IPL, an acronym for intense pulse light treatment, is an alternative cosmetic treatment that is used in treating skin conditions and hair removals. It is similar to laser therapy.
In this article, we will reveal to you everything you need to know before going for the IPL treatment.
1. What is IPL Treatment?
Intense pulse light treatment is a medical procedure that involves the treatment of certain skin conditions using the light of varying wavelengths.
The light penetrates the epidermis (top skin layer) down to the dermis (second skin layer) where the skin cell pigments absorb the light to elicit treatment of the skin condition it is targeted at.
2. How IPL Treatment Works
Most IPL treatments target the melanin. A handheld flashgun is held across the skin delivering a spectrum of light, adjusted to a particular wavelength, down the skin layers.
The light spectrum travels until it hits the hair root where melanin concentration is high. As the hair root absorbs the light, the light energy is converted to heat energy, which heats it.
The hair root becomes disintegrated. This prevents the future growth of the targeted hair and makes the dark colour on the skin to fade.
IPL treatment is used for the treatment of a range of skin issues. They include:
- Keloid scars
- Stretch marks
- Scars
- Freckles
- Melasma
- Hyperpigmentation
- Rosacea
- Sunburns
4. Other Uses of the IPL Treatment
IPL, when adjusted to different wavelengths, can be used to accomplish other cosmetic needs. Apart from the treatment of skin discolouration, IPL hair removal is another treatment the cosmetic surgery can accomplish.
Other skin conditions IPL is used on are wrinkles, birthmark, visible blood vessels and veins, large skin pores, and uneven skin.
5. Safety of IPL Treatment
Compared to laser treatment, intense pulse light treatment is safe to use. Unlike the laser treatment that focuses on just one wavelength of light at the skin, IPL treatment releases different light wavelengths.
This makes penetrable deep into the skin without causing any harm. This treatment does not involve a light spectrum that causes or increases skin cancer.
However, IPL treatment is not safe for pregnant women and those on blood thinners.
6. Effectiveness of IPL Treatment
How effective IPL treatment depends on skin colour. This procedure works better on light skin than on black skin. Because the light spectrum targets melanin, this may cause skin discolouration for dark-skinned persons.
7. IPL Treatment Recovery
The treated area tends to appear red or pink immediately after the procedure. This colouration may last for between 4 and 8 hours. Patients may experience swelling in the treated areas or mild stinging sensations. Use a cool pack or moist soft cloth to ease the stinging sensation.
During recovery, people should avoid applying lotion or makeup on the treated area until the swelling has gone. People are also advised to moisturize the treated area for at least 3 months and keep up with scheduled maintenance treatments.
8. Duration of the IPL Procedure
IPL treatments take between 15 and 60 minutes depending on the body area. Bikini lines take around 15 minutes while the legs take up to 60 minutes.
9. Areas that can be treated Using IPL
Wrinkles at the face are removed using the procedure.
Also, it is used to remove hair from the lower right arm, lower left arm, upper right arm, upper left arm, upper right leg, upper left leg, bikini line, underarms, buttocks, upper back, lower back, toes, fingers, fingers, hands, shoulder, lower right leg, and lower left leg.
10. Preparation
Two weeks before the procedure, dermatologists recommend that the following should be avoided:
- Sunbathing
- Collagen injections
- Waxing
- Avoid make-ups and creams
- Stay away from ibuprofen and aspirin
- Avoid alcohol
- Visit a dermatologist to check for any underlying health issue
In a Nutshell
IPL is becoming an increasing sought-after cosmetic procedure. It is used to reduce wrinkles and ageing signs. Other uses include removal of hair, freckles, sunburns, birthmarks, and hyperpigmentation.
IPL is safe to use and works best on light skins than on dark skins. For those who live locally, IPL treatment in London is one of the best ways to treat skin conditions and hair removals.
Before undergoing this procedure, it’s advisable to consult a certified and professional dermatologist. For more information, feel free to get in touch with our professionals.
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