Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a medical technology that uses pulses of light of different wavelengths to treat various alterations of the skin.

Unlike a laser, which emits a single wavelength, IPL emits a spectrum of light that can be adapted to different indications by means of specific filters.

It is used to improve photoageing, certain spots, superficial vascular lesions and the general quality of the skin.

The light energy is selectively absorbed by different structures of the skin, mainly:

• Melanin (pigment).
• Haemoglobin (blood vessels).

This phenomenon makes it possible to treat certain lesions while respecting the neighbouring tissues and also stimulating collagen production. As a consequence, the skin may present:

• A more uniform tone.
• Greater luminosity.
• Better texture.
• A decrease of small pigmented and vascular lesions.

IPL may be indicated to improve:

• Photoageing.
• Sun spots.
• Freckles.
• Facial erythema.
• Selected vascular rosacea.
• Superficial telangiectasias.
• Diffuse redness.
• Mild tone alterations.
• Dull skin.
• Some initial signs of skin ageing.

The indication will depend on the type of skin and the medical diagnosis.

IPL can be used in:

• Face.
• Neck.
• Décolletage.
• Back of the hands.
• Some selected body areas.

Each area requires a specific configuration of the equipment.

It may be indicated in people who:

• Present accumulated sun damage.
• Wish to improve the tone of the skin.
• Have small pigmented lesions.
• Present facial redness or small vascular lesions.
• Seek a rejuvenation with little recovery time.

Not all phototypes are candidates. The selection of the patient is fundamental to guarantee safety.

After cleaning the skin and protecting the eyes with specific glasses, the doctor applies a series of light pulses over the area to be treated.

During the procedure, a brief sensation of heat or small elastic snaps on the skin may be perceived.

The session usually lasts between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on the treated extent.

It is frequent to observe:

• Mild redness.
• Sensation of heat.
• Temporary darkening of some spots.
• Slight inflammation.

The treated spots may darken for a few days before progressively disappearing.

The results appear progressively. In the following weeks many patients observe:

• Greater luminosity.
• Better uniformity of the tone.
• Decrease of superficial spots.
• Reduction of redness.
• Better quality of the skin.

Several sessions are frequently recommended to obtain an optimal result.

The duration depends on:

• Sun exposure.
• The use of photoprotection.
• Lifestyle habits.
• The degree of photoageing.
• The protocol performed.

Maintenance sessions can help to preserve the results in the long term.

IPL makes it possible to:

• Improve the tone of the skin.
• Reduce sun spots.
• Decrease small vascular lesions.
• Improve luminosity.
• Favour collagen production.
• Achieve more uniform and healthy-looking skin.

Like any medical procedure, there may appear:

• Redness.
• Mild inflammation.
• Transient darkening of the spots.
• Temporary pigmentation changes.
• Mild discomfort during the first hours.

Complications are infrequent when the treatment is correctly indicated and performed by an experienced doctor.

After the treatment it is usually recommended to:

• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen every day.
• Avoid direct sun exposure.
• Maintain a good hydration of the skin.
• Not manipulate the pigmented lesions that are peeling.
• Follow the recommendations indicated by the doctor.

Yes. IPL can be combined with:

• Chemical peels.
• Skinboosters.
• Polynucleotides.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
• Collagen biostimulators.
• Other skin rejuvenation procedures.

The protocol is always adapted to the needs of each patient.

It is advisable to request a medical assessment if:

• You present spots produced by the sun.
• You observe persistent facial redness.
• You have small vascular lesions.
• You wish to improve the luminosity and tone of the skin.
• You seek a rejuvenation treatment with a fast recovery.

• Myth: IPL and laser are exactly the same. Fact: No. They are different technologies, with specific characteristics and indications.
• Myth: IPL eliminates any type of spot. Fact: Not all spots are the same. It is essential to make a prior diagnosis before the treatment.
• Myth: It only serves to eliminate spots. Fact: It can also improve superficial vascular lesions, redness and the general quality of the skin.
• Myth: A single session is always enough. Fact: In many indications a protocol of several sessions is recommended.
• Myth: After the treatment it is no longer necessary to use sunscreen. Fact: Daily photoprotection is essential to maintain the results and prevent new lesions.

• IPL uses pulses of light to treat spots, vascular lesions and improve the quality of the skin.
• It is a technology different from the laser and has specific indications.
• The results appear progressively and usually require several sessions.
• Photoprotection is fundamental before and after the treatment.
• It can be combined with other skin rejuvenation procedures.
• The medical assessment makes it possible to select the most appropriate and safe treatment for each patient.