During intense pulse light (IPL) treatment, the device emits an intense beam of light which is selectively absorbed by structures with primarily red and brown pigment. The common targets for IPL treatment include unwanted sun spots, freckles, broken blood vessels, angiomas (also known as blood blisters), and discolored scars. IPL produces the best results when these targets occur on fair, non-tanned background skin. In patients with darker skin tones, IPL does not eradicate targets as efficiently and treatment results may vary. For these patients, a test spot may be performed in order to ensure that no hyperpigmentation (skin darkening) occurs after treatment.

The cost of IPL varies depending on the area that you would like to have treated. Individual lesions and/or smaller treatment areas are less expensive, while larger treatment areas cost more.

Most patients are quite satisfied after one treatment. One treatment will typically eradicate an unwanted individual lesion and/or clear upwards of 50-70% of the undesirable targets. However, the ultimate number of treatments truly depends on the extent of the original problem in the context of the background skin. Ideal candidates typically achieve good results with 1-2 treatments whereas patient with darker skin tones may need additional treatments. If multiple treatments are necessary, they are usually done one month apart.

IPL can be performed on most parts of the body. The most commonly treated areas are the face, neck, decollette area, backs of hands, forearms, and legs.

Most patients note slight discomfort with each pulse of the device, describing a sensation akin to a hot rubber band snapped against the skin. Depending on the location, a numbing cream may be applied before the treatment to help minimize discomfort.

Depending on the size of the area being treated, the procedure can take a few minutes to beyond a half hour.

There is no downtime after IPL and patients are free to resume all normal activities after the procedure. It is recommended that patients avoid direct sun exposure for at least one week after treatment, since the sun can sometimes darken the skin recently treated with the device.

Patients often notice swelling or redness immediately after the procedure which usually resolves within a few hours to a few days. More rare side effects include bruising, blistering, or discoloration in the treated area.

The results of IPL generally need to be maintained. Most patients treat problem areas every 1-4 years. Individual lesions may come back or new lesions may arise. The rate at which undesirable lesions emerge often depends on one’s current and previous sun exposure history with more sun exposure resulting in quicker relapse.

IPL is generally considered a cosmetic procedure, and as such, is not covered by most insurance companies.