05 · Lasers and light
Intense pulsed light: sun spots, spider veins and even skin tone
Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a high-energy light with multiple wavelengths, filtered to act on the pigment of sun spots and the hemoglobin of spider veins. It is indicated for sun-induced spots, freckles, spider veins and facial redness, and to even out the skin tone of the face, neck, décolletage and hands. At Yamagata Dermatologia, in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, it is performed by dermatologists after a medical evaluation.
- Duration
- About 1 hour
- Anesthesia
- Usually not needed
- Recovery
- Mild redness; spots darken before coming off
- Care
- No tanning before or after
How it works
Intense pulsed light emits flashes of light with multiple wavelengths. Filters in the handpiece select the right range of light for each target: the melanin of sun spots or the hemoglobin of spider veins. As the target absorbs the light, it heats up and is destroyed, while the surrounding skin is protected by the cooling of the handpiece.
Treated spots darken and come off as thin crusts, and spider veins are reabsorbed by the body over the weeks. The stimulus of the light also helps even out skin tone and improve its glow.
Indications
- Dark spots and melasmaSun spots and freckles (not indicated as the main treatment for melasma).
- Redness and spider veinsFacial spider veins and rosacea redness.
- Dark spots on the bodySun spots on the hands, arms, décolletage and back.
- Dull skin, texture and poresUneven tone and dull skin.
Treated areas
Face and neckFace · Under-eyes · Neck · Décolletage
BodyBack · Hands · Arms and forearms
Other indicationsStretch marks · Red scars
What a session is like
The skin is cleaned and a gel is applied. The patient and team wear protective glasses. The doctor applies the flashes of light over the area, with the handpiece resting on the skin. The sensation is of quick heat, similar to the snap of a rubber band. A session lasts about 1 hour.
Recovery
The skin may be red and slightly swollen for a few hours. Treated spots darken and come off in about a week. You can return to your activities on the same day.
Sessions and results
The number of sessions and the interval between them depend on the dermatologist's individual evaluation and on each patient's clinical concern. The improvement is progressive, and the response varies from person to person. Because sun exposure continues, new spots may appear over time.
Contraindications
Intense pulsed light is not recommended during pregnancy, over tanned skin, on very dark skin, over wounds or active infections, or for people with diseases that cause light sensitivity or who take photosensitizing medications. Melasma and recent use of isotretinoin require evaluation.
At the evaluation, the dermatologist reviews your health history, current medications and previous procedures to confirm the indication.
All procedures are recommended and performed after an individual medical evaluation. Results vary from person to person.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is intense pulsed light a laser?
No. A laser emits a single wavelength; intense pulsed light emits several at the same time, filtered according to the target. This is why it can treat dark spots and spider veins in the same session.
Does intense pulsed light treat melasma?
Not as the main treatment. The heat of the light can worsen melasma in some people. When melasma is present together with sun spots, the treatment is planned cautiously and combined with medical treatment.
Do the spots get darker after the session?
Yes. Treated spots become darker, like small thin crusts, and come off in about a week. This darkening is part of the process.
Can I have it with tanned skin?
It is not ideal. Tanned skin absorbs more energy and is more prone to dark spots and irritation. For this reason, the dermatologist assesses the skin before each session and adjusts the settings, and it is important to avoid the sun in the weeks before and after.
Team