Intense-Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment

Intense-Pulsed Light (IPL), also known as Photofacial, is a non-invasive cosmetic skin treatment. It can undo the visible damages caused by sun exposure called photoaging. You may mostly notice these damages on your neck, face, hands, or chest. The procedure uses high-intensity pulses of visible light to improve the colour and texture of your skin. The light heats the cells in your skin and breaks them down. 

There are several benefits of having an intense pulsed light treatment. 

1. Can be performed on multiple areas of the body
2. Reduces skin redness
3. Works well with other non-surgical treatments 
4. Quick, easy, and convenient
5. Painless
6. Prevents premature skin ageing
7. Removes unwanted hair

The treatment works best for people who have pale or light brown skin. You should get the treatment if you want to get rid of:-

1. Acne scars
2. Stretch marks
3. Birthmarks
4. Sun damage
5. Wrinkles
6. Dark spots from hormonal changes
7. Hyperpigmentation (includes liver or age spots and freckles)
8. Rosacea (a condition that causes facial redness)
9. Melasma (a condition that causes brown or grey-brown skin patches)
10. Spider veins
11. Broken blood vessels
12. Discoloured skin
13. Unwanted hairs on your neck, back, face, legs, chest, underarms, or bikini line

The steps in the intense pulsed light procedure include:-

1. The skin care specialist will clean the area to be treated.
2. He/she may apply a topical anaesthetic to the area, but it is not usually necessary. 
3. He/she will rub a cool gel onto your clean skin. 
4. Next, he/she uses a hand-held IPL device to apply light pulses on your skin. 
5. You may need to wear dark glasses during the procedure to protect your eyes. 
6. Depending on the area being treated, the treatment takes 20 to 30 minutes.

Alternatives to Intense Pulsed Light treatment

IPL isn’t the only option to treat spots, fine lines, redness, and unwanted hair. Alternative treatments for IPL include:-

1. Lasers: Lasers use a single wavelength of light to remove skin damage, wrinkles, unwanted hair, and other spots. 
2. Microdermabrasion: It uses small crystals to sand off the epidermis, the top layer of your skin. 
3. Fraxel Laser Treatment: It is a nonablative treatment that penetrates under the surface of your skin without damaging the top layer. 

The selection of the treatment approach is based on your condition and your doctor’s opinion. 

Consultation

1. You will meet with the dermatologist about the benefits, side effects, and risks of the procedure. 
2. He/she will examine your skin and tell you what to expect.
3. Let him/her know if you have skin conditions, such as eczema or inflammatory acne. 
4. He/she will briefly explain the procedure and estimated cost. 
5. Tell him/her if you are pregnant or take medications for other conditions. 

Restrictions

1. The dermatologist will ask you to avoid sun exposure or use tanning creams for four weeks before the procedure. 
2. Do not wax or use chemical peels and collagen shots for two weeks before the procedure. 
3. Do not wear makeup, deodorant, perfume, or other skin irritants. 
4. Avoid medications such as antibiotic doxycycline that can make you sun-sensitive. 
5. Do not take drugs that can increase your risk of bleeding, such as aspirin and ibuprofen. 
6. Quit smoking at least six weeks prior to the surgery to improve healing.

1. Your dermatologist will ask you not to wear any makeup on the day of the surgery. 
2. You will be taken into a special laser room. 
3. The dermatologist will apply a numbing cream for 30-60 minutes before the treatment. 

1. You will lie on the procedure table in the laser room. 
2. The dermatologist will clean the skin to be treated and rub a cool gel on the skin. 
3. He/she will perform the procedure. 
4. The complete procedure will take 30-60 minutes.

In Doctor’s Clinic:-

1. The team will take you to the recovery room for some time, and the skincare specialist will discharge you from the clinic on the same day. 
2. Your dermatologist will give you specific home care and follow-up instructions. 

At Home:-

1. Recovery
   1. Your skin may look pink or red, and it may feel like you have a sunburn for 4 to 8 hours after the procedure. 
   2. Your skin may become bruised for a day or two. 
   3. Your brown spots might get darker but will peel off within a few weeks.
   4. It can take up to a week to return to your normal skin routine. 
2. Activities Restricted
   1. Do not put makeup or lotion on the treated area for 24 hours or till the swelling subsides. 
   2. Avoid using hot water on your skin until it heals. 
   3. Stay away from sunlight.
   4. Do not pick on your skin. 
3. Activities Allowed
   1. You can apply a cool washcloth or an ice pack to the treated area for 10-15 minutes every hour to help relieve redness. 
   2. Use moisturising lotion.
   3. Wash your face with a cleanser. 
   4. Apply SPF 30 sunscreen even if it is not sunny outside. 

The procedure has no serious complications. But like any other surgery, some side effects of the procedure include:-

1. Infection
2. Pain
3. Scar

Some complications of IPL treatment include:-

1. Bruising
2. Blistering
3. Skin discolouration
4. Crusting
5. Swelling
6. Bleeding
7. Scarring

Consult your dermatologist if you feel sick or your symptoms get worse.