Intense Pulse Light

Intense pulsed light, also known as IPL, is the use of high intensity light rays

in short intervals of time. The rays of light are often administered in pulses, or wave

like patterns, which is how the treatment earned its name. Most any candidate can

receive Intense Pulsed Light treatment, and the technology has proved highly

effective for those individuals with thick, dark hair or heavy discoloration on their

skin. The treatment can be administered on almost any part of the body, however it is

best to avoid the extremely sensitive areas of your skin, such as directly around the

eyes, lips, nose and ears.

How does it work?

The intense pulsed light rays are delivered through a hand held device, or a

stationary robotic arm that is controlled by a computer. The wand or arm is positioned

over the area receiving the treatment and the light rays are administered in brief,

repetitive spurts. The intensity of the light allows it to penetrate deep into your skin,

reaching the root of your hair follicle. The root, or bulb, of each individual hair is the

most effective area to target for long lasting hair removal, and is also where the

majority of melanin, or skin pigmentation is concentrated. The light is then

transformed into heat by the cells in your skin and essentially vaporizes unwanted

hair and melanin buildup. By targeting this specific area, unwanted pigmentation and

skin discolorations can be reversed and at the same time the hair is removed from the

follicle, leaving behind smooth, even toned skin.

Benefits

Unlike topical hair removal treatments, which only temporarily remove hair

until it grows back, intense pulsed light therapy actually reduces the number of hairs

that will grow back. Studies have shown that up to 85% – 90% of hair can be

permanently removed after a few rounds of treatment. Oftentimes more than one

round of treatment is required, but patients have seen the desired effects in as little as

2 treatments. Most patients elect to receive anywhere between 2 and 8 treatments.

These treatments can be given 4 to 6 weeks apart, allowing time for the remaining

hair to begin growing back. Intense pulsed light therapy is great for those individuals

with a hectic schedule. The actual treatment itself takes anywhere from 30 to 60

minutes and the recovery time needed is almost none, with very little visible side

effects present after the treatment. The skin will be a little tender after each treatment

so it is best to provide additional protection by applying a heavy moisturizer and

sunblock immediately after.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?

The most common:  skin reaction is a mild erythema/redness of the skin few hours

after the treatment.

In rare cases:

Temporary hyperpigmentation (brown discoloration).

Temporary hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin)

Temporary peri-follicular oedema

Temporary follistim.

Temporary blistering and scabbing

Indications for IPL Treatments

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Treatments have the following indications:

1. Reduction in Erythema or redness of the face, neck or chest including the medical

condition called “Rosacea”.   A 75%, or higher, reduction can be seen after 5

treatments with the benefits continuing up to 12 months after the treatments.  

Additional maintenance treatments can extend this period.

2. Flushing (sporadic redness) of the face, neck and chest.  IPL remains one of the

only effective treatments for this condition that causes embarrassment to many

individuals.  Flushing occurs with stress or alcohol consumption and can be

dramatically reduced 75%, or more, after 5 treatments.

3. Rosacea is a medical condition characterized by a low-grade skin inflammation. 

The redness may be controlled with medication such as topical or oral antibiotics. 

IPL reduces the inflammation in the skin and may eliminate the need for

medication.

4. Photoaging or Sun Damage is skin that has fine wrinkles, freckling, irregular

pigmentation, coarse or rough appearance, large pores and a dull texture.  IPL has

been shown to visibly reduce these skin characteristics creating skin that is

brighter and more youthful in appearance.

5. Pigmentation Problems (Brown Age-Spots, Melasma or Pregnancy-Mask) are

characterized by uneven brown skin pigmentation.  Other signs of sun-damage

may also be present.  IPL treatments can significantly reduce this uneven

pigmentation, especially when combined with our specific skin-care products.

6. Acne  Scarring may be visibly improved with IPL treatments that induce Collagen

formation in the dermis.

7. Post-Surgical Scars can be lightened with IPL treatments that specifically target

vessels in the forming scar tissue.

8. Stretch Marks that are red or purple in color can be faded using IPL.

9. Scars- many physicians are finding IPL a successful approach for reducing the

appearance of new, reddish scars. This non-invasive, gentle approach uses targeted

flashes of light to treat dilated and broken blood vessels.

CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR IPL

Is required to perform a patch test on every client before treatment on the area to be

treated and wait 7 days- 14 days to check for adverse reactions.

CONDITION CAN NOT BE TREATED

Photo sensitive medications

Pregnancy.

Gold Injections

Xeroderma

Breastfeeding.

Kidney Disease

Under 18’s

Pacemaker

Diabetes

Porphyry

Heart Disease

Active Tans

Hemophilia

Epilepsy

Cancer

Anti-Coagulant

Lupus Disease

HIV/AIDS

Roaccutane

Vitiligo

Keloid Scarring.