IPL Facial Rejuvenation
Questions and answers about Intense Pulsed Light Photorejuvenation

Photodamaged skin is characterized not only by lines and wrinkles, but also by rough skin texture, irregular pigmentation (lentigines, also called ‘sun spots’ liver spots’ or ‘age spots’) fine blood vessels (telangiectasias), laxity, and enlarged pores.

Skin photorejuvenation is the visible improvement of photodamaged skin
using a laser or other light source. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), a noncoherent, broadband, pulsed light source is an effective method for treating photodamaged skin. It is often used in combination with chemical peels and topical retinoids in order to obtain optimal results.

How does the system work?
The system consists of intense light that is emitted in a series of short pulses. The light is directed into the skin, and certain wavelengths of light are absorbed by the small blood vessels within the epidermis and dermis. These small blood vessels are heated up to a high temperature and destroyed, a process called thermocoagulation. This destroys the entire vessel whilst causing minimal damage to the surrounding skin. Following treatment, the damaged vessels are absorbed by the body and little or no trace of the initial lesion remains.

Similarly, other wavelengths are absorbed by melanin contained within pigmented lesions such as lentigines (also known as ‘sun spots’, ‘liver spots’ or ‘age spots’) when the light is fired onto the skin. This causes them to be heated up, resulting in damage to the lesion whilst causing minimal damage to the surrounding skin. Following treatment, the damaged lesions turn darker and may crust. Over the following weeks they will gradually flake away from the skin leaving little trace of the original mark.

This process also results in activation of cells in the skin called fibroblasts to stimulate collagen remodeling and new collagen production. This helps to rejuvenate the skin, improving its texture and reducing superficial fine lines and wrinkles. Pores in the skin also become less pronounced and the reflectivity of the skin is improved.

Which patients can be treated?
Almost everyone can be treated, apart from very dark skinned or tanned individuals.

Does it hurt?
As the light energy is absorbed by the skin, it heats it up, and creates a sharp pinprick, burning sensation. Most patients describe the discomfort as moderate and acceptable. No anaesthesia is usually required.

How do I prepare for treatment?
Patients should avoid strong sunlight during the course of treatment and for at least 3-4 weeks afterwards. It is recommended that an SPF 30 is used on treated areas. Tanned skin cannot be treated and patients must not use any fake tan 6 weeks ahead of,and during the entire treatment period.

What should I expect after the treatment?
Redness and a slight burning sensation are normal after treatment. A cooling pack will be applied to the skin to ease these symptoms. Pigmented lesions will darken after treatment and may appear more obvious at first, but gradually the marks will ‘flake' away. It should be noted that continued sun exposure may result in recurrence of the original mark and sunscreen should be used to prevent this happening.  When fine blood vessels are treated they may become temporarily ‘grey’; this will soon pass. Other blood vessels may disappear immediately.

What are the side effects?
The visible light is completely safe so no special precautions are needed apart from glasses for the brightness. The skin of some patients becomes quite red immediately after treatment, and in some patients bruising may occur. However, most patients experience no side effects and the redness usually disappears within hours to a few days. Very rarely hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, scarring or blistering may occur.

How long does treatment take?
The length of each treatment will depend on the type and size of lesion present, but a typical session will take in the region of 15 to 30 minutes.  

How many treatments are necessary?
The length and number of treatments will depend on the type and size of pigmented mark present, but typically 3-5 treatments will be needed. Treatments should take place approximately every 3 to 4 weeks.