KCS Medical Home > Our Services > Aesthetics > IPL

What is IPL?

IPL systems work on the same principles as lasers in that light energy is absorbed into particular target cells with colour (chromophores) in the skin.

The light energy is converted to heat energy, which causes damage to the specific target area. IPL systems are different to lasers in that they deliver many wavelengths (or colours) in each pulse of light instead of just one wavelength. Most IPL systems use filters to refine the energy output for the treatment of certain areas. This enhances penetration without excessive energy levels and enables targeting specific chromophores (these are skin components that absorb light).

IPL therapy is considered a non-ablative resurfacing technique, which means that it targets the lower layers of skin (dermis) without affecting the top layers of skin (epidermis). The results are not as dramatic as ablative resurfacing where both the top and bottom layers of your skin are injured to produce a much more noticeable overall outcome.

Is there any downtime?

The advantage of IPL therapy is in its minimal downtime – a patient can often have the procedure done in their lunch break and return to work immediately afterwards.

How does an IPL session work?

Before treatment, your doctor will ascertain your comfort level and if desired, a topical anesthetic may be applied. After the treatment is numb - a cold, soothing gel will be applied and a glass prism (pyramid) will then be placed over the gel and treatment area. An intense flash of light is flashed through the prism where it is directed at the treatment area to rid you of your blemishes. The pulses of light are felt as mild repetitions of a brief “rubber band snap”, along with a feeling of warmth. This is safe and will not harm your skin in anyway. This initial treatment may not be as aggressive as your following treatments so as not to possibly damage the skin and to determine your skin’s tolerance for further intensive treatments.

What is the treatment interval?

Treatments are usually performed every 3-4 weeks.