting rid of facial redness and birth marks. IPL technique has an ability to improve skin texture and structure by reducing skin pore. It improves skin elasticity thus rejuvenating the skin and providing young looking face. IPL treatment can be used effectively on the neck, chest, arms and hands. IPL treatment is quiet different from the laser light technique. Laser light technique discharge monochromatic single wavelength where as IPL emits a non coherent, broad spectrum light.

People with dark skin, hyper or hypo pigmentation, darkly tanned may not be an ideal candidate for Intense Pulsed Light Therapy. IPL treatment should be avoided for an insulin-dependent diabetic patient as they run the risk of wound-healing and infection problems. IPL therapy  suggest to discontinue the use of any blood thinners such as Coumadin Heparin, aspirin or other types of anti-platelet or anti-coagulant herbal remedies if consumed during the treatment. The ideal patient for IPL therapy should have a white and non oily skin with elasticity. Patients are advised to get their skin treated with IPL therapy from a qualified doctor or dermatologist who is eligible for treatment. IPL treatment is not that painful but it largely depends on patient's power to resist pain. If he or she finds it difficult to cope up with pain, a topical anesthetic may be applied.  The time period required for IPL therapy can be extended to 3 to 4 months. In IPL therapy a powerful flash of light, or pulse, is flashed through the prism and it is penetrated to that part of a skin which needs treatment. IPL Therapy can even remove fine wrinkles, facial flushing, rosacea and minor sun damage.

The IPL devices are as following

PhotoDerm VL

This machine is used for treating birth marks. In the process the light pulses are directed at the spider and varicose veins and the tissue embattled here is the hemoglobin in the blood.

PhotoDerm PL

This machine is used to treat age spots, pigmentation, freckles. This process also evolves penetrating the light pulses to the part of skin which need treatment. The tissue targeted is the melanin in the epidermis. 

PhotoDerm HR and EpiLight

This machine treats unwanted hair, permanently. In this process pulsed light works with the help of computer and Selective Photo Thermolysis is what smash up the follicle and causes it to fall out. The pulses target the melanin in the hair shaft and travel to the follicle, heating and destroying it. The cells which produce hair are destroyed making permanent hair removal. The IPL therapy must affect the hair follicle during its growing phase to work properly because the hair grows in cycles and some follicles lie inactive and begin to grow again after a time.

Side affects of IPL therapy

The side affects of IPL therapy lead to blistering or slight bleeding is possible as in case of hypo- or hyper-pigmentation. It also has permanent side affects like pigmentation problems may occur which takes longer time to be treated that is from 3 to 12 months. Few patients may experience permanent skin pigmentation changes. Scarring of skin is also possible in some cases. One more draw back of the IPL hair removal therapy is its cost which is not affordable for people having an average income.  It becomes important for a person going under IPL therapy to educate himself about the facts before spending money and time on the treatment.