IPL Scar Treatment

 

"IPL is effective not only in improving the appearance of hypertrophic scars and keloids regardless of their origin, but also in reducing the height, redness, and hardness of scars."- The National Library of Medicine

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How does intense pulsed light therapy work?

IPL systems work on the same principles as lasers in that light energy is absorbed into particular target cells with colour (chromophores) in the skin. The light energy is converted to heat energy, which causes damage to the specific target area. IPL systems are different to lasers in that they deliver many wavelengths (or colours) in each pulse of light instead of just one wavelength. Most IPL systems use filters to refine the energy output for the treatment of certain areas. This enhances penetration without using excessive energy levels and enables targeting of specific chromophores (these are skin components that absorb light).

IPL therapy is considered a non-ablative resurfacing technique, which means that it targets the lower layers of skin (dermis) without affecting the top layers of skin (epidermis). The results are not as dramatic as ablative resurfacing where both the dermis and epidermis are injured to produce a much more noticeable overall outcome. The advantage of IPL therapy is its minimal downtime – a patient can often have the procedure done in their lunch break and return to work immediately afterwards.

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What does the intense pulsed light procedure involve?

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Prior to the procedure our practitioners will explain the process to you and clearly define your expectations of the treatment. They will tell you whether or not the results you are looking for will be achievable using this method. Our physicians will perform a diagnosis and provide above details prior to the beginning of the treatment.

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IPL treatments are normally straightforward. We have trained all our technicians properly and they have an extensive level of experience to assure accurate results of IPL therapy.

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It is recommended to avoid sun exposure for a certain number of days and weeks before and after treatment.

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A topical anesthetic may be applied to the area but is not usually necessary.

A cold gel is applied to the area being treated. Our IPL devices have integrated cooling systems.

The smooth, glass surface of the IPL treatment head is applied to the skin, delivering precise pulses of light to the area being treated.

Treatment sessions usually last about 20 minutes. A course of 4-6 sessions every 3-6 weeks may be needed to achieve desired results.

Most patients can return to work immediately after treatment.

Throughout the treatment session, the patient must wear protective eyewear.

 

IPL treatments are relatively painless compared to other facial rejuvenation techniques. The sensation has been likened to a light pinch or the snap of a rubber band.

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Are there any side effects of intense pulsed light therapy?

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Yes. There are minor side effects of IPL such as:

Pain during treatment (reduced by contact cooling and if necessary, topical unaesthetic)
Skin turning pink and a little sore immediately after the procedure.
A sensation of a mild sunburn (redness, peeling, swelling) that may last a few days after treatment.
Sometimes the pigment cells (melanocytes) can be damaged leaving darker or paler patches of skin. White patches or scars are rarely permanent.

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