IPL stands for ‘Intense Pulsed Light’ and is a device that uses pulsed light. IPL treats vascular lesions notably ruby angioma, small, dilated vessels on the face (telangiectasia), couperose or rosacea, and diffuse redness on the cheeks, or erythrosis. Angiomas are usually treated in one or two sessions, whereas treatment of rosacea and erythrosis require three sessions at six-week intervals. The treatment does not require an anaesthetic and skin should not be tanned. Sun exposure can resume four weeks after the last treatment using an SPF50 sunscreen.  Vascular treatment using IPL is suited to phototypes 1 to 3. During treatment and in agreement with your doctor, anticoagulants must be discontinued.

IPL can also treat brown spots or lentigines on the face, décolleté, and the back of the hands. The treatment can either be targeted or by means of a peel to unify the complexion. The number of sessions varies from one to three. The treatment does not require an anaesthetic and skin cannot be tanned. The treatment can cause redness that lasts a day, then the treated areas become darker before fading or disappearing within ten days. Sun exposure using an SPF50 sunscreen can resume four weeks after the last treatment. This kind of treatment is suited to phototypes 1 to 3.

Prior consultation with a dermatologist is compulsory. Together, you and your doctor will assess which treatment is best suited to your needs and what the possible side effects might be. Based on this discussion, the doctor will also provide a quote.