Procedure for Laser and Intense Pulsed Light Therapies

Laser and Tense Pulsed Light Therapies

IPL Intense Pulsed Light or photofacial or fotofacial or photo-rejuvenation is a skin surfacing technique undertaken for rejuvenation of skin. It is the latest innovative procedure for skin treatment restoring the skin to normal and radiant.

Advantages of IPL Skin Treatment
The advantages of IPL photofacial treatment are:

• Fast procedure
• Easy and risk free
• Excellent results
• Proves useful when conservative treatments have failed
• Herbal and Ayurvedic and Homeopathic treatments have failed
• Topical applications have failed

Patients can expect following things before the treatment.

• Dark goggles are given to protect the eyes from flashes of light emitted during the procedure
• Gel is applied on the area and the headpiece to lubricate and keep them from heating and causing burns.

• Acids- Patients are advised not to use an acid containing product 2 weeks prior to procedure.
• Blisters - Give last 1-month’s history to your doctors regarding fever and blisters.
• Sun protection - Avoid direct sun light for 3 weeks. Preferably, use sun block with SPF 50.
• Medications- Stop or complete your previous medications 2 weeks prior to procedure.

IPL Skin Treatment Procedure

In Photo-facial an intense beam of broad-spectrum light is used where as in laser skin resurfacing treatment a very specific wavelength of pulse light is used to stimulate the dermis which lies just under the upper layers of the skin. It stimulates the production of collagen, which in turn fills in the wrinkles or the pores and restores the elasticity of the skin making it smooth, glowing and rejuvenated.

A warm sensation is felt during the treatment at the area focused by the hand piece. It feels like a snap from a rubber band. The number of pulses directed towards the area depends on the area to be covered in the treatment. Ice or very cold water packs are used after the treatment which helps in reliving the pain, swelling and redness.

Number of session may be required usually these session are space 3 weeks to 1 month apart for better results.

Types of Skin Rejuvenation Procedures

• IPL Photorejuvenation / Photofacial

It is a non-invasive acne treatment where in skin is not removed. Intense pulses of light penetrate deep into the upper layer skin causing collagen and blood vessels to shrink thus constricting age lines, and wrinkles. It also reduces redness and scars. There is minimum pain and discomfort. Any swelling or redness occurring during procedure disappears in a few hours. Since it is quick, convenient and with little risks, it is best suited for people with busy schedule in life.

• PDT (Photodynamic Therapy)

PDT is considered for severe redness and deep scars caused by pimples/acne. This procedure is more invasive.

• Laser Skin Resurfacing

It is an invasive procedure where thin fine layers of skin are removed with a laser. This procedure is used to treat serious skin problems like deep wrinkles, serious tanning due to sun or tanning salons and severe acne scaring. Recovery period and complications are more in this procedure but dramatic results make the procedure more favourite amongst certain candidates like models and movie stars. It is more expensive than the other two procedures.

Statistics
It amounts to 55% of cosmetic procedure. Both men and women undergo it although the percentage of woman is more and is as high as 85 % in the show business.

Average Stay for Laser and Intense Pulsed Light Therapies
This outpatient procedure takes about thirty minutes to 1 hour. Patient is discharged the same day.

Indications
The procedure is suggested to patients suffering from-

• Sun damage
• Rosacea
• Hyper pigmentation
• Acne
• Dark  spots
• Blemishes
• Scars
• Reddish skin
• Discoloured skin
• Uneven coloration
• Uneven texture
• Freckles
• Wrinkles
• Fine lines
• Large pores
• Dark skin
• Tanned skin

Contraindications
The procedure is not recommended for

• Pregnant woman
• Certain medicines like Accutane
• Severely tanned skin
• Hormonal therapy patients
• Steroid therapy patients
• Immuno-compromised patients
• Severe allergies

Complications
Following are a few potential complications:

• Redness
• Bruising
• Blistering
• Scabbing
• Hyper-pigmentation
• Swelling
• Slight bleeding
• Infections
• Burns scarring

Recovery and Rehabilitation

• Multiple IPL photofacial and IPL rosacea treatments may be necessary
• Redness and swelling take a little longer to subside
• Complete benefits of the procedure are seen after 3-4 weeks
• NSAID and antibiotics are prescribed for swelling and to prevent infection
• Direct sunlight should be avoided for a month.
• Sunblock should be used for 3 weeks.
• The results last for about a year or two after which they reduce due to aging and other factors.