IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

IPL

The name of the device as well as the IPL procedure itself was created from the first letters of the phrase (Intense Pulsed Light), i.e. Intensive Pulsed Light. The beam of light produced by the device has a different length and is dispersed, so that the light reaches different layers of the skin, depending on the specific purpose of the treatment.

Mechanism of IPL operation

IPL emits a wide spectrum of different wavelengths of light. Intense light source emitted by the flash lamp. Non-laser, incoherent, visible, polychromatic, high intensity light. The wavelength of light depends on the shut-off filter used and is between 515 and 1400 nm. Different wavelengths cause the light to be absorbed by various specific chromophores in the tissues (eg melanin and hemoglobin), which absorb light of a certain length, converting it into thermal energy.

Application of IPL

IPL treatment is non-invasive without the risk of disruption of tissues, tailored to individual skin needs. IPL treatments are used for a variety of skin disorders and defects. IPL treatments can be performed at any age. The advantage of IPL is that you can combine treatments with other treatments, eg with some medical peels.

IPL is used for photorejuvenation of the skin, leveling of fine wrinkles, removal of dilated blood vessels, erythema, reduction of discolorations, treatment of acne, and removal of unwanted hair.

Photorejuvenation of the skin, reduction of discoloration

Photorejuvenation has not only anti-aging effects, but also improves skin texture and color, reduces wrinkles, eliminates telangiectasia and soothes the symptoms of rosacea. IPL is also recommended for the prophylactic care of the skin. For photorejuvenation, a strong light with the appropriate wavelength is used, which ultimately reaches the cells of the dermis, leading to the synthesis of collagen. The collagen fibers shrink and regenerate. Collagen fibers are shortened and they are rebuilt. The treatment is used in people with acne problems, due to the antibacterial effect and narrowing the widened hair follicles.

Discoloration

The effect of IPL on discoloration lies in the damage of melanin-containing cells by the phenomenon of selective photothermolysis induced by impulses in the filtered band 515-1200 nm.

Immediately after the removal of pigmentation changes, the discoloration gets darker. Within the next 10 days - 2 weeks, the intensity of discoloration is gradually exfoliated. Necessary UV protection up to a minimum of 4 weeks after the last treatment.

In order to achieve perfect results it is necessary to repeat the treatment every 3-4 weeks, the number of treatments is set individually, on average 3-5 treatments

Extended blood vessels

 The light emitted by the device is absorbed by the red blood pigment (hemoglobin) and turns into heat. There is a coagulation and damage to the blood vessels. As a result, the walls of the blood vessels are strengthened and their visibility is reduced.

The effects of therapy

• Improvement of skin density and tension, skin smoothing
• Reduction of discoloration and fine wrinkles
• Stenosis of the sebaceous glands, antibacterial effect
• Stimulation of collagen type I and III production in the dermis
• Liquidation of fine wrinkles

The course of the procedure

The treatment is non-invasive and requires no special preparation. During the treatment, the area covered with the therapy is exposed with short pulses of light.

The treatment is accompanied by a slight momentary burning sensation.

For a long-lasting effect, it is recommended to perform a series of 3-5 treatments at 2-4 weeks intervals.

The appearance of the skin after the procedure

A slight redness appears on the skin after the treatment, pigmentation changes immediately after the treatment are darkened, and slight peeling of the epidermis may occur in the following days.

Epilation

The IPL device emits light that reaches the hair matrix. Pulsed beams of light emitted by the device affect melanin, then the light transforms into thermal energy, consequently causing destruction of the hair follicle.

Not all hairs grow at the same time and at the same pace, the light beam destroys hair in the growth phase (anagen-30%), but does not affect those that remain dormant (catagen and telogen)

In order to obtain satisfactory results, it is necessary to repeat the treatment every 4-8 weeks.

The number of treatments is set individually, on average 3-8 treatments (after 3 treatments visible hair reduction 48%, after 6 treatments 80%)

It is recommended to perform 1-2 remedial treatments a year in order to sustain the effects.

How to prepare for the hair removal procedure

• One month before the procedure, you should not use creams with retinol, vitamin C and fruit acids
• At least one week before the procedure, you should stop taking medicines and light-sensitive herbs (eg St John's wort, antibiotics)
• Before the procedure, do not perform chemical hair removal, wax and penet, do not perform peeling
• Hairy skin subjected to epilation should be shaved before treatment, the skin should be washed and not greased

What does the skin look like after a hair removal treatment

Immediately after the treatment redness may disappear after a few hours or the next day

Recommendations after the procedure of removing unwanted hair

• After the treatment you should protect the skin from the sun and not use the tanning bed (for 1 month after the procedure)
• Shaving is the only form of hair removal during the continuation of a series of treatments
• Clean the area treated with mild Syndet preparations and moisturize the skin
• Do not use creams with vitamin A and fruit acids up to 5 days after the procedure

Skin care after IPL treatment

• After the treatment, moisturize the skin several times a day using creams with allantoin and D-panthenol
• Use a photoprotection cream with SPF 30 filter
• Do not expose the skin to the sun min. one month after the procedure
• Do not use irritating or drying agents on the skin for 10 days after the procedure

Indications for applying IPL

• Age, post-acne, acne and hormonal discoloration
• Smoothing fine wrinkles
• photorejuvenation
• Skin pigmentation disorders
• Extended blood vessels
• Erythema
• Acne
• Treatment of stretch marks
• Removal of telangiectasia and vascular malformation

Contraindications:

• pregnancy and breastfeeding,
• inflammation of the skin
• cancers,
• hyperthyroidism,
• epilepsy,
• albinism,
• psoriasis
• tanned skin, self-tanning,
• using a cream with retinol and vit. C - required discontinuation for 4 weeks before the procedure
• taking medications with retinoids - six-month break in treatment required
• taking medicines and herbs light sensitizing (marigold, St. John's wort, nettle,) - stop taking 2-3 weeks before surgery
• taking antibiotics - stop taking 2-3 weeks before surgery
• taking anticoagulants - it should be discontinued one week before the procedure