Sensitivity to Light and Redness: the light energy used in IPL therapy can cause temporary irritation. These side effects will subside within the first few hours or days. Swelling: the treatment area can experience some swelling following a session, but it dissipates within hours or a few days.
Although side effects of IPL are typically rare and minimal in severity, the most common adverse events include pain and erythema. Other reported side effects include edema, bullae, hematoma, crusting, hyper- or hypopigmentation, leukotrichia, scarring, keloid formation, and infection.
Answer: Swelling is common after IPL I have seen significant swelling occur in patients after IPL, particularly those patients that have reactive skin (eg get hives easily with bug bites or scratches). Some patients will have swelling that lasts up to 1 week.
Depending on the settings of the laser, the skin tone and type of the patient, and the form of hyperpigmentation that is being targeted, treatment with IPL (which stands for intense pulsed light) can potentially cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or worsen existing hyperpigmentation such as melasma.
The laser energy damages the walls of spider veins, turning them into hardened scar tissues eventually absorbed by the body. When the spider veins turn into scar tissues, they might look dark against your skin, making it seem like your condition is worsening.
Hyperpigmentation, or darkened skin patches, can occur as IPL targets melanin. In some cases, the skin's response to heat can increase melanin production, resulting in temporary pigmentation changes.
Reduce Inflammation: IPL helps reduce inflammation in the eyelid margins, a common feature in dry eye disease, which can further enhance the function of the glands.
You may notice the treated areas darkening as pigmentation rises to the surface. This is your skin's way of clearing out unwanted spots. To protect your skin during this phase: Avoid exfoliating or using harsh products.
IPL is most effective while your hair is in the growth phase –if you treat your skin multiple times a week, your hair can become dormant and IPL treatment won't work as well. Additionally, while IPL is a gentle treatment, too much of it can be a bad thing. If you use IPL too frequently, you may irritate your skin.
Use a gentle, perfume-free moisturiser several times a day to keep your skin moisturised as part of your aftercare for IPL. Stay hydrated. Just as moisturising outside is key to hair removal aftercare, so is moisturising inside. Staying hydrated will help maintain your skin's natural oils after your IPL treatment.
This is because the IPL breaks the pigment up and lifts it to the surface of the skin, where it gently flakes off. As long as a thorough consultation is done and medical history is recorded there is no risk of making dark spots worse long term. We definitely would not recommend this treatment to anyone with Melasma.
Additionally, IPL therapy may not be as effective against deep wrinkles or severe sun damage, necessitating multiple treatments for optimal results. Some patients have also reported temporary redness, itching, and swelling post-treatment, although these side effects typically subside within a few days.
As a general rule, the smaller the capillaries, the quicker they are to clear up. Typically, you won't start seeing results until two to four weeks after the first treatment, as it can take the body's lymphatic system that long to remove the dead material.
That being said, you should avoid using your IPL on extra-sensitive areas such as the genitals, nipples, or anus, as this could cause inflammation.
Most IPL photofacial swelling will only last two to three days. Apply a cold compress to the treatment area for ten minutes every hour to help minimize swelling.
You will notice that the hair growth after four weeks of IPL treatment will be lesser and thinner. After completing a session of 12 weeks, the hair growth will reduce completely, providing you with silky, smooth skin for a longer time. However, you may have to continue touch-ups as needed.
Some scientific studies have shown that IPL can effectively reduce redness associated with rosacea. Other studies have confirmed that IPL can significantly improve facial skin with fine wrinkles, uneven texture, and dark spots.
Speed up healing after IPL therapy: Use mild cleansers and moisturizers daily on your skin. Apply a sunscreen with a minimum of 30 SPF. This protects your skin from UVB and UVA rays.
People with tanned or darker skin tones may not be good candidates for IPL procedures. Other treatments, such as RF microneedling, might provide a safer, more effective option. Patients with deep wrinkles, severe acne, or deep scars may find that laser treatments might produce better results.
No. The light generated by laser is not able to penetrate beyond the skin. It is not able to reach organs, lymph-nodes or any other structures beneath the skin.
This heat emulates a superficial injury, but unlike a burn, it won't cause damage. Instead, IPL activates the skin's natural healing processes without actually harming dermal tissue, breaking down the dark pigment inside age spots, vessels, and freckles.
Who's not a good candidate for IPL photofacials? People with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick Skin Type 4-6) or tanned skin and people with deep wrinkles, scars or severe acne or active rosacea.
Other than delayed results, using an IPL device too often can lead to: Skin Irritation: Frequent use can irritate the skin, causing redness or itching. Skin Burning: Daily use can lead to burns, especially for sensitive skin.