Intense Pulse Light (IPL)

Intense Pulsed Light treatment for dry eye utilizes pulses of light to liquefy and release hardened oils that have clogged meibomian glands in the eyelids. IPL also affects vascularization and inflammation of the eyelids, reducing eyelid redness and stimulating healthy gland function.

What is IPL?

Intense Pulsed Light (abbreviated IPL) describes the use of intense pulses of non-coherent light distributed over a range of wavelengths; from 400nm to 1200nm. The technology utilizes specific wavelength ranges to target various chromophores in the skin. This enables effective treatment of a broad spectrum of conditions, including vascular and pigmented lesions, skin photoaging treatments and hair removal.

How does IPL work?

Broad spectrum pulsed light is transmitted through a continuously cooled applicator, gently placed over the skin. Cut-off filters in the handpiece change the range of wavelengths, optimizing it for different applications and skin types. The light penetrates the tissue and is absorbed by either the relevant chromophores and damages them (blood chromophores when treating vascular lesions and melanin chromophores when treating pigmented lesions).  The body’s natural processes then clear the lesion debris, giving the skin a more even and youthful appearance.

Clinical Evidence (Treatment of Rosacea)

Before Your IPL Treatment

• It is imperative that you avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 4 weeks prior to your treatment.
• Avoid applying self-tanner for 2 weeks prior to treatment.
• Avoid aspirin and Ibuprofen for one week prior to your treatment. Inform the doctor if you are taking blood thinners or regularly take aspiring or ibuprofen.
• Avoid alcohol for 2 days prior to treatment. 

Day Of Your IPL Treatment

• If possible, arrive without creams or make-up on the treatment area. Otherwise please arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your appointment in order to clean the skin.
• Allow 45-90 minutes for your appointment.
• Pre-treatment photos will be taken.
• Just prior to treatment, you will be given eye shields to wear to protect your eyes.

After Your IPL Treatment

• Your skin may appear pink immediately following treatment.
• The sessions are designed to provide no downtime however, occasionally you may find that your cheeks and under eye areas are slightly puffy after treatment. You may use cold compresses (5 minutes on and 10 minutes off) several times an hour to help ease both redness and swelling.
• Make-up may be applied to cover redness as needed.
• Avoid direct sunlight and use a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen of SPF30 or greater for 4-6 weeks after your treatment.

Maximizing Benefits Of Your Treatment

• Our Skin Care Specialist will review a skincare program for you to begin before your treatment to help maximize desired results. A quality, daily home skin care regimen will ensure that you maximize and maintain the benefits of your treatment.