Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy, is a laser treatment that is used to treat a number of different conditions, but it is very effective in the treatment of sun damage, pigmentation, and the redness caused by acne. IPL is effective at full facial rejuvenation and is often referred to as a “photofacial” or “photorejuveation”.
IPL can improve the overall “look” of the scar by reducing the redness or making the overall skin tone more “even.” IPL treatment cannot repair the scar itself. For example, some acne will leave the skin red or discolored. IPL can help improve these types of epidermal changes from acne or acne scarring.
The way IPL works is that a special pulse laser is used to deliver quick bursts of light energy under the skin. This light energy then does two things. Firstly it helps repair the damage to the melanin that causes the skin discoloration and secondary it can help boost the body’s own natural collagen production within the skin itself.
IPL treatment should cause no more than minor discomfort and generally only a cooling gel will be required for the treatment. There may be some temporary redness immediately after this type of acne scar treatment which will resolve within a few minutes leaving you to return to your normal activites. A typical session takes about fifteen minutes and is very gentle with no “down time”.
IPL is repeated on monthly intervals and depending on the amount of sun damage, acne scars or redness, will take between 3 and 5 sessions to fully treat your condition. Because every individual’s skin is different, our Medical Aesthetician will evaluate your skin during the initial consultation and advise you as to the best treatment plan.