ABOUT INTENSE PULSED LIGHT (IPL)

About Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

In a recent article, we elaborated upon the significant differences between Q-Switch Lasers and Pico Lasers. (Read our article on Q- Switch Lasers Vs Pico Lasers).

In today’s article, we will help to educate you further about Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), especially for skin resurfacing and rejuvenation treatment.

What is intense pulse light therapy (IPL)?

Skin aging is one of the most common complaints in Aesthetic and dermatology. It is related to multiple factors in skin laxity, wrinkles, abnormal pigmentation, and telangiectasia. In recent times, IPL has been highlighted as one of the most common and efficient non-invasive cosmetic procedures aiming to treat overall fine wrinkles and other skin abnormalities.

Intense pulse light therapy (IPL), also known as photorejuvenation or the photo facial, is a non-ablative (fractional) laser procedure that effectively eliminates fine lines, hyperpigmentation spots, and acne. IPL can undo some visible damage caused by sun exposure called photoaging which is mainly found on the face, neck, hands, or chest.

How does Intense Pulse Light Therapy (IPL) work?

Skin blemishes are treated with powerful flashes of light in short, polychromatic blasts during this process. The energy created by the light penetrates the dermal layers below the epidermis layer and begins to address the melanin that is causing the spots. The heat penetrates and attacks the pigment particles, breaking and destroying their bonds. The particles then rise to the surface and form as scabs and then slough off. They could also be carried in the lymph and eliminated naturally by the body within a few weeks. Intense pulse light therapy (IPL) stimulates new dermal collagen and elastin development and deposition. It helps reorganise structural scaffold proteins and dermal connective tissue and regenerate new keratinocytes. Thus, reducing hyperpigmentation or any other blemishes.

IPL-based technology is generally considered a safe procedure as the potentially harmful ultraviolet radiations are typically filtered by the blocking wavelengths below 500 nm.

Who should get Intense Pulse Light Therapy (IPL)?

Intense pulse light therapy (IPL) works best if the patient has pale or light brown skin. IPL helps get rid of-

  • Acne

  • Birthmarks

  • Stretch marks

  • Liver or age spots

  • Broken blood vessels

  • Brown spots, also called liver or age spots

  • Dark spots from hormonal changes

  • Discolored skin

  • Fine wrinkles

  • Freckles

  • Redness from rosacea

  • Scars

  • Spider veins

  • Unwanted hair

Advantages of Intense Pulse Light Therapy (IPL)

Some of the benefits of IPL are as follows-  

Causes less pain

Since IPL uses a broadband pulsed light while laser uses a monochromatic coherent light source, IPL is often considered less painful than any other laser cosmetic treatment procedure.

Minimal downtime

Because of the broader flash of light used in IPL, IPL devices feature a bigger treatment window and can cover a much larger area at once, meaning a much faster treatment time than the laser and minimal downtime.

Safer technique

The additional bonus of IPL treatment is that it’s much safer to use as the light is less concentrated and can be used risk-free for long-lasting results.

Why is training important for using Intense Pulse Light Therapy (IPL)?

Intense pulse light therapy (IPL) should be performed by a trained doctor with a sound understanding of physiology and human skin anatomy. IPL has mild side effects like pain, bruising, numbness, tenderness, or redness and swelling like any cosmetic procedure. However, mistakes may also lead to severe scarring, infection, itching, bleeding, enlarged pores, and various allergic reactions.

About IIWAM training in Intense Pulse Light Therapy (IPL)

It is prudent that all Aesthetic practitioners undergo proper training in Aesthetic Medicine. The practitioner must balance between benefits & risks of the Aesthetic procedure and steps to mitigate complications if it occurs. At IIWAM, we call it understanding the procedure, the product, and the patient, and our trainers pay utmost attention to teaching the following subjects of IPL treatments under our best Cosmetic Dermatology Online Courses.

  • What are the principles of selective photothermolysis?

  • What is laser-tissue interaction?

  • What are the principles of IPL?

  • How does IPL work?

  • What are IPL complications?

  • How to treat IPL complications?

Apply for the best online aesthetic courses from IIWAM today.  

About IIWAM

International Institute of Wellness & Aesthetic Medicine (IIWAM), formerly known as Aesthetic Academy Asia (http://aestheticacademy.asia), is a One-Stop Centre of Excellence for Aesthetic Education along with Aesthetic Medical & Wellness Procedures. IIWAM provides Aesthetic Education for Medical Doctors, Dentists, Nurses, Aestheticians & Spa Owners, which is backed by a comprehensive online learning platform and a virtual library (https://www.iiwam.ac/library).

IIWAM Education Centre (https://www.iiwam.ac/education) provides International Aesthetic Certification programs and Advanced Online Aesthetic Courses for Doctors, Dentists, Nurses, Aestheticians, and Spa Owners in the field of Aesthetic Medicine. Our Institute is based in Malaysia and has international students from the Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, and other countries. With our insignia of “Be Certified, Be Recognized”, we develop knowledgeable, skilled, and confident Aesthetic practitioners of international repute. Our Aesthetic training focuses on teaching the principles of Aesthetic procedures before venturing into Aesthetic clinical skills. IIWAM training Programs are a combination of Onsite Training, LIVE Online Webinars, and Online Learning. IIWAM is the first Institute in the World to have its Programs assured by City & Guilds of London and certified by European International University. IIWAM is also a registered CPD Training provider with CPD Standards Office in the UK and by CPD Malaysian Medical Association.

In addition, IIWAM Aesthetic & Wellness Centre (https://www.iiwam.ac/wellness) provides scientifically based and clinically proven Aesthetic & Wellness procedures, that are safe, effective & affordable. With an insignia of "For All Your Aesthetic Needs", your treatment programs are customized to suit your needs by our Board-Certified Doctors & Surgeons.

Visit https://www.iiwam.ac for more details.