Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

IPL LASER therapy was initially used in the treatment of leg telangiectasias in 1992. Subsequently, it proved useful in rabbit ear vein experiments, wherein it demonstrated successful thermocoagulation of vessels while causing minimal purpura and epidermal burn. This activity can benefit the learners enabling them review the IPL LASER therapy focusing on indications, contraindications and basic technical aspects of delivering IPL LASER therapy. It places focus on the interprofessional healthcare team in delivering IPL LASER treatments, promoting a holistic learning of this multi-purpose technology. Since FDA approval of the first IPL LASER device in 1995, innovations have even further extended its use into a wide number of fields making IPL LASER safe and effective for the management of pigmented and vascular disorders, hair removal and photodamage.

Which IPL LASER Laser Machines are Out There And How Do They Operate?

IPL LASER, (Intense Pulsed Light) is the type of light therapy, used for erasing wrinkles, spots and unwanted hair. The complications are rarely seen although swelling, discoloration and bruising of the skin may develop after the injections.

Some of the IPL LASER machines are LumenisI® Quantum IPL LASER® (which replaced PhotoDerm®), EpiLight® and Ellipse®. While it is possible to build individual machines that concentrate on specific issues, said machines may not be equally efficient.

IPL Laser for Vascular lesions

• For the removal of spider veins, thread veins and some forms of vascular birth marks.
• Uses light pulses that are effectively aimed at red-pigment (haemoglobin) in blood which is heated and destroyed without harm to the skin or any other parts of the body.

Intense Pulse Light Laser for Pigmented lesions

• For the treatment of lentigines, freckle, flat pigmented nevi and other skin hypo or hyper pigmentation disorders including Melasma and poikiloderma of neck.
• Light pulses entail localization of the melanin.
• On the skin’s surface, there is a heating unit that has been designed to destroy the melanin responsible for the discolouration.

IPL Laser for Hair Removal

• With regard to the removal of unwanted hair.
• Light pulses targeted at the hair follicle causing the hair to fall out and prevent further growth. Generally ineffective for light coloured hair.
• May be used for hair in any location including underarms, bikini line, face, neck, back, chest and legs

What Does the Intense Pulsed Light Procedure Involve?

Before the IPL Laser procedure your specialist practitioner should give you an insight on the procedure and the results you should expect on the treatment. They should be able to advise you whether the specific outcomes you hope to realize will be attainable using this approach or not. Ensure that your doctor has done it right by providing you with the right diagnosis before a treatment plan is offered. So only visit the best, such as Prof. Dr. Ikram Ullah Khan, the best dermatologist in Islamabad.

The Procedure

IPL LASER treatments do not usually cause any complications and are often an uneventful procedure. Ensure that the dermatologist has enough practice and experience in the procedure to perform IPL LASER therapy. This is where Prof. Dr. Ikram Ullah Khan stands out as he is the pioneer of laser technology in Pakistan.

• If you are having laser treatment to your face, it is recommended that you avoid exposure to the sun for days prior to the treatment and the weeks that follow.
• In most cases disposition requires no topical anesthesia which can be applied only if needed.
• Cold gel is also used and applied on the area that is to be treated. It is noteworthy that many IPL LASER devices are equipped with cooling systems .
• The smooth, glass surface of the IPL LASER treatment head is put against the skin and then pulses of light are beamed to the treatment area.
• Specific sessions are usually about 20 minutes long. Depending on the individual results required, clients may need 4-6 session which may be conducted every 3-6 weeks.
• It was also observed that most patients can continue with work immediately after this treatment is done.

During the treatment session the patient has to wear safety goggles regardless of the part of the body being treated. Compared to many other facial rejuvenation methods, IPL LASER treatments are minimally painful. The feeling has been described to feel like a small pinch or the sting of a rubber band but the feeling upsets some persons.

What are the Side Effects of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL Laser) Therapy?

Side effects of IPL LASER are minor and include:

• Pain during treatment when contact cooling and if needed using topical anaesthetic.
• The skin becoming pinkish and getting a little milky right after the process.
• Redness, peeling, and swelling akin to mild sunburn that may linger for a few days after the therapy.
• Occasionally, skin color may retain excess light energy that would lead to blistering.
• On certain occasions the pigment producing cells, known as melanocytes, can be destroyed resulting to areas of hyper pigmentation or hypo pigmentation. Usually, white patches or scars do not last long and become permanent only in very exceptional cases.
• Hair loss may occur.
• Approximately 5-10 % of patients develop bruises

Who Shouldn’t Get IPL LASER Treatment?

Talk to your doctor first if you:

• Are pregnant
• Have a skin condition
• Have a sunburn
• It may also interfere with medications administered for other ailments for example, blood thinning drugs or isotretinoin commonly referred to as Accutane.

IPL LASER isn’t a good idea if you:

• Are sensitive to light
• Currently have a tan from the sun, tanning booths, or tanning lotions
• Might have skin cancer
• Use a retinoid cream
• Are very dark-skinned
• Suffer from skin resurfacing disorder
• Have severe scarring
• Have keloid scar tissue

During the day you are attending your appointment, do not apply perfume, make-up or any scented products on your skin.

Alternatives to Intense Pulsed Light (IPL Laser) Treatment

Microdermabrasion: In this treatment, the dermatologist utilizes small crystals to exfoliate your outer skin layer also termed as epidermis.

Chemical Peels: This procedure is nearly like microdermabrasion where abrasives are sprayed on the face; in this procedure, chemicals are used in your face.

Laser Resurfacing: To stimulate collagen and new skin cells formation the outer layer of skin is eliminated through the process. Lasers use single frequency, creating a concentrated beam of light that is of a single color. IPL Laser, for its part, cures a number of skin ailments by emitting flashes or pulses of various forms of light.

Consultation

Find out how IPL LASER has the potential to smooth out your skin and look young again. It is good to have fewer skin flaws and fine lines, and achieve a comparatively even skin tone. Visit Prof. Dr. Ikram Ullah Khan, the best dermatologist in Islamabad, Skin Clinic for an appointment and be unveiled a new and striking look. Don’t hesitate to ask for any query at our website or visit our Facebook page.