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Intense Pulsed Light
IPL utilises light energy to improve the skin. It can treat sun-damage, pigmentation, freckles, spider vessels, rosacea and redness, and unwanted hair. IPL treatments also improve skin tone and texture. IPL has been available in Australia since the mid 90’s and has proven itself to be a valuable and adaptable modality.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
IPL uses a process known as “photo-thermolysis”. In other words it uses light energy to have a heating effect on the target lesion which causes it to break up.
WHAT IS IT LIKE TO HAVE TREATMENT?
Generally IPL treatments with modern machines are quick, taking 10-20 minutes. Often a topical anaesthetic cream is used, which makes the treatment fairly painless. Afterwards there may be redness and swelling, though this is usually minimal. Pigment and freckles go dark before fading or flaking away. This takes about 7 days on the face, but can take 2-3 weeks on other body areas. Make up can be used from the next day.
WHAT AREAS OF THE BODY CAN BE TREATED
IPL can be used on any part of the body, although the face is the most common
WHAT CAN’T IPL TREAT?
IPL can’t be used to treat moles, tattoos, leg veins or un-diagnosed skin lesions. It is not usually effective at treating lentigos (large freckle like spots) or melasma.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS
If IPL is performed too aggressively, it may cause blisters or burns leading to scarring. This is rare in experienced hands. If not performed evenly, it can leave a pattern of stripes or rectangles, which are usually easily treated with a second session.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE REQUIRED
This depends the condition being treated and how much improvement is desired. Freckles often only need 1-2 sessions, redness and unwanted hair may need 4-6.
ADVICE FOR CONSUMERS
Read the advice for consumers on the ARPANSA website.