IPL is Intense Pulse Light and as its name implies the treatment is administered by a device that flashes intense light at the skin, like a camera. This type of therapy can be used to treat wrinkles, sun spots, sun damaged skin, stretch marks, acne, and other skin irregularities.
The IPL laser works by using a lamp that sends intense light deep into the skin destroying unwanted pigmented skin cells. This process then triggers the body’s natural function of re-growing new skin cells to replace the dead ones. Because this procedure damages the unwanted cells it is recommended that you use an anesthetic to help with the pain.
The professionals state that this light flash feels like a “heated rubber band snapping against your skin.” Many patients that have had this type of treatment have reported sensations far worse than just a rubber band. In some cases it was a severe burn that left the patient disfigured from the treatment.
In others, the patients report it as if someone had put a match to their skin. I realize that these results are unique to each person and their circumstances. Skin type has a lot to do with how you perceive the sensation and the location of the treatment will factor in as well. Obviously, having the procedure on your face is going to hurt worse than on your back.
Regardless of the pain most patients report having their skin issues resolved in as little as a few weeks after having the treatment. During the healing process, which is the 2-3 week period after the procedure, it is best to use pain relieving creams and as little sun exposure as possible. Your skin will be tender and raw from the treatment and will need to be carefully maintained so that it can heal properly. Anti-bacterial creams will also help with infections and keep the treated area clean.
Another hugely popular use for the IPL laser is in some laser hair removal procedures. The light zaps dark pigmented hair follicles reducing the rate at which it grows back. Over time and several treatments the hair will stop growing in the treated area. Using IPL in a hair removal treatment is less painful and at best will give the patient a warm prickly feeling. As with the treatment for the skin, this procedure will require many sessions to get the desired results. This is an effective way to remove facial hair in women and men.
The cost for such treatments varies based on the professional giving the procedure. Prices range from $150 and up for each session. This procedure has been proven to turn back the clock on the aging process and remove those unwanted dark spots as well as removing hair and the price is substantially cheaper than other methods and medications. Yes, there is a little discomfort but the long-term benefit of either not having to shave or having a dark spot on your face removed can be tremendous.
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