Sun damage, wrinkles, acne, and unwanted hair are just some of the many skin issues that can be remedied with IPL (intense pulsed light) treatments, which are quickly rising in popularity.

IPL treatments can have dramatic and long-lasting effects, but the method used to get there often needs to be understood. In the following piece, you'll learn what to expect from an IPL treatment, from the initial consultation to the final results.

How IPL Works

The melanin in hair follicles and the pigments in skin cells absorb a wide spectrum of light during IPL. The targeted area absorbs the light energy, damaging the hair follicle or skin cells. In response to an injury, the body slows hair growth or makes more collagen in the skin to protect itself.

Before Treatment

Preparing the treatment area is essential before undergoing IPL. Before your treatment, stay out of the sun for a few weeks, avoid skincare products with fragrances or acids that could irritate your skin, and don't shave the area that will be treated.

During Treatment

In intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments, a portable device sends light energy to a specific area. People often put a cooling gel on their skin to relieve pain and stop further skin damage caused by heat. The treatment takes between thirty minutes and an hour to complete, though this time frame varies widely from patient to patient and from area to area.

After Treatment

Some redness or swelling of the treated area may occur after IPL treatment. A few hours to a few days is a typical time frame for this to pass. After treatment, it is essential to keep the treated area out of the sun for a few weeks by wearing protective clothing and sunscreen. If you want to see results from your IPL treatment, you may need to schedule multiple sessions over a few weeks.

Hair Removal Treatment’s Results

IPL hair removal can effectively slow or stop hair growth, depending on the treated area. Although outcomes are subjective, in most cases, a series of sessions is required to bring about a change. It's also worth noting that while IPL hair removal is effective on most hair types, it works best on dark, coarse hair and may be less effective on lighter hair or hair closer to the skin's surface.

Benefits of Skin Rejuvenation

Damage from the sun, age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles can all be diminished with the help of IPL skin rejuvenation. Also, it can increase collagen production, making the skin look and feel better. Although outcomes are subjective, in most cases, a series of sessions is required to bring about a change.

Finally, intense pulsed light (IPL) is widely used to treat skin problems like hair loss and wrinkles. Light energy is delivered to the affected area, where it causes damage and sets off the body's repair mechanisms.

Intense pulsed light (IPL) can reduce hair growth and improve the look of sun damage, age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles, though individual results will vary. If you're considering getting IPL treatment, it's essential to prepare correctly, pick a reputable clinic, and adhere to all post-op care recommendations for optimal outcomes.

Conclusion

So, what kind of outcomes should you anticipate from IPL hair removal? IPL is not a "one and done" procedure; it requires multiple treatments to see the full effect. The number of sessions needed depends on the treated area and the individual's hair growth patterns. While individual results may vary, IPL has been shown to permanently reduce hair growth in some patients by as much as 80%.

FAQs About IPL Treatment Before and After

How long until I see results after IPL?

An IPL photofacial takes time to work, so don't expect to see results right away. Within a week to ten days, you'll start to see changes on your face, and within 6 to 8 weeks, you'll begin to see changes in the rest of your body.

What happens after one IPL session?

After your treatment, the affected hair will look like it's growing again. This is when the hair starts growing out of the follicle. About two weeks after your IPL treatment, your hair will fall out. When this happens, you can use a washcloth in the bath or shower to gently take it off.

How many sessions of IPL are needed?

We can give you more details at your consultation, but most people generally need three to five treatments to get the desired results.

Want to learn more about doing at-home IPL hair removal? We covered it all for you. Read here.