IPL (Intense Pulse Light)

IPL is a new technology that has revolutionized the treatment of various conditions. Technically, IPL, which stands for “Intense Pulsed Light”, is not a laser but a powerful light source that has the ability to penetrate the skin with minimal skin damage. Basically, the IPL works by filtering various wavelengths of light to react with specific skin conditions.

One of the advantages of IPL treatment is that there is generally no down time. Many patients will have a treatment and go directly back to work. In some instances, there will be a slight pinkness of the skin for 24-48 hours. Generally, treatments are performed once a month for 4-5 months. Some conditions require only a single treatment.

The Lumenis IPL has sophisticated computer control to assure a wide margin of safety for many types of facial aging and skin types.

The IPL is an excellent treatment for:

• Spider Veins
• Certain Birth Marks
• Rosacea
• Poikiloderma (redness of the neck)
• Age Spots
• Sun Spots
• Certain forms of acne
• Facial hair removal
• Certain tattoo removal
• Fine lines and wrinkles

The Lumenis IPL represents the newest computerized technology for safe patient treatment.

The IPL used to treat facial sun damage and brown spots. Virtually all IPL treatment can be performed without anesthesia. Some patients may desire light sedation in our accredited surgery center for extended treatments sessions.

Patients with rosacea (adult acne or redness of the midface) and large areas of spider veins are excellent candidates for IPL treatment. A cooling gel is applied to the face to make the procedure more comfortable. Multiple sessions are usually required to treat these conditions.

Cooling gel is applied to the face to increase comfort and the treatments takes 5-10 minutes. The picture above/left shows Dr. Niamtu treating rosacea and spider veins.

An additional advantage of IPL treatment is that it will erase spider veins and brown spots in the same treatment.

Dr. Niamtu can accelerate the treatment and reduce the number of treatments needed by using a topical medication called Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA). This approach involves using the ALA, an FDA approved treatment, in concert with Photodynamic (light) Therapy (PDT). The ALA makes the skin more sensitive to the Intense Pulsed Light and therefore has a more dramatic treatment effect on the aging changes. When using the ALA method, the patient presents an hour early for their appointment. The ALA is applied and the patient waits an hour before the IPL treatment. Since the ALA increases the penetration of the Intense Pulsed Light, the skin may become more red than when using the Intense Pulsed light alone. When using the ALA with the IPL, the patient may require a 1-2 day recovery until the redness fades. Since the ALA sensitizes the face to light, it is important to completely avoid sunlight for the 24 hours following the treatment to avoid sunburn. Whether using ALA or just using the Intense Pulsed Light by itself, this is a great new addition to treating sun damage and aging without down time. It is an excellent procedure for those patients that just cannot take time away from work or play.

The IPL successfully treats unwanted face and neck hair. It provides a permanent reduction of hair and works best on dark hair on light skinned patients.

The IPL does not address wrinkles to the degree that other lasers do, but is a great technology for younger skin without surgery.

Poikiloderma is a condition where the skin of the front of the neck becomes red. Usually there is also a white patch under the chin. Although it was once thought that this condition was due to sun damage, fragrances, etc. it is now felt to be a hereditary condition. In the past the treatment options for poikiloderma have been limited. IPL has opened a new door as a successful for most types of poikiloderma.

In addition the Lumenis Vasculite Elite laser has a specialized type of laser called the Nd:YAG laser. This laser is used to treat deeper spider veins or larger blue facial veins or hemangiomas.

This vascular malformation on the upper lip was treated with 2 sessions of ND:YAG laser with a total clearing.