What Is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatment?

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy uses an intense beam of light to treat conditions that affect skin texture and color. It is also used to repair damaged blood vessels and remove unwanted hair.

IPL therapy can treat many skin and blood vessel problems in areas such as your face, hands, neck, chest, and legs. Many choose IPL because it can provide the desired results with minimal pain and downtime.

However, when compared to other skin rejuvenation treatments, IPL may require more sessions to achieve the results you want. Side effects, such as redness or discoloration or swelling, can sometimes extend your recovery time.

Purpose of IPL Therapy

IPL therapy is a noninvasive treatment to rejuvenate your skin by improving its texture and pigment. It delivers a broad spectrum of light wavelengths that briefly pulse your skin. The light energy is absorbed by melanin pigment to treat brown spots. It is also absorbed by hemoglobin in red blood cells to treat broken blood vessels.

IPL therapy gives off less energy than laser treatments. To achieve the desired results, it may require more sessions over a longer time.

For Skin

IPL skin treatment uses many wavelengths to repair unwanted pigment conditions. During treatment, the light waves pass through the epidermis (top layer of skin) to the targeted lesion. The light heats and destroys the pigment cells.

IPL therapy treatments, sometimes called IPL photofacials, provide an average of 70% improvement for skin conditions such as wrinkles, flushing, and pore size.

IPL therapy is advised to treat the following skin conditions:

The benefits of IPL therapy include:

• Even skin color
• Improved skin texture
• Minimal recovery time
• Relatively long-lasting results

For Eyes

IPL is considered a safe and effective treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a type of dry eye syndrome. Meibomian glands are the oil glands that line the edge of your upper and lower eyelids near your eyelashes. These glands secrete meibum, the oil that coats your eyes and tear film so your tears do not evaporate too fast.

Many genetic and acquired factors, such as age, environmental stress, medications, and hormonal changes, can cause these glands to become blocked or produce poor-quality oil.

When used to treat MGD, the IPL laser aims to reduce the bacterial load and eyelid inflammation that can contribute to this disease. While the mechanism of IPL on MGD is unclear, research indicates that the IPL liquifies meibum through heating. Other factors, such as the effect of IPL on thrombosis (blockage) of the treated blood vessels and Demodex mites (microscopic mites that can cause MGD), may also be at work.

For Blood Vessels

IPL therapy effectively treats broken capillaries, spider veins, and varicose veins. The treatment delivers concentrated short bursts of light to heat the blood supply in the targeted vessel.

The light heats the red blood cells, causing microscopic clots that interfere with blood circulation. As a result, the vein collapses and shrinks without harming surrounding tissue. The destroyed vein is absorbed into your body.

Depending on the size and appearance of your spider or varicose veins, IPL therapy may require two to six treatments in intervals of four to six weeks for optimal results. While several options exist for treating undesirable veins, IPL therapy is one of the best options for most facial veins.

For Unwanted Hair

IPL therapy can remove unwanted hair from any area of your body. Its large coverage area can make it easier to treat the chest, legs, or back. IPL therapy works by directing the energy through your skin to the hair follicle, where it stops growing.

IPL therapy for hair removal works best on people with light skin and dark hair because the hair’s melanin (colored pigment) absorbs more light, producing better results. When the energy is absorbed, it is transformed into thermal energy, which causes the hair follicle to die.

IPL therapy for hair removal can be permanent, but it is more common to have to repeat treatments every six months to a year to maintain your results.

Treatment Results

The duration of your results will depend on the conditions and location being treated, the size of the treated area, and how many areas you desire to change. For optimal results, basic IPL treatments are typically performed in a series of two to six procedures spaced four weeks apart.

IPL treatment results improve over time. You can help maintain your results with daily sun protection and skin care maintenance. However, IPL treatment is rarely a permanent solution for blemishes. Results can last for about a year, though individual experiences vary. Getting a new series of IPL treatments every year or every other year can help you maintain your results.

Potential Side Effects

While IPL therapy has potential side effects, most people tolerate this treatment well. You are less likely to have side effects when you receive treatment from a qualified healthcare provider. While rare, complications can occur.

After the First Session

While results vary by individual, you may experience the following side effects after your first session:

• A sensation and appearance of having a mild sunburn on the treated area, which will subside within 24 hours
• Mild swelling in the treated area, which usually resolves within several days
• Rarely, scabs, blisters, crusting, or bleeding of the treated area

If you had IPL therapy for varicose veins on your legs, you may experience slight bumps on your skin. These typically disappear within a few hours. Your skin may appear reddish, discolored, or bruised. Despite the appearance of your skin, you should be able to return to your normal activities after your IPL session.

Weeks or Months Later

While most physical side effects will subside within 48 hours, it may take several weeks until you notice any significant changes.

You may notice that brown spots darken for up to two weeks. Do not try to rush the process by picking at these spots. Your skin must naturally shed for the results to be visible. These blemishes will eventually fade to a lighter color than before your treatment.

Home Versions vs. Sessions With a Dermatologist

Low-fluence, home-use IPL devices have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to remove unwanted hair. Studies have shown these devices to be safe and effective. Fluence refers to energy concentration.

While generally safe, these devices are operated by untrained individuals without the benefit of nearby medical care in case of emergencies. However, research indicates that the most severe adverse effects from home versions occurred with first-degree burns, which typically heal without leaving permanent damage.

