IPL is not actually a laser, but a pulsed light treatment designed to recognize and remove abnormal color in the skin. It works very well for brown “sun spots” as well as for redness caused by rosacea. This is a very safe and well tolerated treatment, and a favorite of patients due to the dramatic results many see.
As with any laser, usually a series of 3-5 treatments are needed, although some patients will only require 1-2 depending on the condition being treated and the state of their skin. While not used as a “tightening laser”, research has proven an increase in collagen with its use. Many patients are not only pleased with the evening out of skin tone and color, but they also remark on a tightening of pores and skin.
Each treatment usually takes about 15 minutes, can be done with or without topical numbing, and is very well tolerated.
After the treatment, patients will usually have a slight sunburn feeling and redness lasting for 1-2 hours. Most brown spots that are treated will turn darker for 7-10 days and then slough off, leaving the spot either lighter than before or completely eliminated. It takes about 2 weeks from then to see the final results. Sun avoidance is recommended, along with using a sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher daily.