Intense Pulsed Light

Effective Skin Treatments with Intense Pulsed Light

Many people have associated the term “laser therapy” with skin treatments and assume that intense pulsed light refers to laser therapy as well. However, that is not the case and intense pulsed light therapy stands on its own merits as an effective treatment for a variety of skin conditions.

Intense pulsed light (IPL) devices use a multitude of wavelengths of light, rather than a continuous light wavelength used by laser devices. This allows doctors to concentrate energy at different levels based upon specific settings determined by body type, skin color and skin type. The varying wavelengths of light allows greater flexibility for doctors to treat different types of skin conditions.

IPL treatments can address a variety of skin issues including age spots, broken capillaries, rosacea and removing fine-to-moderate wrinkles and lines. IPL treatments can tighten large pores and has FDA approval for hair removal as well. Collagen and elastin levels also receive a boost with the use of intense pulsed light. Collagen and elastin plump up the skin and help give it a youthful appearance.

Most IPL patients can expect a course of three to six treatments with each appointment typically taking about 45 minutes. IPL is usually less expensive than laser treatments. Generally, there is no visible skin redness or downtime after the appointment as IPL works under the skin and leaves the upper layer of the skin untouched. For the most part, doctors recommend IPL treatments for patients with lighter skin color only as hyperpigmentation can occur in patients with darker skin.

If you have skin issues that you feel detract from your appearance, see Dr. Weinman at FirstCare Medical Center. We can discuss your particular skin conditions and effective treatments that can help improve the look of your skin and allow you to feel more confident about your appearance.