What Is IPL?

It is basically a natural light. As the name implies, it is first intensified and then emitted in a pulsed manner.

Natural light is a continue spectrum of wavelengths, ranging from 510nm to 1200nm. Within this spectrum, it consists of red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet, as seen in a rainbow.

Difference Between IPL & Laser

One laser has only one specific wavelength, and different lasers therefore have different wavelengths, for examples:

Each particular wavelength will mainly have one single target, and is used to treat mainly one aesthetic problem on the skin. When there are multiple problems, very often more than one laser type is needed.

IPL is continuous, from 510 nm to 1200 nm, therefore IPL is like emitting multiple lasers at the same time. Because of this, it can be used to treat multiple problems in a single treatment. Few different filters are used to block part of the spectrum below a certain wavelength, for example a 590nm filter will only allow the passage of 590 nm – 1200 nm, blocking the wavelength below 590 nm.

Although IPL can treat different problems at the same time, but usually when only one single problem is present, laser is more effective in targeting this. For example, in removing freckles and tattoo, laser is far more effective and quicker in clearing them up.

Laser causes some redness and swelling afterwards, and it needs about one week to subside. When used correctly, IPL has a low chance of causing redness and pigmentation, and people can go to work as usual. However, it does not mean that IPL is totally safe and will not burn. People think it is mild, but it is not, and in fact is still a very high energy light source. There have been numerous cases of inappropriate use by doctors or beauticians, and resulted in serious burn marks.

Protective eye wears are so still necessary for the operators and patients.

Applications of IPL

As can be seen above, when dealing with ANY one single problem, there is always a laser that works far better. The improvements provided by IPL are very modest, and has always been over promised in the past. Now that it is almost abandoned in the medical aesthetic market. There are still some service providers who use it to treat mild pigmentation, even skin tone, and do hair removal.

The treatment does not require topical anaesthetic cream. Each treatment takes about 15 - 20 minutes. Only a warm feeling is noticed and there should not (normally and if used appropriately) cause any redness after. Usually a course consist of 4 - 6 treatments, each separated by 3 - 4 weeks.