How an IPL Session Works

IPL treatments are typically administered in an outpatient clinic setting. Depending on the nature of your treatments, they may be performed by a physician or surgeon. However, it is not uncommon for nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, or registered nurses to perform these treatments if state regulations allow them to do so. In some states, estheticians with special training may also be permitted to use IPL treatments for certain procedures.

Before your procedure, your healthcare provider will review your medical history and discuss your goals. They may also conduct a physical exam.

Before You Go

Your healthcare provider will tell you how to prepare for your IPL treatments based on your condition and the treatments to be performed. Before your IPL session, you will likely be advised to follow these guidelines to ensure safe and effective treatments:

For two weeks before your IPL therapy, avoid:

For one week before your IPL therapy, avoid:

• Certain antibiotics (if advised to do so by your healthcare provider)
• Deodorants
• Perfumes
• Potential irritants in the treatment area
• Topical creams such as retinoids

On the day of your IPL therapy, do not use the following substances before your session:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Aspirin
• Herbal supplements
• Lotions

You may have to take an antiviral medication if you have a history of the herpes virus or cold sores. This will reduce your risk of having an outbreak on the day of your IPL treatment. You should also quit smoking as soon as you plan to have IPL therapy. This will promote better healing.

During Treatment

A typical IPL therapy session takes at least 20 to 30 minutes, though it may last longer depending on the area being treated and the goal of treatment. During treatment, you can expect the following:

• You should arrive for your IPL therapy without makeup, lotion, or other products on the area to be treated.
• The targeted area will be thoroughly cleansed.
• You will wear dark sunglasses to protect your eyes.
• A topical anesthetic will be applied to the targeted area.
• A topical gel or forced cool air may be used to prevent your skin from feeling too much heat.
• The treatment may produce a stinging sensation, similar to being snapped by a rubber band.
• After your session is complete, you can usually go home immediately.

Aftercare

Follow the aftercare instructions provided by your healthcare provider to get the best results and reduce your risk of complications. To support your recovery, you should:

• Apply cool packs or moist washcloths to reduce burning or stinging sensations.
• Avoid picking at any scabs that develop.
• Avoid applying makeup or lotion to the treated area for either 24 hours or until all signs of redness, discoloration, and stinging have gone.
• Avoid hot water and prolonged exposure to the sun for up to two days after your procedure.
• Apply a thick moisturizing lotion to the treated area twice daily until you have finished your course of treatment. Continue this for at least three months after your final treatment.

Affordability

The cost of IPL therapy varies by provider, geographic area, the size of the area being treated, and the number of treatments necessary to achieve your desired results. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the average cost for IPL/photo rejuvenation was $397 in 2021.

Most people require three to five IPL sessions to achieve the desired result. After your initial procedure, you will need periodic follow-up treatments to maintain your results. To avoid surprises, it’s wise to consult with your provider and request a cost estimate before your treatment.

When calculating total costs, be sure to find out if any of the following fees are added to the cost of the treatment:

• Anesthesia fees
• Facility cost
• Medical tests
• Prescribed medications
• Procedure cost
• Surgeon’s fee

Since IPL is usually performed as an elective cosmetic treatment, most health insurance plans do not cover it. However, your provider may offer a manageable financing plan to make your treatment more affordable.

Making an Informed Decision

You may feel more confident in your choice to undergo IPL therapy if you make an informed decision. One of the most important steps is to consult with a reputable and experienced healthcare provider. Seek out providers who have experience using IPL therapy to treat the areas you want to change.

Before you decide to have IPL therapy, talk to your healthcare provider about your goals. They can help you understand potential risks and benefits to decide whether IPL therapy is right for you.

IPL treatment produces the best results for people who have lighter skin tones. You may want to talk to your healthcare practitioner about other options if you have darker skin as you may not get a good results or you may have side effects as the light reacts with skin pigment.

Having realistic expectations will prevent you from being disappointed. While IPL therapy is considered safe and effective, it can cause discomfort for some people. You should also be prepared to undergo several sessions to achieve your results. Since IPL is not a permanent solution, you will likely need periodic maintenance treatments to maintain your results.

To make an informed decision, you should have answers to all your questions and understand the following considerations:

• The recommended approach to your treatment, including the type of treatment or combination of treatments
• The results you can expect
• Potential risks and complications
• How to prepare for your treatment
• What to expect after your treatment
• Before and after photos of cases like yours
• The total cost of your treatment
• Where your treatment will occur

IPL therapy may not be appropriate for people with the following circumstances:

• Pregnancy or the possibility of pregnancy
• Light sensitivities for any reason, such as due to a medication or health condition
• Inflammation or infection
• Seizure disorders triggered by flashing light
• Unprotected sun exposure, tanning, or the application of a sunless tanning product within the previous two weeks
• Accutane (isotretinoin) within the previous six months
• Melasma (hormone-induced hyperpigmentation)
• Suspicious pigmented lesions within the targeted treatment area
• Treatment areas overlying and within up to 1 centimeter of a tattoo
• Susceptibility to keloid scarring

Summary

IPL therapy targets the lower layer of skin without affecting the top layers. While the effects are not as dramatic as laser treatments that treat both the lower and top layers, IPL therapy needs little downtime.

While IPL therapy can produce noticeable results, your skin continues to change and age. This means that new wrinkles and blemishes can appear over time. Follow-up treatments may be needed to maintain results.

You can help reduce side effects and achieve proper healing if you understand and follow through on guidelines before and after your IPL therapy. Consulting with an experienced healthcare provider can help you achieve the desired results.