IPL stands for intense pulsed light.

Also known as IPL Photorejuvenation, IPL involves emitting bright pulses of light (not lasers) that penetrate the skin to correct a variety of benign skin conditions — wrinkles, scars, acne, unwanted hair, facial blood vessels, freckles, Rosacea and skin pigmentation.

While the treatment is most suitable for individuals with sun damage skin, it also effectively treats a wide range of conditions and can be performed on any part of the body that requires rejuvenation.

This “lunch time” treatment does not require much time so patients may return to work immediately.

Almost everyone can use this form of treatment except for:

• Those with blood clotting disorder
• Those who have gone tanning recently
• Pregnant or nursing mothers
• Those with very dark skin

Although IPL does not emit radiation of any kind and is safe for treatment during pregnancy, we do not administer treatments to pregnant patients. The same policy prescribes waiting until after delivery to conduct a patch test or spot treatment.

A typical IPL session lasts from 15 to 30 minutes. There is minimal downtime. You may apply make-up over the treated area and return to work or your daily routine immediately.

Because of this, IPL is often referred to as a “lunch time” treatment.

Most patients feel slight warmth while some have described the subtle sensation of rubber bands snapping onto the skin. Patients may request for local anaesthetic cream to be applied.

This is a very safe procedure with minimal side effects, if any. The patient may experience slight reddening immediately after the treatment. This will disappear after a few days. It is also advisable to protect the treatment area from UV light, be it natural sunlight or from tanning beds.

Some patients obtain smoother skin and a glowing complexion after just one treatment. Long lasting results can be achieved after 5 to 6 treatments. This will be advised during consultation with the doctor.